Noticing uneven concrete around your home? Maybe your driveway has started to slope, your front steps are no longer level, or there’s a tripping hazard on your patio. Sinking concrete isn’t just an eyesore—it’s often a sign of a deeper issue.
At Concrete Experts, we help homeowners across Calgary understand why concrete settles and provide durable, technical solutions to fix it. If you’re looking for concrete sinking solutions or wondering how to fix sunken concrete for good, this guide is for you.
Common Causes of Uneven or Sunken Concrete
Understanding why your concrete is sinking is the first step to solving the problem. Here are the most common causes we see in Calgary:
- Poor Soil Compaction – When concrete is poured over loose or poorly compacted soil, it’s only a matter of time before that soil shifts or settles. The result? A slab with no support underneath.
- Erosion from Water – Water plays a major role in concrete settlement. If water flows under your concrete, due to poor drainage, leaking downspouts, or melting snow, it can erode the soil and leave empty pockets. Eventually, the concrete drops.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles – In Calgary, we’re no strangers to freeze-thaw cycles. Water that sneaks into the soil under your concrete will freeze, expand, and push the slab upward. When it thaws, the ground settles unevenly, leaving sunken or cracked areas behind.
- Shrinking or Expanding Soil – Soils with high clay content expand when wet and shrink when dry. Over time, these changes can cause the slab to settle unevenly, especially in dry summers or after heavy rains.
Signs Your Concrete Is Sinking
Not sure if your concrete is sinking or just cracked? Look for these common signs:
- Dips or Slopes in Your Driveway or Walkway
- Cracks With One Side Lower Than the Other
- Gaps Between Your Slab and Foundation Walls
- Pooled Water on the Surface
- Doors or Garage Floors That No Longer Align
If you notice any of these, it’s time to explore professional repair options.
How We Fix Sunken Concrete in Calgary
At Concrete Experts, we offer proven methods to stabilize and lift concrete. Each option is designed to address the root cause, not just the symptoms. These are the methods we use:
- Polyurethane Concrete Lifting (Foam Jacking) – This modern method involves injecting lightweight polyurethane foam beneath your concrete slab. As the foam expands, it fills voids and gently lifts the concrete back into place. It’s quick, clean, and ideal for sunken driveways, patios, walkways, and garage floors.
- Slabjacking (Mudjacking) – Mudjacking uses a cement-based slurry to raise sunken concrete. While heavier and more traditional than foam jacking, it can be the right fit for larger or interior slabs where weight and density matter.
Both techniques are non-invasive, long-lasting, and more cost-effective than replacing the slab entirely.
How to Prevent Future Concrete Settlement
Once your concrete is repaired, it’s worth taking a few steps to prevent future sinking:
- Make Sure Water Drains Away From Your Concrete Surfaces
- Redirect Downspouts at Least 6 Feet From Your Foundation
- Seal Any Visible Cracks to Prevent Water Infiltration
- Avoid Placing Heavy Loads (Like Parked Vehicles) on Unsupported Areas
Why Concrete Sinking Shouldn’t Be Ignored
While a sunken slab might seem like a surface-level issue, the real concern lies below. When soil beneath your concrete shifts or erodes, it creates voids—empty spaces with no load-bearing capacity. Over time, these voids compromise the structural integrity of the entire slab. Left unaddressed, what starts as a small dip can lead to cracking, breaking, or even slab failure, which is why we fill these voids.
For driveways, this can accelerate wear from vehicle traffic. Around foundations or steps, it may introduce water intrusion or uneven pressure that affects your home’s structure. That’s why effective sunken concrete repair isn’t just about lifting the slab—it’s about re-establishing uniform support using high-density polyurethane foam or engineered slurry materials that restore stability and prevent future settlement.
Calgary’s Concrete Repair Experts
Sunken concrete doesn’t fix itself, and left alone, it only gets worse. Whether you’re dealing with a sunken driveway, uneven sidewalk, or settling garage floor, Concrete Experts provides long-lasting concrete sinking solutions tailored to Calgary’s unique climate and soil conditions. Don’t let the problem get worse. Contact us today!