Concrete Settling 101: What Causes Your Driveway or Sidewalk to Sink?
Have you noticed your sidewalk is uneven or your driveway is sloping? That’s a common sign of concrete settling—a problem many Minnesota homeowners face due to weather, water, and time. But the good news is: you don't have to replace it.
At Benchmark Concrete Raising, we use polyurethane foam injection (aka polyjacking) to safely lift and level settled concrete. Let’s break down why concrete settles—and how we fix it.
💥 What Causes Concrete to Settle?
Quick answer (for featured snippet): Concrete settles when the soil beneath it shifts, erodes, or compresses—creating empty pockets that cause slabs to sink or tilt.
Here are the 5 most common causes:
1. Soil Washout
Water from rain, melting snow, or poor drainage can wash away soil under your concrete. Without support, the slab sinks into the void.
2. Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Here in Minnesota, freezing and thawing causes the ground to expand and contract repeatedly, destabilizing the soil and shifting slabs.
3. Poor Soil Compaction
If the ground wasn’t properly compacted before the concrete was poured, it can slowly compress under the weight—especially with heavier slabs like driveways.
4. Heavy Vehicle Traffic
Daily vehicle pressure or parking heavy trucks can gradually compress the soil beneath your concrete, leading to settlement in high-traffic areas.
5. Tree Root Displacement
Roots may lift some areas and displace soil in others, causing slabs to become uneven, cracked, or sunken.
🚨 Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Even a small uneven slab can lead to:
Trip hazards (a liability risk for homes, HOAs, and businesses)
Worsening cracks and water pooling
Drainage problems that affect your foundation
Curb appeal loss and lower home value
Letting it sit could cost more down the road—especially if a full replacement becomes necessary.
🛠️ Polyurethane Foam Lifting: A Smarter Solution
Instead of ripping everything out, we offer polyjacking—a modern fix that:
🕒 Takes just a few hours
🧼 Leaves no mess or damage to your yard
🎯 Gives precision-controlled lifting
💪 Lasts for years without washing out
We drill small holes into the sunken concrete, inject expanding foam beneath it, and lift it back to level. The foam hardens in minutes, stabilizing the area immediately.
➡️ Learn more about our concrete lifting service »
📍 Why Homeowners Across Minneapolis–St. Paul Trust Benchmark
Benchmark Concrete Raising is locally owned and operated—not a franchise. We understand the soils, seasons, and concrete problems unique to Minnesota.
With us, you get:
✅ Fast, honest estimates
✅ Simple, transparent pricing
✅ Clean, respectful workmanship
✅ Guaranteed local expertise
We proudly serve homeowners, HOAs, and businesses from Mankato to Forest Lake.
💬 FAQs About Concrete Settling & Lifting
Q: Can sunken concrete be fixed without replacement?
A: Yes. If your slab is intact but uneven, polyjacking can raise it back into place without tearing it out.
Q: How long does polyurethane lifting take?
A: Most residential jobs take just a few hours from start to finish. You can walk or drive on the surface the same day.
Q: Will this prevent future settling?
A: While we can’t control future soil movement, our foam is waterproof and durable, reducing the risk of repeat settling.
📞 Let’s Lift Your Concrete—And Your Confidence
Don’t wait for that dip in your sidewalk or driveway to get worse (or more expensive). Contact Benchmark Concrete Raising today for a fast, no-obligation quote.
👉 Request your free quote now »
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs with safe, smart concrete solutions.
