The 4 Most Common Ways to Level a Driveway 

Think about how often you use your driveway. You park there every day after going to work or running errands. Maybe you play a pickup game of basketball there on the weekends. 

Whatever the case, driveways play an important role in our daily routines. When a driveway sinks and becomes uneven, it throws everything off— and it may even lead to injury. 

Concrete leveling keeps your driveway protected from damage. There are a few options for concrete leveling, and we’ll explore the pros and cons of each on this page. 

Top 4 Ways to Level a Driveway 

Concrete is an incredibly strong material, but it needs a solid base to rest on to function at its best. Your driveway rests directly on the soil in your yard.  

Unfortunately, soil isn’t impervious to damage. The ground can often become eroded in Florida, where rain and humidity are common.  

As a result, concrete often sinks into the soil and causes the driveway to crack. Repairing and preventing this issue depends on concrete leveling. Here are the four most common methods to consider: 

1. Mudjacking

What it is:

Also known as “slabjacking ,” mudjacking uses a slurry formula (cement, water, soil, and sand mixture) which 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  
• Long 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,” “polylifting,” or PolyRenewal™ (our method), Polyurethane injection involves injecting a specially formulated foam material under the concrete which expands and lifts the slab.  

Pros:

• Lightweight foam  
• Smaller drill holes  
• Completely fills voids  
• Cures quickly (within 30 minutes)  
• Environmentally friendly 
• Stabilizes underlying soil  
• 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:

Driveway replacement involves demolishing old slabs and repouring cement  in its place which 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:

Asphalt overlay is used for minor sinking and cracks.  An epoxy and sand slurry used to fill voids and level the surface on top.  

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive  
• 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  

3 Ways to Prevent Driveway Cracks from Worsening 

Contact Alpha Foundations for Expert Concrete Driveway Leveling 

FAQs

How long does it take to level a concrete driveway? 

The time required for driveway leveling can vary depending on the size and severity of the unevenness. However, most residential driveway leveling projects can be completed in just a few hours. This quick turnaround time means minimal disruption for homeowners. For an accurate timeline, contact Alpha Foundations for a free inspection.

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 Alpha Foundations for a free inspection and to learn more about how your driveway could benefit from leveling.  

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 is also eco-friendly.

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 many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Alpha Foundations does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}