How Do You Fix Uneven Concrete Without Tearing It Out?

Got uneven concrete? It’s not just ugly—it can be a safety risk, mess with drainage, or even hurt your property’s value. The great news? You don’t have to tear it out to fix it.

Whether it’s your driveway, patio, sidewalk, or garage floor, there are smart, modern methods to lift, level, and repair concrete without the hassle of demolition. This means lower costs, less cleanup, and faster results.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What causes uneven concrete
  
  

• The smartest ways to fix it
  
  

• Which method is best for your situation
  
  

Let’s get straight to it!

???? What Causes Uneven Concrete?

Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why concrete becomes uneven in the first place. Some of the most common causes include:

• Soil erosion beneath the slab
  
  

• Poor compaction before pouring
  
  

• Freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates
  
  

• Tree roots pushing slabs up
  
  

• Water drainage issues
  
  

• Heavy loads over time (like parked vehicles)
  
  

Once the ground beneath shifts or settles, the concrete above will follow.

✅ Best Ways to Fix Uneven Concrete Without Replacement

???? Option 1: Concrete Leveling (Also Called Slabjacking or Mudjacking)

Best for: Sunken driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and steps

Concrete leveling involves drilling small holes in the slab and pumping a leveling material underneath. This lifts the concrete back into place.

How It Works:

1. Small holes (about 1” wide) are drilled into the sunken areas.
   
   

2. A slurry mixture (usually cement, limestone, and water) is pumped under pressure.
   
   

3. The concrete is lifted and leveled.
   
   

4. Holes are patched and the area is cleaned up.
   
   

✅ Pros:

• Fast (usually completed in a few hours)
  
  

• No need to remove concrete
  
  

• More affordable than full replacement
  
  

• Durable results
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Not ideal if the concrete is badly cracked or crumbling
  
  

• Slight color mismatch where holes are patched
  
  

???? Option 2: Polyurethane Foam Injection (Polyjacking)

Best for: Precision leveling, lightweight applications, modern repairs

This is a newer version of slabjacking, but instead of a mud slurry, a two-part polyurethane foam is used. The foam expands underneath the slab and lifts it with precision.

How It Works:

1. Small holes are drilled (usually smaller than mudjacking).
   
   

2. Liquid polyurethane foam is injected.
   
   

3. Foam expands, lifting the slab and filling voids.
   
   

4. Holes are sealed and cleaned.
   
   

✅ Pros:

• Lightweight, won’t add stress to soil
  
  

• Less invasive (smaller holes)
  
  

• Quick cure time (drive on it same day)
  
  

• Very precise leveling
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than mudjacking
  
  

• Not suitable for extremely broken or thin concrete
  
  

???? Option 3: Concrete Grinding

Best for: Raised edges, trip hazards, slight unevenness

If your concrete has high spots rather than sinking, grinding might be your best fix. It involves using a specialized grinder to shave down raised areas and create a smooth, level surface.

✅ Pros:

• No materials added
  
  

• Perfect for walkways and steps
  
  

• Fast and affordable
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Only works on raised slabs, not sunken ones
  
  

• Exposes raw concrete (may need resurfacing)
  
  

✨ Bonus Option: Self-Leveling Concrete Overlay

Best for: Indoor floors, garages, slightly uneven slabs with good structure

A self-leveling overlay is a liquid concrete mixture that spreads out evenly over a surface, filling low spots. It’s often used for interior concrete floors, especially when installing flooring over top.

✅ Pros:

• Smooth finish
  
  

• Great for cosmetic repairs
  
  

• Works on slight dips and surface irregularities
  
  

❌ Cons:

• Only cosmetic—won’t lift sunken slabs
  
  

• Requires surface prep and sealing
  
  

⚠️ When You Shouldn’t Try to Fix It

Not every concrete slab is worth saving. You might need full replacement if:

• The slab is severely cracked or broken
  
  

• Concrete is less than 3" thick
  
  

• There are large voids underneath
  
  

• You want to change the design, layout, or slope entirely
  
  

If you’re not sure, have a pro inspect it first. A concrete expert can tell you if your slab can be saved—and which method makes the most sense.

???? Tools & Materials Used in Concrete Leveling

Depending on the repair method, professionals may use:

• Mudjacking pump and slurry mix
  
  

• Polyurethane foam kits
  
  

• Core drills
  
  

• Concrete grinders
  
  

• Self-leveling overlay materials
  
  

• Caulk and sealant for joints and cracks
  
  

These are not typical DIY tools—concrete leveling is best left to pros for safety and durability.

???? Pro Tips to Prevent Uneven Concrete in the Future

• Improve drainage around your home
  
  

• Seal cracks and joints to prevent water from seeping below
  
  

• Don’t plant large trees near slabs
  
  

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear and directed away from concrete
  
  

• Avoid heavy equipment or storage on thinner slabs
  
  

???? Final Thoughts: Save Your Concrete, Save Your Money

Uneven concrete might look bad now—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With modern solutions like mudjacking, foam injection, grinding, and overlays, you can fix your concrete quickly and affordably—without tearing it out.

If you’re in the Portland area, don’t gamble with DIY. Let the pros at Xcelent Concrete Services evaluate your slab and recommend the right solution.

???? Get Your Free Concrete Leveling Quote Today!

At Xcelent Concrete Services, our concrete contractors in Portland, specialize in concrete leveling, repair, and restoration throughout Portland and surrounding areas. Our team uses the latest technology to save your slab—and your budget.