Concrete problems aren’t just ugly—they can be dangerous. Sunken or cracked slabs create tripping hazards, drainage issues, and real stress for homeowners. The big question is: Do you lift the slab or tear it out and pour a new one?
That’s where concrete jacking near me often enters the search bar. But not every slab qualifies for lifting. Some damage goes deeper than it looks. Here’s how to tell what your concrete really needs.
Look Closely at the Cracks — They Tell a Story
All cracks aren’t equal. Some are harmless. Others scream structural failure.
- Thin, short cracks that don’t run through the slab are usually caused by drying or surface stress. These are lift-friendly.
- Wide cracks that go edge to edge, especially those forming uneven patterns, point to ground movement or slab separation.
- If the slab looks like it’s been sliced into sections or pieces, lifting won’t restore it.
Here’s a tip: take a photo and mark one end of the crack. Check it a week later. If it’s spread or widened, the slab may be unstable.
Tap Test: Is It Hollow or Solid?
Grab a broomstick or metal rod. Tap along the concrete.
- A solid slab gives a firm “thud.”
- A hollow or soft sound means the ground beneath has eroded or settled.
If a slab is whole and just lost support underneath, it’s a great fit for lifting. But if it sounds hollow and has wide cracks, it might have already broken apart underneath.
Pro tip: concrete jacking works best when the slab is intact, even if the soil below isn’t.
Check the Movement Over Time
Concrete doesn’t usually sink overnight. Watch for slow movement. You might notice:
- Water pooling near the sunken area
- Doors or gates that stop lining up
- Slabs pulling away from steps or porches
Take a level or long straight board and measure the drop. A difference of ¼ inch or more means the surface has settled—and will likely get worse.
If the slab has stopped moving and the surface is even, jacking may still fix it. But active sinking could point to deeper soil issues that make lifting pointless.
Age of the Concrete Matters
Old slabs—especially those poured decades ago—can be brittle. Over time, concrete dries out and loses flexibility. That makes it more likely to crumble during lifting.
If your concrete was poured 30+ years ago, and it’s already cracking, it might not respond well to jacking.
But if it’s relatively new, still strong, and just slightly sunken, jacking is often the smarter fix.
You can test small areas by lightly chiseling a chip near the edge. If it holds firm and doesn’t flake, that’s a good sign.
Soil Type Under the Slab
Sinking concrete is usually a soil issue, not a concrete issue.
- Clay soils swell and shrink with water, causing slabs to shift.
- Loose fill under a slab (common near new construction) can wash away with time.
If your soil is loose or has washed out due to bad drainage, concrete jacking can refill those gaps using injected foam.
But if the soil collapses easily or stays waterlogged, lifting might not last. In that case, replacing the slab and fixing the drainage is a better long-term move.
What’s the Use of the Surface?
A sunken walkway is annoying. A sunken garage slab is a different story.
Ask this: Will this slab support heavy weight or equipment after lifting?
- Driveways and garages deal with pressure. The fix needs to be strong and stable.
- Patios, sidewalks, and entry steps don’t carry the same load.
If the slab supports a structure (like a porch) or gets regular vehicle use, any lift solution must be flawless. Otherwise, slab replacement is safer.
Budget vs. Outcome: Not Always About Price
Yes, concrete jacking is usually cheaper. But not always better.
If the slab is intact and the goal is to fix minor sinking fast, jacking saves money and time. You’re usually done the same day. No curing, no waiting.
But if there’s heavy damage or signs of deeper shifting, replacement is worth the higher cost—because you’ll avoid doing the same repair again a year later.
Also consider resale value. A visibly patched-up driveway might affect first impressions.
When to Call a Local Pro
At a glance, it might seem easy to decide between lifting and replacing. But many slab issues hide just under the surface.
That’s why local expertise matters. KC Polylift brings years of field experience to help assess the true state of your concrete. They don’t guess. They use laser-leveling, soil testing, and polyurethane foam to diagnose and treat the problem the right way.
And they’ll give you honest feedback—not just the fix that costs more.
Why KC Polylift Is the Go-To Team in Kansas City and Springfield
KC Polylift isn’t just a service provider. They’re part of the community. As a local, family-run team, they know the soil, the weather, and the wear that Midwest concrete faces.
They specialize in:
- Concrete Leveling
- Concrete Caulking
- Concrete Sealing
Using polyurethane foam injection, their team lifts slabs with high precision. The material expands under the surface, fills empty pockets, and brings the concrete back to its original level.
It’s clean. It’s fast. And it lasts.
From driveways to warehouse floors, KC Polylift brings control and safety back to your property—without ripping up everything in sight.
Final Thoughts
Not every sunken slab needs a jack. And not every cracked surface must be replaced.
The right solution depends on the slab’s condition, the soil beneath, and how you plan to use it. A thorough inspection helps you decide the best path forward.
If you’re typing concrete jacking near me or searching for concrete leveling options, start with pros who care about long-term results.
KC Polylift has earned a strong name in Kansas City and Springfield for fixing sunken slabs the right way. With polyurethane foam, expert service, and honest advice—they don’t just patch. They preserve.
Leave a comment