Cracked sidewalks and sinking driveways aren’t just ugly and annoying to look at. They’re a safety hazard and a lawsuit waiting to happen. When most homeowners see these problems, they head straight to Home Depot for a quick fix.

Bad idea. DIY concrete repair is like putting a band-aid on a broken bone, it doesn’t fix the real problem.

What’s really going on with your concrete?

The Simple Answer: The dirt underneath moved. Your concrete followed.

The complex answer? Keep reading.

Why surface fixes don’t work

Here’s the thing about concrete problems – they start underground. As soil settles, shifts, or washes away with water, empty spaces form beneath your slab. That’s what causes the cracking and sinking. It also makes it worse: The cracks let more water in and the uneven sinking often directs the water to these cracks.

Those patch kits and caulk from the hardware store? They’re covering up the symptom, not fixing the cause. It’s like painting over rust – looks good until it doesn’t.

PolyLevel actually fixes the real problem. We inject specialized polyurethane foam beneath the concrete. It expands to fill voids, compacts loose soil, and lifts the slab back where it belongs. And because we inject it in small, controlled bursts, we can get the lift just right.

How long do DIY fixes last?

Concrete patch kits and resurfacing products are cheap and not designed for long-term repair. They just need it to work long enough for you to forget. Then their exposure to the outdoors will cause them to crack and pull away from the concrete. These materials break down, shift, or just pop off over time. You’ll be back at the store buying more supplies before you know it.

Polyurethane foam? It’s formulated to last indefinitely. Plus, you get professional installation and warranty coverage.

DIY mudjacking is a mess

Some brave homeowners try to lift sunken concrete themselves with rented equipment or cheap grout mixtures. This is not only back-breaking work, but it’s also really imprecise. You’ll end up with muddy spills and blowouts all over the place.

And here’s the kicker – mudjacking slurry is heavy. It can compress your already unstable soil even more. PolyLevel is extremely lightweight and cures in about 15 minutes. Less mess, less downtime, less hassle.

Replacement costs are brutal

Some people just give up on repair and go straight to replacement. Bad move. Tearing out and replacing concrete can cost two to three times more than foam stabilization.

Between demolition, forming, pouring, and curing, you could be without your driveway or walkway for days or weeks. With PolyLevel, you can use your concrete normally in about a day.

DIY mistakes hurt your home’s value

Let’s be honest – if you don’t repair concrete for a living, you’re probably not very good at it. Sloppy patches and mismatched concrete drag down your curb appeal. Worse, uneven surfaces become tripping hazards, which opens you up to liability issues.

Your concrete walkways and driveway are some of the most visible parts of your home. Home inspectors and potential buyers notice amateur repair jobs. They start wondering what other “fixes” around your house were done by someone who watched a YouTube video. Professional concrete leveling protects what’s likely your biggest investment.

What DIY actually costs

DIY projects seem cheaper at first, but the costs add up fast when you factor in:

• Tools and materials
• Your time (which has value)
• The likelihood you’ll have to do it again

A professional PolyLevel installation gives you peace of mind, lasting results, and a warranty – all without the guesswork and heavy lifting.

Skip the patch kits

If you’re dealing with sinking, cracked, or uneven concrete, don’t waste you time with patch kits and resurfacing tools. Contact your local PolyLevel dealer for a free inspection instead.

You’ll get a clear picture of what’s actually causing the problem and a proven solution that saves you time, money, and stress. Your back will thank you too.

Need concrete repair that actually works?

Contact TerraFirma about fixing your concrete problems the right way.