Bring Your Patio Back to its Former Glory – Learn How to Repair Sunken Concrete Patios

Repairing sunken concrete patios can be quite the challenge, but with a few steps and the right materials, you can restore the look of your patio or other concrete slab. Before you begin the process, determine the extent of the damage and evaluate your options for restoring the sunken section.

A sunken patio may be caused by different factors such as erosion, settling due to natural shifting of soil, or water damage. It’s important to figure out how much of your patio has sunk, if it’s a part of the slab or the entire slab, and if any sections have separated from the others. You may also need to replace sections of the patio that have become cracked due to the settling.

To repair your patio, begin by separating any sections that have sunk and lifting the layers that need to be raised. You can use a cement slurry to fill the area beneath them, as this will help to fill in any cavities or gaps in the base and prevent further sinking. Additionally, you’ll want to compact the sand you fill in beneath the slab with a tamper.

In cases where the patio slab is still solid and unbroken or uncracked, you can level the surface with a veneer of concrete. Starting by thoroughly flushing the slab with a garden hose, you’ll want to create a form around the slab that is at least 2 to 3 inches high so the new concrete can make up the difference. Once that has been filled, level and finish with a trowel.

If sections of your patio have become cracked or broken due to the settling, you can use mortar to reattach those sections. Start by roughing the surface of the sunken slab and drilling holes in the slab. Follow by pouring mortar into the holes and onto the slab to bring the surface level.

At expansion joints, you may need to separate the slabs and lift those that are sunken. To stabilize the base, fill the hole with gravel or rocks, pack it with sand, and then replace the slab.

These steps and materials can help to restore even the most sunken of patios, making them look as brand new as the day your first installed them. With the right tools and knowledge, you can do the job yourself and save money.