Concrete Cracks & Gaps in Sioux Falls, SD: What They Mean & How to Fix Them

Hardware store crack fillers can improve the appearance of concrete and help keep water out, but they don’t address the underlying cause of many cracks. When the slab is settling because the soil beneath it has shifted or washed away, the concrete can continue moving even after the crack is filled. A professional inspection can determine whether sealing alone is enough or if the slab should first be stabilized with PolyLevel® before the crack is repaired. 

The price depends on a few factors, including slab size, the extent of settlement, the number of cracks and the repairs needed. Because every property is different, the best way to receive an accurate estimate is through a free professional inspection. Blackburn Foundation Repair will inspect the condition of your concrete and recommend the most effective repair for your situation. 

Long-term results depend on addressing the underlying cause of the damage. When settled concrete is stabilized with PolyLevel® and the cracks are sealed with NexusPro®, the repair is designed for lasting performance. At your inspection, Blackburn Foundation Repair will recommend the best solution for your property’s specific conditions. 

PolyLevel® is a high-density polyurethane foam placed beneath settled concrete through small, penny-sized injection holes. As the foam expands, it fills voids in the soil and gently lifts the slab back toward its original position while providing long-term support. If settlement caused the cracks, stabilizing the slab helps address the underlying problem before the cracks are sealed. 

They can. Once cracks let water reach the soil beneath the slab, erosion and settlement can continue, pushing the concrete to shift further. Over time, small cracks can grow larger, gaps may widen and uneven concrete can create trip hazards. Handling the underlying cause early can help stop additional damage. 

Thin hairline cracks are often just a normal part of concrete aging. However, when cracks continue to widen, gaps appear between slabs, one section becomes higher than the next or the concrete starts sinking, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection. Signs like these often mean soil movement is ongoing and can worsen if left untreated. 

Yes. Many cracked concrete slabs can be repaired without the cost and disruption of replacement. If the slab is structurally sound, it can often be lifted and stabilized with PolyLevel®, then sealed with NexusPro® to help reduce water intrusion and protect the repair. Full replacement is typically required only when the concrete is too damaged to restore. 

Usually not. The majority of cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios and other exterior concrete slabs are caused by soil movement beneath the slab—not foundation damage. That said, if you’re seeing settlement across your property or cracks in both your concrete and your foundation, scheduling a professional inspection to identify the cause is a good idea. 

Concrete can crack for a number of reasons, including normal curing, age, heavy loads and seasonal weather changes. That said, many widening cracks and gaps appear because the soil under the concrete settles, shifts or erodes over time. Once the slab loses support, it can crack, separate or settle unevenly. A professional inspection can determine whether the damage is purely cosmetic or the result of underlying soil movement.