- Locally Owned & Operated Since 1973
- Over 215 Years of Combined Experience
- Better Business Bureau A+ Rating
If a concrete slab is still structurally sound, a sunken sidewalk, driveway, patio, or step may not need to be torn out and replaced. Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair provides quality concrete leveling and lifting services in Salina, KS, to help restore safer, more even surfaces around homes and commercial properties.
Lamunyon looks at the slab, the soil support beneath it, how water moves around it, and any nearby foundation concerns before recommending a repair plan. The company is locally owned and operated, has been in business since 1973, is Better Business Bureau A+ rated, and already serves numerous Salina homeowners through foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and related property repair services.
The Quick Rundown
- Best Fit: Concrete lifting is often a good option when the existing slab is still stable enough to keep, but has settled due to voids, erosion, or soil movement.
- Common Problem Areas: Driveways, sidewalks, patios, front steps, garage slabs, interior concrete, and commercial entry areas can all settle over time.
- Local Conditions: Salina-area soil conditions vary by property, and statewide soil mapping is based on USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service soil data.
- Repair Approach: Lifting material is installed beneath the slab through small access points, then the surface is raised in controlled increments.
- Next Step: Call (785) 333-1610 to schedule a no-obligation inspection so Lamunyon can review the slab and explain the repair options.
Sunken Concrete in Salina Is More than a Curb Appeal Problem
Uneven concrete can make daily routines harder and impact property safety. A raised sidewalk edge may catch a shoe. A settled driveway panel can create a rough transition near the garage. Patio slabs that slope toward the home can hold water close to doors or foundation walls, which is exactly where most homeowners don’t want extra moisture to collect. All these potential issues can cause not only negative aesthetic effects but also damage the structural integrity of your property, making them important to address and repair promptly.
| Concrete Area | Common Issue | What It Can Affect |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalks and front walks | Raised edges or settled panels | Guests, delivery drivers, and family members may trip |
| Driveways | Sinking near the garage or apron | Water may pool, or vehicles may hit uneven transitions |
| Patios | Slabs sloping toward the home | Water can collect near doors or foundation walls |
| Front steps and stoops | Separation from the walkway or porch | Entry areas may become harder to use safely |
| Garage and interior slabs | Settled or cracked sections | Storage, parking, and access can be affected |
| Commercial entries | Uneven walking surfaces | Customers, tenants, and employees may face avoidable access issues |
What Causes Concrete to Sink Around Salina Homes?
Concrete usually sinks because the support below the slab has changed. In Salina and across North Central Kansas, moisture swings, clay-heavy soils, erosion, loose backfill, poor compaction, and freeze-thaw cycles can all contribute to settlement.
But that doesn’t mean every property has the same soil profile. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides soil data through the Web Soil Survey, and the Kansas Geoportal soils map uses USDA NRCS SSURGO data for statewide soil mapping.
Soil Expansion and Shrinkage
Clay-rich soils can swell during wet periods and shrink when the ground dries out. Over time, that movement can leave voids beneath concrete, and one panel may settle faster than the panel next to it.
Erosion and Washout
Water can wear away support under concrete when downspouts discharge too close to a slab, poor grading sends water toward the home, or runoff travels below an edge. If pooling water or erosion is part of the problem, Lamunyon may recommend looking at drainage along with lifting. For moisture concerns near the home, our Salina basement waterproofing contractors can help evaluate related risks.
Poor Compaction and Loose Backfill
Concrete placed over disturbed soil may settle as the soil compresses. This often shows up near garages, entries, utility trenches, additions, and areas where soil was moved during construction.
Freeze-Thaw Movement
Winter temperature swings can cause existing gaps and cracks to worsen. When moisture leaks into small openings and freezes, water expansion can place additional pressure on the slab and the supporting soil beneath it.
Signs Your Concrete May Need Lifting or Leveling
You don’t have to diagnose the repair method yourself. However, these signs are worth paying attention to because they can reveal support loss beneath the slab, drainage concerns, or movement near the home.
