The Most Common Causes of Uneven Concrete (and How Grinding Fixes Them)

Uneven concrete is a common problem property owners face in Fresno. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking lots can shift or lift over time, creating trip hazards and drainage issues that hurt your property’s appearance and safety. Fortunately, you don’t always need to replace your concrete to fix it. Concrete grinding offers a fast, affordable way to level uneven areas and restore a clean, even surface—typically at 30-50% less cost than replacement.

Understanding Uneven Concrete

Uneven concrete happens when one section of a slab moves more than another. You might notice raised edges where two slabs meet (called “lippage”), sunken corners near sprinklers, ponding water that doesn’t drain after rain, or visible cracks running between panels.

In the Central Valley, uneven concrete usually has less to do with freezing weather and more to do with moisture, soil movement, and roots. Fresno’s clay-rich soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture, which can cause slabs to shift over time. Understanding what’s causing your concrete to move is the first step in choosing the right repair solution.

Common Causes of Uneven Concrete

Soil Settlement and Erosion

Beneath every concrete slab is a layer of compacted soil or gravel. If that support starts to erode or settle unevenly, the concrete above it will sink or tilt. In Fresno, irrigation leaks or poor drainage often wash away that base material. Once a small void forms, the slab begins to drop in that area, leading to cracks and uneven joints.

This is particularly common in older Fresno neighborhoods where irrigation systems may have developed leaks over the years, slowly washing away the support beneath driveways and walkways.

Tree Roots and Vegetation Growth

Large trees make a yard look great, but their roots can lift concrete as they grow. This is one of the most common causes of raised sidewalk panels or uneven patios in established Fresno neighborhoods. A mature oak or elm can generate enough force to lift a sidewalk panel two inches or more, creating a serious trip hazard.

Grinding can level those raised areas without removing the tree or replacing the entire section of concrete, preserving your landscaping while restoring safety.

Irrigation and Water Damage

Overwatering lawns or having sprinklers pointed directly at concrete can slowly soften the soil underneath. The same goes for downspouts that discharge water near slabs. As water collects and soaks into the soil, it weakens the base, leading to settling or cracking.

Given Fresno’s hot, dry climate, many property owners water frequently during summer months. If your irrigation system isn’t properly adjusted, that constant moisture can create soft spots under your concrete. Adjusting irrigation patterns and improving drainage helps prevent this kind of damage in the future.

Heavy Loads and Traffic Wear

Driveways and commercial parking lots that see regular vehicle traffic eventually start to shift. Heavy trucks, delivery vehicles, or even RVs can cause slabs to compress the soil beneath them. Over time, this creates low spots, bumps, and uneven transitions.

Shopping centers in Clovis and commercial properties throughout Fresno County often experience this issue in loading zones and high-traffic areas. Grinding can restore a smooth surface that’s safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Poor Initial Installation or Base Preparation

Sometimes, uneven concrete is the result of how it was installed. If the subbase wasn’t compacted properly or was poured over soft soil, the slab can settle unevenly over time. This issue is especially common in older properties or areas that were quickly repaired without addressing the base material underneath.

During Fresno’s building boom periods, some contractors cut corners on base preparation. Years later, property owners discover the consequences when their concrete starts to shift and settle.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles (Rare in Fresno)

While freezing and thawing cycles are a major cause of uneven concrete in northern climates, they’re not a concern for most Fresno properties. The Central Valley’s mild winters mean the ground rarely freezes deep enough to cause frost heave.

Recognizing When You Need Concrete Grinding

Not sure if grinding is the right solution for your concrete? Look for these signs:

Immediate Safety Concerns:

• Vertical displacement (lippage) of more than 1/4 inch between slabs
• Trip hazards at sidewalk joints or driveway transitions
• Raised edges near tree roots or utility lines

Drainage and Water Issues:

• Pooling water that sits for hours after rain
• Water flowing toward your foundation instead of away
• Visible erosion or soil washout near concrete edges

Aesthetic and Functional Problems:

• Rocking or unstable concrete sections
• Visible gaps forming under slab edges
• Cracks developing at uneven joints

If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth getting a professional assessment. Small problems tend to worsen over time, and addressing them early can prevent more costly repairs down the road.

How Concrete Grinding Fixes Uneven Surfaces

Removes Raised Edges and Trip Hazards

Grinding smooths out high points where slabs have shifted, creating even transitions that meet ADA safety guidelines. Using industrial diamond abrasives, technicians can precisely remove material to eliminate lippage and create smooth, safe walkways. It’s a clean, efficient way to eliminate trip hazards around sidewalks, driveways, and commercial entryways.

For property owners, this also means reducing liability risk. Cities throughout Fresno County require property owners to maintain safe sidewalks, and grinding helps ensure compliance with local regulations.

Restores Proper Drainage

When concrete settles unevenly, water tends to pool in the low spots. During Fresno’s occasional winter rains, this can lead to standing water, mud, and even foundation concerns if water pools near your home or building.

