Driveway Leveling: What’s the Best Way to Do It? 

Top 4 Ways to Level a Driveway  

Even though concrete is incredibly strong, it isn’t invincible. Without proper support from the soil a concrete driveway rests on, it can’t stay supported.  

When soil becomes weak (usually by weather), concrete often sinks into the ground and causes the driveway to crack. Here are the four most common methods designed to prevent this from happening:  

1. Mudjacking   

What It Is   

Also known as slabjacking. Slurry (material mixed with cement, water, soil, and sand) is pumped underneath sunken concrete to raise it back to level.   

Pros   

• Fills up gaps and forms a sturdy base for concrete   

Cons   

• Requires large holes   
• Does not fully fill voids   
• Difficult to control material flow   
• Lengthy cure time   
• Cannot use concrete for several days   
• Added weight on top of soil   
• Temporary solution   

2.Polyurethane Foam Injection   

What It Is   

Also known as polyjacking/poly lifting or PolyRenewal™ (our method) .  Polyurethane foam material is injected under the concrete, expands, and lifts the slab.   

Pros   

• Lightweight foam   
• Smaller drill holes   
• Fills voids completely   
• Quick curing (within 30 minutes)   
• Environmentally friendly   
• Smooth finish   
• Lasting results   

Cons 

• slabs may not be 100% level   
• Visible cracks may remain   
• Variable soil conditions can impact its stability   

3.Replacement   

What It Is 

Removing old slabs and repouring cement. May be necessary with severely damaged, crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining concrete   

Pros 

• Brand new concrete slabs   
• Smooth finish   

Cons

• Requires heavy equipment and excavation   
• Extended downtime (long cure time and inability to use driveway)   
• Heavy cement on top of unstable soil   
• Future soil and slab settlement likely   
• Expensive (sometimes costing $5,000 or more) 

4.Asphalt Overlay   

What It Is 

For minor sinking and cracks.   An epoxy and sand slurry used to fill voids and level the surface on top.   

Pros 

• Relatively cheap   
• Less disruptive method   
• Can be used to fill potholes   
• Smooth, consistent finish  

Cons

• Added weight to soil   
• Worsens underlying issues   
• Not suitable for severely damaged slabs   
• Concrete’s expansion joints can cause shifting asphalt over time, leading to cracks and bumps   

 Can I Fix My Sunken Driveway Myself?  

You might think concrete leveling is something you can do on your own. Without the proper tools and training, concrete damage can actually get worse.  

For this reason, we highly recommend you work with professionals if you’re thinking about driveway leveling. Contact Bay Area Underpinning for a free concrete inspection and a professional plan designed to fix the unique concrete problems at your home.  

Never attempt concrete repair by yourself! 

3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening  

While some driveway cracks and unevenness are common, there are a few ways you can prevent them from getting worse and better protect your concrete:   

• Better Weight Distribution: Avoid heavy loads on the driveway—such as vehicles continuously parked in the same spot—that could cause cracking.  
• Install Proper Drainage: Ensure gutters, downspouts, and surrounding landscaping drain water away from your driveway.   
• Perform a Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect the driveway for small cracks or signs of movement. Address these issues promptly with the help of local concrete experts to prevent significant problems.   

Contact Bay Area Underpinning for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling  

FAQs

Will driveway leveling affect my landscaping or yard? 

Driveway leveling, particularly when using methods like polyurethane foam injection, is minimally invasive and has little to no impact on your landscaping or yard. The process requires only small holes to be drilled into the concrete, avoiding large equipment or excavation that could disturb surrounding areas. The materials are also eco-friendly. 

Is driveway leveling a long-term solution? 

Yes, driveway leveling, especially when done with polyurethane injection, is a long-term solution to uneven concrete. This method not only raises and levels the concrete but also stabilizes the soil beneath, reducing the likelihood of future settling. However, the longevity of the repair can also depend on addressing the underlying issues that caused the unevenness, such as improving drainage around the driveway.

How can I tell if my driveway needs leveling?  

Signs that your driveway may need leveling include visible cracking, uneven surfaces where one section of the driveway is higher than another, pooling water, crumbling and chipping, and tripping hazards. If you notice any of these issues, contact Bay Area Underpinning for a free inspection and to learn more about how your driveway could benefit from leveling.  

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Bay Area Underpinning does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.}