| Warning Sign | What It Can Mean | Recommended Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| One slab sits higher than the next | Soil support may have changed below one panel | Inspect the height difference and nearby drainage |
| Water pools on a driveway or a patio | The slab may have settled or lost its intended slope | Check whether water drains toward the home |
| Cracks widen across a slab | The concrete may be unsupported or under stress | Evaluate whether lifting, crack repair, or replacement makes sense |
| A gap appears under a slab edge | Soil may have eroded or compacted below the concrete | Fill support voids before more settlement occurs |
| Steps pull away from the walkway | The entry slab or the base may have settled | Inspect both the concrete and the nearby foundation areas |
| Doors, gates, or garage transitions become harder to use | The slab may have shifted enough to affect the function | Compare the slab level with nearby structures |
How Lamunyon Lifts and Levels Concrete
Lamunyon starts with the question that matters most: Is the existing concrete still a good candidate for lifting? If it is, a lightweight, durable lifting material can be installed beneath the slab to fill voids and help raise the concrete back toward a safer position.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Inspection | A Lamunyon specialist reviews the slab, cracks, nearby drainage, soil support concerns, and whether the concrete is still a good candidate for lifting. |
| Repair plan | You receive a clear explanation of the recommended approach, the expected result, and any limits of the repair. |
| Small access points | Small holes are placed in the slab so lifting material can be installed beneath the concrete. |
| Foam injection and lift | The material fills voids under the slab and raises the concrete in controlled increments. |
| Cleanup and final review | Access points are patched, the work area is cleaned, and the repaired surface is reviewed with you. |
Some projects are straightforward. Others need a closer look because settlement may be tied to drainage, soil loss, or a nearby structural concern. If the concrete movement appears connected to foundation settlement, Lamunyon can also evaluate whether a Salina foundation repair company should be involved in the repair plan.
Concrete Leveling Compared with Replacement and Mudjacking
Concrete lifting works well when the existing slab is still worth saving. However, replacement may be more practical when the surface is badly deteriorated. Mudjacking, on the other hand, is an older lifting method some homeowners may have heard of, but due to its use of a heavier slurry, it may cause additional soil compression over time and require leveling again in the future. It also requires larger access holes than polyurethane foam lifting.
| Option | Best Fit | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane foam lifting | Structurally sound slabs that have settled because of voids, erosion, or soil movement | It may not be right for slabs that are badly broken or deteriorated. |
| Mudjacking | Some older concrete lifting projects where a heavier slurry is acceptable | The added weight and larger holes can be drawbacks for some properties. |
| Concrete replacement | Severely cracked, crumbling, or deteriorated slabs | It costs more, creates more disruption, and does not automatically fix soil-support problems. |
If the concrete is in good condition, lifting may preserve the existing slab and reduce disruption. If the slab is too damaged, Lamunyon will explain that clearly so you’re not putting money into the wrong repair.
Concrete Surfaces We Lift in Salina
Driveway Concrete Leveling
Driveways often sink near garage aprons, edges, and transitions between panels. Lifting can help reduce a rough bump where the driveway meets the garage and may improve drainage if settlement has changed the slope.
Sidewalk and Walkway Leveling
Sidewalk leveling is often requested because uneven panels create trip hazards near front walks and public-facing paths. A lifted walkway can make access easier and safer for family members, visitors, and delivery drivers.
Patio Concrete Lifting
Patios can settle toward doors, outdoor living areas, or foundation walls. Lifting may help correct the slope if the slab is still stable enough, and it can also make furniture sit more evenly again. Additionally, it helps the slab keep a proper grade for water drainage.
Front Step and Stoop Leveling
Front steps and stoops may separate from the walkway or porch as the base settles. Lamunyon reviews the entry area carefully because nearby foundation or drainage conditions can affect the right repair.
Garage Slab and Interior Concrete Leveling
Settled garage slabs and interior concrete can affect parking, storage, and workspace use. During the inspection, Lamunyon checks the slab condition and the surrounding structure before recommending lifting.
Commercial Concrete Leveling
Businesses may need help with uneven storefront entries, apartment walkways, office access areas, and parking-lot transitions. Lamunyon performs both residential and commercial work, and the repair plan can be discussed around access needs and repair timing.
When Concrete Leveling May Not Be Enough
A good repair starts with being honest about the slab. Concrete lifting can solve many settlement problems, but it can’t make badly deteriorated concrete new again, and its sole implementation won’t correct a drainage problem if water keeps washing soil away.
| Situation | Likely Recommendation |
|---|---|
| The concrete is crumbling or badly deteriorated | Replacement may be more practical than lifting. |
| The slab is broken into many small pieces | Lifting may not restore a stable, usable surface. |
| Water repeatedly washes soil away | Drainage correction may be needed in addition to the leveling plan. |
| Settlement appears near foundation walls or structural areas | A foundation repair evaluation may be recommended. |
| Cracks continue to grow after earlier repairs | The root cause should be reviewed before another surface repair is attempted. |
This is where Lamunyon’s background in foundation repair helps. Concrete settlement, drainage, and foundation movement can overlap, so a careful evaluation can keep you from treating a surface issue while missing its root cause.
