Michigan freeze-thaw cycles get plenty of blame for uneven concrete, but the support beneath the slab is often the bigger story.
Settlement after construction
Areas beside foundations are commonly backfilled during construction. If that fill continues to consolidate, the slab above can lose support and sink. Similar problems occur in portions of a lot that were raised with fill during site development.
Erosion and washout
Water entering open joints or running along a driveway edge can carry away fine material. A downspout discharging beside a slab may also create a void over time.
Tree-root movement
Roots can lift part of a sidewalk or driveway while adjacent sections remain fixed or settle. A complete repair plan must account for both the high and low slabs.
Correct the elevation and manage the cause
Concrete lifting can fill voids and raise low sections. Drainage improvements and joint sealing may help protect the repaired base afterward. Contact MI Concrete Lifting at 517-294-1815 for a free inspection in Lansing and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.