Cracked concrete can sometimes be leveled if the slab is broken into large, solid pieces that can be lifted together, but badly broken, crumbling or heavily damaged concrete is usually not a good candidate. The size, number and condition of the cracked pieces decide whether leveling makes sense.
Many sunken slabs have at least one crack, since settling often puts stress on the concrete. The question is whether the slab can still be lifted as a usable surface.
When Leveling May Still Work
A slab with a few cracks that has settled as one or two large pieces may still be lifted. Leveling can bring the pieces back toward level and fill voids underneath, which can reduce trip edges and improve drainage.
The cracks will usually remain visible after lifting. They may be sealed or repaired afterward, depending on their condition.
Steps, sidewalk panels and driveway sections are common examples where a cracked but solid slab may still be lifted.
When Leveling May Not Work
Concrete broken into many small pieces, crumbling at the edges or deteriorated on the surface may not lift evenly. Lifting can also cause existing cracks to widen or new cracks to form.
Very large height differences, slabs that have sunk more than once and areas with ongoing water problems may call for a different approach.
In these cases, leveling may cost money without giving a surface you are happy with.
Looking at the Whole Picture
Cracks and settling can come from several factors, including soil changes, voids, drainage, freeze-thaw activity and the original installation. A crack’s appearance alone does not show which one applies, so an evaluation looks at the slab and the site together.
Depending on what is found, the right path may be leveling, concrete repair, replacing only the worst sections or replacing the slab.
The age of the concrete matters too. Older concrete that is weak or scaling may not hold up well to lifting, even if its cracks look minor.
Weighing Your Options
Leveling can be a practical choice when it fits, since it is often less disruptive than tearing out concrete. If it is likely to fail or the slab will still look rough afterward, replacement may give a better long-term result.
In Michigan, addressing the cracks and drainage after lifting can help protect the slab from water and freeze-thaw damage.
Leveling is not a DIY job. Lifting cracked concrete without experience can break pieces further and make the problem worse.
Asking how the cracks will be handled after lifting, and what the finished surface will look like, can help you decide whether leveling meets your goals.
If you have cracked, sunken concrete, an on-site evaluation can help determine whether leveling may be suitable. Learn more about our concrete leveling in Kalamazoo, or call (269) 404-2457.
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