Learn everything homeowners need to know about concrete repair, including leveling, caulking, cleaning, and sealing.
Concrete may seem like a set-it-and-forget-it kind of material, but when it starts sinking, cracking, or becoming a trip hazard, it becomes clear fast: concrete needs care, too!
Whether it’s your driveway, sidewalk, or patio that’s giving in to gravity, concrete repair is a smart and cost-effective way to get things back on solid ground, without the mess and money of replacement.
At A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve spent more than 30 years perfecting residential concrete repair, and in this article, we’ll walk you through what you should know before you choose concrete repair for your home.
Residential Concrete Repair and Maintenance Toolkit
Here are the top repair and maintenance options every homeowner should know about:
1. Concrete Leveling
This is the headliner of residential concrete repair, and for good reason. Concrete leveling corrects uneven or sunken slabs by lifting them back into place using techniques like stone slurry grout, foam injection (polyjacking), or mudjacking.
It’s usually the best option for eliminating trip hazards, correcting drainage issues, and extending the life of your existing concrete. Bonus: It can save up to 70% compared to replacement.
Related Resource: Which Concrete Leveling Method is Right for You?
2. Concrete Crack Caulking and Repair
Concrete may be tough, but it’s not immune to cracking over time. The key to preventing small cracks from becoming big problems is to caulk them early with a flexible concrete caulk.
Caulking joints and cracks helps:
- Keep water out (which prevents soil erosion underneath)
- Minimize freeze-thaw damage
- Block weeds and pests
3. Concrete Cleaning
Over time, your concrete collects dirt, slippery algae, stains, and who-knows-what from the elements. Pressure washing can refresh your concrete surfaces and prep them for sealing.
Cleaning concrete removes built-up grime and enhances curb appeal (hello, sparkling driveway!)
4. Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing is your concrete’s invisible shield. Sealing with a high-quality penetrating sealer protects the surface from moisture, oil, salt, and stains, all of which can cause serious wear over time.
Why seal your concrete?
- Helps prevent surface cracking, spalling, and staining
- Extends lifespan, especially in freeze-thaw climates
- Makes future cleaning easier
Related Resource: Penetrating vs.Topical Concrete Sealers
Driveway Concrete Repair
Your driveway isn’t just a place to park. It’s a place for your kids to play and one of the first things people see when they visit your home. A cracked or sinking driveway isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a potential trip hazard.
Common signs you need driveway concrete repair:
- Uneven slabs or gaps between sections
- Water running towards your foundation
- Cracks getting longer or wider
- A "wobble" or rocking when you walk or drive over it
Fixing these issues promptly can prevent further damage, improve curb appeal and safety, and protect your home's foundation from improper drainage.
Related Resource: How Much Does Concrete Driveway Repair Cost?
Request a Free Estimate
Find out how much safe, beautiful concrete will cost you with a free onsite estimate from an A-1 franchise near you.
What Causes Concrete to Sink or Crack?
Concrete around the home settles and cracks for a variety of reasons, but the biggest culprits are usually beneath the surface:
- Erosion and water flow – Water washes away the soil underneath, leaving unsupported slabs.
- Poor compaction – Newer homes often experience settling as fill dirt naturally compacts over time.
- Tree roots – Roots from nearby trees can push up slabs or shift them unevenly.
- Freeze-thaw cycles – In colder climates, expanding ice can lift concrete before it thaws and leaves gaps.
Understanding the root cause is essential to choosing the best repair method. Learn more here: Why is My Concrete Sinking?
Why Concrete Repair Beats Replacement
Let’s face it: ripping out and replacing your concrete is a big ordeal. It’s expensive, time-consuming, and potentially damaging to your landscaping.
That’s where concrete repair steps in. Instead of starting from scratch, you can raise your existing slabs to eliminate trip hazards, caulk and fill cracks, and clean and seal the surface to give your concrete a second chance.
Concrete leveling is the go-to repair technique for most residential issues involving sinking concrete, including the notorious settled driveway. It’s faster, cleaner, and can cost up to 70% less than full replacement.
Bring Your Concrete Back to Life
Concrete repair is an investment in your home’s safety, function, and appearance. Fast action can save you from bigger problems and bigger price tags down the road.
Want to learn more? Explore Concrete Academy for homeowner-friendly guides on repair, maintenance, and more. Or, request a free onsite estimate from your local A-1 team and get started on your path to safe, beautiful concrete.
Request a Free Estimate
Find out how much safe, beautiful concrete will cost you with a free onsite estimate from an A-1 franchise near you.
