That sunken section of driveway or sidewalk might feel like a small annoyance now — until someone trips, water starts pooling against your foundation, or it gets worse after another wet season.
In Arkansas, shifting soils and weather make concrete settlement a common headache. This post breaks down the top methods for concrete leveling and lifting, what causes the problem in the first place, and which solutions tend to work best long-term.
Quick Snapshot
- Concrete sinks and cracks when the soil underneath it shifts, washes out, or compresses.
- Arkansas homeowners commonly see this in driveways, sidewalks, porches, patios, and pool decks.
- Your options: do nothing, replace the slab, mudjacking, or polyjacking.
- Polyjacking is often the fastest, cleanest, and most durable option for lifting sunken concrete.
Why Concrete Sinks and Cracks in Arkansas
Soil Movement and Erosion
Concrete is only as strong as the soil underneath it. Over time, that soil can:
- Wash away due to heavy rain and poor drainage
- Compress under the weight of the slab and vehicles
- Settle unevenly, especially around fill dirt or trenches
When the support disappears or shifts, the concrete follows — leading to low spots, cracks, and trip hazards.
Clay Soils and Weather Changes
In many parts of Arkansas, clay-rich soils expand when they’re wet and shrink when they dry out. Add in seasonal temperature swings, and the ground is constantly moving. That movement can cause:
- Cracks across driveways and sidewalks
- Slabs that tilt toward the house
- Gaps between steps, porches, and the main foundation
The Risk of Ignoring Sunken or Uneven Concrete
Trip Hazards and Liability
Uneven concrete is more than just an eyesore. Raised edges on sidewalks, driveways, or patios can cause trips and falls. If someone gets hurt on your property, you could be held responsible.
Water Drainage and Foundation Stress
When concrete settles, water doesn’t drain the way it should. Instead of running away from your home, it can:
- Pool near your foundation
- Seep into cracks in basement walls or slabs
- Increase pressure against your foundation over time
Your Concrete Leveling Options in Arkansas
Option 1 – Do Nothing
You can ignore the problem for a while, but it usually gets worse:
- Cracks expand and deepen
- Slabs sink farther
- Water issues increase
Waiting often means bigger repairs (and bigger bills) later.
Option 2 – Tear Out and Replace the Slab
This is the “start over” option. It can make sense in extreme cases, but it comes with downsides:
- Higher cost than lifting in many situations
- Days of curing time before you can use the surface
- Doesn’t fix the underlying soil problems that caused the settlement
Option 3 – Traditional Mudjacking
Mudjacking involves drilling holes in the slab and pumping in a heavy slurry (a mix of soil, sand, and cement) to lift the concrete. It can work, but:
- The material is heavy and can contribute to future settling
- The holes are relatively large and visible after patching
- It may not be ideal for all soil conditions or slab types
Option 4 – Polyjacking (Foam Injection)
Polyjacking uses expanding polyurethane foam instead of heavy slurry. It’s a popular choice for many Arkansas homeowners because:
- The foam is lightweight, so it doesn’t add extra stress to weak soils.
- The injection holes are small and less noticeable.
- The foam expands quickly, often allowing you to use the surface the same day.
- It fills voids and helps stabilize the soil as it lifts the slab.
Smouse Bros specializes in concrete leveling and lifting in Arkansas using advanced methods like polyjacking to restore sunken concrete without the mess and long downtime of replacement.
What the Concrete Lifting Process Looks Like
Step-by-Step Overview
Here’s what homeowners can typically expect:
- Inspection – A technician evaluates the slab, checks for voids, and identifies the cause of settlement.
- Drilling Small Holes – Small holes are drilled through the slab at strategic points.
- Injection – Foam or lifting material is injected beneath the slab, filling voids and gently lifting it back into place.
- Level Check – The slab is monitored and adjusted until it’s level and stable.
- Patching – The small holes are patched, and the area is cleaned up.
Most projects are completed in hours, not days, and many surfaces are ready for use shortly after the work is done.
When to Call a Concrete Leveling and Lifting Pro
You don’t have to wait until your driveway looks like a roller coaster. Call a professional if you notice:
- A noticeable lip between sidewalk sections
- One side of your driveway sitting lower than the other
- Gaps under porch steps or concrete stoops
- Pooling water on patios, walkways, or near your foundation
A local expert can explain which method makes the most sense for your situation and give you a clear estimate.
Be sure to learn more about foundation repair in Arkansas if the inspection suggests deeper structural issues.
FAQs About Concrete Leveling in Arkansas
Is concrete lifting cheaper than replacing the slab?
In many cases, yes. Lifting and leveling a slab is often more cost-effective than tearing it out and pouring new concrete, especially when the underlying soil can be stabilized.
How long does polyjacking last?
When done correctly, polyjacking can provide long-lasting results. The foam doesn’t wash out like soil, and because it’s lightweight, it’s less likely to contribute to future settling.
Will concrete leveling damage my yard or landscaping?
Polyjacking and similar methods are designed to be minimally invasive. The injection holes are small, and there’s no need for large-scale excavation, so disruption is usually limited.
Tired of Looking at That Sunken Driveway or Uneven Sidewalk?
Learn more about concrete leveling and lifting in Arkansas and request a free estimate.