Can Sunken Concrete Be Repaired or Does It Need Replacement?
Most sunken concrete can be repaired rather than replaced—as long as the slab is still structurally sound.
Concrete usually sinks because the soil beneath it settles, erodes, or shifts due to moisture and freeze–thaw cycles—not because the concrete itself has failed.
If the concrete is intact and only uneven, repair methods like polyurethane concrete raising can lift and stabilize the slab without demolition. This approach is faster, less disruptive, and significantly more cost-effective than full replacement.
Concrete replacement is typically only necessary when the slab is severely cracked, broken, crumbling, or damaged by tree roots. In climates like Minneapolis–St. Paul, where soil movement is common, repairing sunken concrete is often the smartest and most practical solution.
Can Sunken Concrete Be Repaired?
Yes — sunken concrete can usually be repaired if the slab itself is still in good condition.
Concrete repair is a good option when:
The slab is solid and structurally intact
The surface is uneven, tilted, or sunken
There are no large breaks or missing sections
The problem is caused by soil settlement, not concrete failure
In these situations, lifting the concrete restores safety and appearance without the cost and mess of replacement.
Why Does Concrete Sink or Settle?
Concrete sinks when it loses support from the soil underneath it. Common causes include:
Soil erosion from rain or poor drainage
Compacted soil that settles over time
Freeze–thaw cycles common in Minnesota
Improper base preparation during original installation
When the soil shifts or washes away, the concrete slab follows.
How Do You Fix Sunken Concrete Without Replacing It?
The most effective modern solution is polyurethane concrete raising, also called polyjacking.
This process involves injecting a high-density polyurethane foam beneath the concrete slab. The foam expands to fill voids, lifts the slab back into place, and stabilizes the soil below.
Benefits of polyurethane concrete raising include:
Small, discreet injection holes
Minimal disruption to landscaping
Most projects completed in a few hours
Ready for use the same day
Long-lasting, waterproof support
For many homeowners, this method eliminates the need for replacement entirely.
When Does Sunken Concrete Need Replacement?
Concrete replacement is usually necessary when the slab has significant structural damage.
Replacement may be the better option if the concrete has:
Severe or widening cracks
Broken or separated sections
Surface deterioration or crumbling
Damage caused by tree roots
Poor original installation with repeated failures
A professional evaluation can quickly determine whether lifting or replacement is the right solution.
Concrete Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is Better?
Concrete Repair (Raising):
Faster and less expensive
Minimal disruption
Preserves existing concrete
Same-day use in most cases
Concrete Replacement:
Higher cost
Demolition and removal required
Longer downtime
Necessary only for severely damaged slabs
For most sunken but intact concrete, repair is the preferred option.
Which Option Is Best for Your Concrete?
A simple rule of thumb helps guide the decision:
If the concrete is sunken but solid, it can usually be repaired.
If the concrete is broken, crumbling, or structurally failing, replacement may be necessary.
In the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, many homeowners are surprised to learn that repair is not only possible—but often the better long-term choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunken Concrete
Is concrete raising a permanent solution?
When done correctly, polyurethane concrete raising provides long-lasting results. The foam is waterproof, won’t wash out, and helps prevent future settling by stabilizing the soil beneath the slab.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace sunken concrete?
Repairing sunken concrete typically costs significantly less than replacement because it avoids demolition, hauling, and new concrete installation.
Can cracked concrete still be lifted?
Small, non-structural cracks can often be lifted successfully. Concrete with severe cracking or crumbling usually requires replacement.
How long does concrete raising take?
Most polyurethane concrete raising projects are completed in a few hours, and the concrete is often ready for use the same day.
Does Minnesota weather cause concrete to sink?
Yes. Freeze–thaw cycles and soil movement are common causes of settling in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
