Can I Prevent Concrete From Sinking Again After Leveling?

How Do You Prevent Concrete From Settling Again?

Concrete stays level after leveling only if you fix the drainage that caused it — extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the slab edge, regrade so surface water runs away from it, and check irrigation for overspray. Concrete leveling fills the void beneath a settled slab and restores it to level, but whether the slab settles again depends entirely on whether the underlying cause is addressed.

Correct the Drainage That Caused Erosion

The most common cause of concrete settling is soil erosion from water flowing beneath the slab. If downspouts, surface grading, or irrigation are directing water toward or under the concrete, the erosion continues after leveling and will cause re-settling within a few years. Corrective actions: extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the slab edge, regrade the surrounding area to direct surface water away from the slab, and check for irrigation heads that are spraying water toward the concrete. Drainage correction before or immediately after leveling is the single most effective way to prevent re-settling. (For more on this, see Preventing Concrete Settling: What Homeowners Can Do.)

Control Tree Roots Near Concrete

If the settling was caused by a tree root that has since decayed, the void has been filled and that specific root is not a re-settling risk. However, remaining roots from the same tree or adjacent trees continue to grow and can create new voids. If a tree’s root structure is consistently causing problems with nearby concrete, consulting an arborist about root management or tree removal is the appropriate long-term approach.

Fill Voids as They Form

In areas with ongoing erosion, small voids develop beneath concrete before they grow large enough to cause settling. Some homeowners in high-risk areas have leveling contractors inject preventive foam into potential void areas before settling becomes visible. This proactive approach is less common but appropriate for surfaces where uneven settling creates safety hazards (pool decks, primary walkways for aging-in-place households). (For more on this, see Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement: The Full Comparison.)

Seal Concrete Joints

Water infiltration through concrete control joints and expansion joints is a significant pathway for soil erosion beneath concrete. Keeping joints filled with an appropriate flexible joint sealant (not caulk, which does not flex with concrete movement) reduces the water that can access and erode the sub-base through joint gaps.

Working With a Contractor on This Project

Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.

Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.

Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project. (For more on this, see Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Concrete Leveling Contractor.)

Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.

Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.

Making a Confident Decision

The information in this article is designed to help you ask better questions of the professionals you work with, evaluate their answers with more confidence, and understand the decisions involved in this type of home services project. It is not a substitute for professional assessment of your specific home.

Every home is different. Roof slopes, local weather, tree exposure, soil conditions, and existing system condition all affect what the right solution is for your specific situation. The general principles here apply broadly, but a professional who assesses your home in person will give you guidance that accounts for the details that general articles cannot.

When you are ready to move forward, getting at least two or three quotes from licensed, insured, local contractors is the most important practical step. It lets you compare approaches, assess contractor quality, and confirm that the solution proposed matches your specific situation and budget.