Grinding helps re-establish a smooth slope so that rainwater flows off the surface instead of soaking into cracks or seeping under the slab. Proper drainage also prevents further erosion of the base material beneath your concrete.

Saves Time and Money Compared to Replacement

Grinding takes a fraction of the time and cost of tearing out and replacing concrete. There’s no need to bring in heavy equipment, haul away debris, pour new concrete, or wait days for curing time. For most projects, grinding is completed in a single day and ready for use right away.

The process also minimizes disruption to your property. Businesses can often remain open during grinding work, and homeowners don’t have to deal with the mess and extended timeline of concrete replacement.

Prepares Surfaces for Additional Treatments

If you’re planning to apply coatings, sealers, or decorative overlays, grinding creates the ideal surface for proper adhesion. It removes old coatings, stains, and surface imperfections, giving you a fresh canvas to work with.

When Grinding Isn’t Enough

While grinding is an effective solution for many concrete issues, it’s not always the right answer. Here’s when you might need alternative approaches:

Severe Structural Damage

If the concrete is severely broken, extensively cracked, or crumbling due to age, grinding won’t address the underlying structural problems. In these cases, replacement may be the only long-term solution.

Large Voids or Significant Settlement

When concrete has settled several inches due to large voids underneath, grinding the surface won’t fix the problem. Instead, you might need mudjacking (also called slabjacking), which involves pumping a grout mixture beneath the slab to lift it back to its original level. Once the slab is raised, grinding can then smooth any remaining uneven transitions.

Beyond Repair

Concrete that’s reached the end of its lifespan—typically showing widespread deterioration, spalling, or deep structural cracks—will need complete replacement. However, this is less common than many property owners assume.

The best way to know which solution is right for your property is to schedule a site inspection. Creative Asphalt Inc. offers free, no-obligation assessments where our team can examine the condition of your concrete and recommend the most cost-effective fix. We offer concrete repair and replacement services in addition to grinding, so you’ll get honest advice about the best solution for your situation.

Why Work with a Professional for Concrete Grinding

Concrete grinding may look straightforward, but achieving professional results requires specialized equipment, expertise, and safety protocols. Here’s why DIY grinding rarely works out:

Specialized Equipment Requirements

Professional-grade concrete grinders use industrial diamond abrasives and precise depth controls that aren’t available in consumer rentals. These machines can weigh several hundred pounds and require training to operate safely and effectively. Without the right equipment, you risk creating an uneven surface that’s worse than what you started with.

Dust Control and Air Quality

Concrete grinding generates significant amounts of silica dust, which poses serious health risks if not properly controlled. In Fresno, where air quality is already a concern, proper dust management isn’t just good practice—it’s essential.

Professional contractors use industrial vacuum systems that capture dust at the source, keeping your property clean and protecting air quality. Creative Asphalt Inc. uses advanced dust control systems on every grinding project, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and keeping your space safe.

Precision and Consistency

Achieving a smooth, even finish requires experience. Over-grinding can weaken the concrete, while under-grinding leaves the problem unsolved. Professional technicians know how to control depth, create proper slopes for drainage, and blend transitions so they’re barely noticeable.

Time and Cost Efficiency

When you factor in equipment rental, your time, potential mistakes, and the physical demands of the work, DIY grinding rarely saves money. Professional services are typically completed in a single day, with crews handling everything from setup to cleanup.

At Creative Asphalt Inc., we provide concrete grinding for both residential and commercial clients across Fresno and the Central Valley. Whether it’s a sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, or warehouse floor, our team can restore a smooth, level surface that looks great and lasts for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do grinding results last?

When properly done, concrete grinding is a permanent fix for surface-level issues. The ground surface will last as long as the concrete itself, typically many years. However, if underlying problems like soil erosion or tree roots aren’t addressed, new unevenness can develop over time.

Will grinding create a lot of dust and mess?

Professional grinding with proper dust collection systems minimizes mess significantly. Creative Asphalt Inc. uses continuous vacuum systems during grinding to capture dust at the source. Most clients are surprised by how clean the process is compared to their expectations.

Can you grind colored or decorative concrete?

Yes, but grinding will remove the surface layer, which may affect the appearance of colored or stamped concrete. For decorative surfaces, we’ll assess whether grinding is appropriate or if alternative solutions would better preserve the aesthetic features.

What’s the best time of year for concrete grinding in Fresno?

Concrete grinding can be performed year-round in Fresno’s mild climate. However, spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor work. Summer projects are scheduled for early morning when possible to avoid the peak heat of the day.

About Creative Asphalt Inc.

Creative Asphalt Inc. has been serving Fresno and the Central Valley since 2005, providing expert concrete and asphalt services to residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Fresno County, Madera County, Kings County, and Tulare County.

Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to deliver quality results on every project. We’re fully licensed and insured, and we stand behind our work with a commitment to exceptional customer service and value.