Concrete is often the foundation of buildings and other structures, like sidewalks, driveways, patios, and garage floors. However, the durable material can suffer wear and tear over time, developing uneven patches and dips. These issues affect not only the aesthetics but also the functionality of concrete. For instance, uneven concrete slabs can be a safety hazard, making one trip while walking. They may also cause drainage issues. The problems can be prevented by leveling concrete.

1. Skipping checks
Before starting the leveling process, it is essential to check what’s causing unevenness. Trying to level the surface without addressing the root cause is a temporary fix that will be a problem one has to address again in the future, as eventually, the concrete will turn uneven again. It would be like fixing a leaky roof without taking care of the burst pipe that caused the leak. The underlying problem could be anything, from uneven ground to invasive tree roots and water damage. These issues have to be fixed before leveling a concrete floor.

2. Misidentifying the problem
Another mistake to avoid is an incorrect assessment of the problem, as this might make one opt for the wrong concrete mix to level the surface. So, the concrete leveling process would then end up wasting time, material, money, and other resources, leaving one again with uneven surfaces. It is important to note that leveling is a solution for smaller problems. Using it to fix severely damaged floors might not work. The leveling process may also not fix cracks in the slab. Seeking professional assistance here is necessary to identify the exact problem and determine a suitable solution.

3. Neglecting safety
One should practice caution while leveling concrete. Neglecting proper safety precautions can lead to injuries from falling debris. Even if one has some experience in leveling concrete, it is crucial to take safety seriously. The process also involves drilling holes in the concrete slabs. As the process involves a lot of dust and the use of machinery, one should ensure they use dust masks, sturdy footwear, gloves, protective eyeglasses, and other safety gear before starting with the leveling process. But even the most durable concrete can succumb to the passage of time, developing uneven surfaces and dips. Inhaling dust from dry concrete can irritate the throat and lungs.

4. Ignoring the weather
Not accounting for weather conditions can make the concrete leveling process difficult. Hot weather can accelerate the curing process, potentially leading to cracks if the concrete dries too quickly. One should schedule working with concrete for cooler days or use curing blankets to retain moisture in the material. Rain may also wash away the leveling material before it cures, compromising its effectiveness. So, one should avoid leveling on rainy days. Strong winds can blow dust and debris, making it difficult to work. The dust can also affect the consistency of the leveling mix. One should schedule the leveling project on a calm day with minimal wind for the best results. It is also important to remember that larger leveling projects can take multiple days, and one may not be able to use the surface immediately.

5. Getting the mixture wrong
For the leveling process to be a success, it is important to use the right mix of materials in the right amount. Different kinds of tasks or surfaces require different materials. For instance, mudjacking involves using a mixture of cement, water, soil, and sand to level the concrete. Getting the mix wrong can make the material deteriorate faster than it should, making the concrete settle again. Apart from not being long-lasting, getting the mix or materials wrong would also cause the solution to dry improperly. It can end up being a lumpy, wet mass, making it all the more difficult to obtain an evenly leveled surface.

6. Drilling mistakes
Concrete leveling requires injecting material through the holes in the concrete to lift the sunken concrete. To get an even surface, one needs to ensure they drill holes at the right points to make space for the leveling material. Unevenly distributed points can cause improper leveling. The same outcome is possible if the depth of the drilled holes is not right, making the concrete settle unevenly or developing cracks. Not enough material inserted through the holes can also create uneven support. Imagine filling a hole in a wall with uneven amounts of plaster. Initially, the wall might look smooth, but it will not be structurally sound. To avoid this, one should be precise while drilling holes and injecting the leveling mixture.

7. Rushing the curing process
Freshly injected leveling mixture needs time to cure and lift up the sunken concrete. Walking over the surface soon after leveling it can make the surface uneven again. It may lead to cracks or the mixture flattening too much before it dries. Rushing the process can lead to a weakened and potentially uneven surface. So, one should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended curing times while leveling concrete. This typically involves waiting several hours up to a day before walking on the leveled area. One may have to wait even longer before letting the newly leveled concrete carry heavier loads like vehicles.