Cost Factors for Concrete Leveling in Salina, KS
Concrete leveling costs depend on the slab and the conditions surrounding it. Lamunyon does not publish an average price because no two repairs are the same. The better answer to the price of your specific repairs comes from an inspection that assesses the size of the slab, the depth of the voids, and whether water or structural movement is part of the problem.
| Cost Factor | How It Can Affect the Repair |
|---|---|
| Slab size | Larger surfaces need more material and time. |
| Settlement depth | Deeper voids can require more lifting material. |
| Access | Tight spaces, landscaping, fences, and nearby structures can affect setup. |
| Cracking and condition | An intact slab is usually a better lifting candidate than one that is broken apart. |
| Drainage problems | Water-control work may be recommended if erosion caused the settlement. |
| Related foundation concerns | If settlement is tied to broader structural movement, the repair plan may need to include foundation work. |
Financing options are available, and you can discuss them with your consultant during your evaluation. Loan terms and approvals depend on the financing program, and Lamunyon will help you understand the next step without pushing you into a one-size-fits-all answer.
Why Salina Homeowners Call Lamunyon
Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair has worked with Kansas homes through decades of fluctuating soil, weather, and moisture conditions. Since the company has been in business since 1973, the team has seen how small exterior concrete problems can connect to drainage, foundation movement, and long-term property maintenance.
The Salina team brings a calm, practical approach to concrete leveling. You’ll get an inspection, a clear explanation of what we’re seeing, and an honest recommendation about whether lifting, replacement, drainage correction, or a foundation evaluation is the better path for your property.
Schedule a Concrete Leveling Inspection in Salina
If uneven concrete is making your walkway, driveway, patio, or entry harder to use, Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair can help you understand the cause of the settlement and whether lifting is the right repair for you. Call the Salina team at (785) 333-1610 to schedule a no-obligation inspection.
During your appointment, Lamunyon will review the slab, check for drainage or foundation-adjacent concerns, explain the best repair option, and answer your questions about timing, financing, and expected results. You can also contact Lamunyon online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete leveling is the process of lifting and stabilizing settled concrete to make the surface safer and more usable. It is commonly used for sunken sidewalks, driveways, patios, front steps, garage slabs, and commercial walking surfaces. If the slab is still in good condition, leveling can often preserve the existing concrete while addressing uneven height differences that create trip hazards or drainage problems.
Concrete lifting works by placing small access holes in the slab and installing lifting material beneath the concrete. The material fills voids, adds support below the slab, and raises the concrete in controlled increments. After the lift is complete, the access points are patched, the work area is cleaned, and the surface is reviewed with the homeowner or property manager.
Concrete sinks in Salina when the support below the slab changes. Moisture swings, clay-heavy soils, erosion, loose backfill, poor compaction, and freeze-thaw movement can all contribute to settlement. Because property-level soil conditions vary, Lamunyon inspects the slab and surrounding drainage before recommending a repair. The visible concrete problem often starts with soil movement or water movement below the surface.
Concrete leveling can be a good fit when the existing slab is still structurally sound. It usually creates less disruption than removing and repouring the concrete. However, replacement may be the better recommendation if the slab is crumbling, badly deteriorated, or broken into many small pieces. Lamunyon will explain which option best fits the actual condition of your concrete.
Some cracked concrete can still be lifted if the slab is stable enough to move as a section. The crack pattern matters. A single crack across a mostly intact panel is different from concrete that has broken into many small pieces. During the inspection, Lamunyon reviews the cracking, the slab support, and nearby drainage to decide whether lifting makes sense.
Many concrete leveling projects can be completed quickly, but the schedule depends on slab size, access, settlement depth, and the amount of preparation needed. A small walkway repair may be different from the repair of a driveway, a garage slab, or a commercial access area. After reviewing the concrete, Lamunyon can explain the expected timing for your specific project.
Wait time for use depends on the lifting material, the slab, and the repair conditions. In many cases, concrete lifting is designed to reduce downtime when compared to full replacement, but Lamunyon will confirm the correct wait time during your appointment and final review. Follow the crew’s guidance before walking, parking, or placing heavy items on the repaired surface.
Concrete leveling can help with pooling water if settlement has altered the slab’s slope. If the slab can be raised to a better position, water may drain more effectively. However, repeated washout, poor grading, or downspouts discharging near the concrete may also need correction. Lamunyon checks drainage during the evaluation so the repair addresses more than the visible dip.
Yes, Lamunyon can evaluate concrete leveling needs for businesses in Salina. Commercial projects may include entries, sidewalks, walkways, parking-lot transitions, apartment access areas, and office paths. The inspection helps determine whether lifting is the right repair, and how access, timing, and customer or tenant movement should be handled during the work.
Concrete leveling costs in Salina depend on the slab size, settlement depth, access, cracking, drainage conditions, and whether any related foundation concerns are present. Lamunyon does not publish average pricing because every slab has different support conditions. A no-obligation inspection gives you a clearer repair plan, and financing options can be discussed during your evaluation.
At Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair we are proud to stand behind our work. Each service is different, but certain projects have a lifetime warranty.
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Get An Estimate
Are you seeing indications that your property may need some help? Contact the professionals at Lamunyon today. We are happy to assess the damage, explain what we are seeing and provide you with an estimate.
