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Driveway Leveling Methods: Tips for Choosing the Best One 

Your driveway is just one vital part of your property, and it can be easy to forget how important it is—until it becomes a problem. 

Driveways are susceptible to wear and tear, resulting in various damage like uneven and cracked slabs. This not only makes your house look bad but causes safety hazards for your family and potential vehicular damage. 

The best way to fix these kinds of driveway problems is with concrete leveling, a process that involves injecting or adding materials to the existing concrete in order to restore it to its proper level. There are various options to achieve a level driveway, which we’ll highlight in this guide.  

A major factor to consider when selecting a driveway leveling method is how it tackles the source of the problem. 

Driveways can crack and sink for many reasons, but most of them are rooted in the underlying soil. Unstable soil that settles or washes out cannot properly support the heavy concrete driveway.  

A long-lasting repair must also work two-fold to address the soil. How do the top four driveway leveling methods stack up? Let’s take a look at each one. 

1. Mudjacking 

Mudjacking or slabjacking is a traditionally used process that involves pumping a slurry material (a mixture of cement, soil, sand, and water) under sunken concrete to lift it back to level. 

Pros 

  • Fills gaps between the soil and concrete 
  • Forms a sturdy base for concrete 

Cons 

  • Large holes must be drilled 
  • Slurry does not fully fill voids 
  • Difficult to control the flow of slurry 
  • Can take a long time to cure 
  • Cannot use concrete for several days 
  • Additional weight on top of the soil 
  • Temporary solution 

2. Replacement 

If concrete is severely damaged, including crumbling, pitting, flaking, or staining, removing the existing slabs and repouring cement may be the only option. 

Pros 

  • Brand new concrete slabs 
  • Smooth finish 

Cons 

  • Uses heavy equipment and excavation 
  • Long cure time and inability to use driveway 
  • Heavy cement on top of unstable soil 
  • Future soil and slab settlement likely 
  • Costly (sometimes $5,000 or more) 

3. Asphalt Overlay 

For minor sinking and cracks, an asphalt overlay—an epoxy and sand slurry—can be used to fill voids and level the surface on top. 

Pros 

  • Relatively affordable 
  • Less disruptive method 
  • Can be used to fill potholes 
  • Smooth, even finish 

Cons 

  • Material adds weight to soil 
  • Worsens underlying issues 
  • Not suitable for severely damaged slabs 
  • Expansion joints can cause shifting asphalt, cracks, and bumps 

4. Polyurethane Foam Injection 

Polyurethane foam injections are also known as polyjacking, poly lifting, or PolyRenewal™ (our method). This foam is injected under the concrete, expands, and lifts the slab. 

Pros 

  • Lightweight foam material 
  • Small drill holes 
  • Fills voids entirely 
  • Cures quickly (within 30 minutes) 
  • Environmentally friendly 
  • Waterproof 
  • Smooth finish 
  • Lasting results 

Cons 

  • Slabs may not be completely level 
  • Visible cracks may remain 
  • Variable soil conditions can impact its stability 

Can I Level My Driveway on My Own? 

While these methods might seem simple, they are best left to professionals. 

We advise against attempting concrete driveway leveling on your own. The techniques involved require specific tools and materials, which are not only challenging and expensive to acquire but also potentially hazardous to use without proper training. 

Entrust the “heavy lifting” to the experts. Reach out to your local concrete leveling professionals for a complimentary inspection and no-obligation repair estimate tailored to your specific needs. 

3 Preventative Tips for Cracking Driveways 

Although cracks and uneven surfaces in driveways are typical issues, there are several strategies to prevent and safeguard your concrete, including: 

  • Weight Management: Prevent the constant presence of heavy vehicles in the same area of your driveway to avoid creating pressure points that could lead to cracking or sinking. 
  • Effective Water Management: Make sure that downspouts and nearby landscaping facilitate the flow of water away from your driveway, preventing water accumulation. 
  • Consistent Monitoring: Conduct routine checks for any minor cracks or indications of shifting. Tackle these concerns quickly by consulting local concrete specialists to avert major damage. 

Contact Indiana Foundation Service for Reliable Concrete Driveway Leveling 

Your driveway plays a crucial role, impacting your home’s safety, appearance, and value. Avoid allowing small problems to evolve into extensive, expensive repairs. Reach out to the concrete leveling experts at Indiana Foundation Service for professional guidance and a free inspection

With three decades of expertise in leveling driveways across Central and Southern Indiana, we are the trusted source for thorough assessments, personalized repair strategies, and durable outcomes. Contact us now to begin safeguarding your property and rejuvenating your driveway. 

FAQs

Thick and heavy material used in traditional methods like mudjacking and repouring can take several days to fully cure, rendering your driveway inoperable. However, polyurethane foam injections require much less time to harden, typically only about 30 minutes. This method minimizes downtime, so you’ll be able to use your driveway on the same day as the installation. 

Driveway leveling is typically a 1-day project for most home driveways, thanks to advanced equipment and techniques like polyurethane foam injections. After a thorough inspection, we’ll advise the specific expected duration based on your driveway’s size and condition. While timeframes vary, our efficient teams complete most repairs in just a few hours. Contact us for a free inspection and to learn how quickly we can restore your driveway’s even surface.

Leveling your driveway provides many benefits including eliminating tripping hazards, preventing further cracking and other damage, improving aesthetics, boosting curb appeal, making snow removal easier, and maintaining proper drainage. A smooth, even driveway is safer and more functional. 

Holly Richards-Purpura

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Indiana Foundation Service does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.

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