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Sinking Patio2026-11-02T15:56:26-06:00

Sinking Patio Repair in [Target Location], VA

A sinking patio is more than a cosmetic problem. As sections settle, they can create tripping hazards, hold standing water and channel moisture toward your home's foundation. Fortunately, many sinking patios can be repaired without replacing the concrete. Most of the time, the concrete isn't the problem—the soil underneath it is. NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair identifies the cause of patio settlement and provides long-lasting repair solutions that restore safety, appearance and usability.

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Symptoms

Signs of a Sinking Patio

Patio settlement often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook until the uneven concrete becomes difficult to ignore. While one low corner may seem minor today, ongoing movement can create safety hazards, drainage problems and further damage over time. If you're seeing any of the following, your patio may be settling.

Slabs that sit unevenly or slope
Raised edges between concrete sections
Puddles that linger after rain
Separation between the patio and your home
Cracks running across the patio surface
Patio pulling away from steps or walkways
Chairs and tables that rock or sit unevenly
Low areas that collect dirt and debris

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Causes

What Causes Patios to Sink?

Most sinking patios have nothing to do with failing concrete—they're caused by changes in the soil below. When the supporting soil settles, erodes or shifts, the concrete loses the stable foundation it needs and begins to sink. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward a long-lasting repair.

  • Soil Erosion

    Over time, the soil beneath a patio can weaken or gradually wash away, leaving sections of the concrete without the stable support they need.

    Water from rainfall, downspouts, irrigation or poor grading can slowly erode the soil beneath the patio. As voids open up beneath the slab, the concrete loses support and starts to settle. Erosion often works together with natural soil movement, making the patio increasingly uneven over time.

  • Poor Soil Compaction

    If the soil wasn’t compacted properly before the patio was poured, it can settle over time under the weight of the concrete.

    New fill soil naturally compacts and compresses after construction. If it wasn’t compacted correctly during installation, the ground beneath the patio may continue settling for years, causing sections of concrete to become uneven.

  • Expansive Soils

    Some soils naturally expand when wet and shrink when dry, creating repeated movement beneath the patio.

    Across [Target Location], shifting moisture conditions and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can cause soil to expand, contract and move. Over time, this ongoing movement weakens the support beneath the patio and contributes to uneven settlement.

What Happens When a Sinking Patio Is Left Alone?

  • Stage 1

    Minor Settlement

    One section of the patio starts sitting slightly lower than the surrounding concrete. Homeowners may notice small puddles after rain, a slight slope or patio furniture that no longer sits level. While the damage may look minor, it’s often the first sign that the supporting soil beneath the patio has started to shift or settle.

  • Stage 2

    Uneven Surfaces & Drainage Issues

    As the soil beneath continues to settle or wash away, the height difference becomes more obvious. Trip hazards grow, cracks may start to form, and water can collect against the home or pool in low spots instead of draining away. The patio ends up less safe, less pleasant to use and more susceptible to continued settlement.

  • Stage 3

    Advancing Damage

    If it isn’t repaired, settlement can continue until other sections of the patio sink, cracks grow wider, and the concrete becomes tougher to restore. Addressing the underlying soil issue early often allows the patio to be lifted and stabilized instead of replaced, helping homeowners avoid more extensive repairs and higher costs.

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How NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Repairs a Sinking Patio

When a patio is sinking in [Target Location], stabilizing the supporting soil under the concrete is often a smarter long-term solution than replacing it. Using PolyLevel®, NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair fills voids beneath the slab, stabilizes weak soil and carefully lifts settled concrete toward its original position. To help preserve the repair, we may also recommend sealing joints and cracks with NexusPro® Joint Sealant to cut down on water infiltration. The outcome is a safer, more level patio with long-lasting support and little disruption.

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  • PolyLevel® Concrete Lifting

    PolyLevel® uses expanding polyurethane foam to fill voids beneath the patio, stabilize weak soils and carefully lift settled concrete back toward its original position. This minimally invasive repair cures quickly, needs no excavation or replacement and is often ready for normal use the same day.

  • NexusPro® Joint Sealant

    NexusPro® seals joints and cracks in concrete patios to help prevent water from reaching the soil beneath the slab. By limiting water infiltration, it helps protect the supporting soil from erosion and washout, complementing PolyLevel® concrete lifting for a longer-lasting result.

How It Works

NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair’s Patio Repair Process

Step 1

In-Depth Inspection

We assess your patio, the surrounding soil, drainage and the extent of settlement to pinpoint what’s causing the movement.

Step 2

Stabilize the Soil & Raise the Patio

PolyLevel® is injected beneath the patio to fill voids, stabilize weak soil and carefully raise settled sections.

Step 3

Lift and Stabilize the Patio

PolyLevel® expanding polyurethane foam is injected beneath the slab, where it spreads into empty spaces, fills voids and stabilizes the supporting soil. As the material expands, it carefully raises settled slabs toward a safer, more level position while helping restore support beneath the concrete.

Step 4

Finish the Repair

After the patio is lifted and stabilized, the small injection ports are patched to blend with the surrounding concrete. Our team then performs a final inspection to help ensure the patio is level, stable and ready for normal use.

Step 5

Seal and Safeguard the Patio

To help extend the life of the repair, we recommend sealing cracks and joints with NexusPro® Joint Sealant to help reduce water reaching the soil under the patio. SealantPro® is then applied to help guard the concrete surface against moisture, chemicals, UV exposure and everyday wear. Combined, these solutions help protect the appearance and performance of your patio for years to come.

Benefits

Why Homeowners Rely on NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair

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What To Expect

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Don't just take our word for it

See what our customers have to say about our work.

NV Waterproofing was extremely responsive and 100% committed to identifying our water problem and designing a solution. Their work was excellent. The crew was on time and organized. They were very careful to protect the exterior landscaping and the interior of our home from dirt and debris. Even two years later, they responded to a sump problem at no additional charge. NV Waterproofing does the job right and stands behind its work.

Mike and Lynn F. | Columbia, MD

We bought a house in a state of disrepair, and so we've had to work with a number of contractors. I'd rank this company at the top of the list for their professionalism, knowledge, experience, and honesty. We had bowing of our basement walls that needed to be addressed. Michael came out to assess the situation, and gave us some options. After speaking with him, I felt very confident in their ability to buttress our walls. It was also a huge bonus that we were able to set up a payment plan for this job too. When the team showed up, Casey, Kevin, and Grant, they were super polite and professional. They took great care of our property, and if they had a question about anything, they asked. Also, if I had a question, Casey (the foreman), was very knowledgeable and quick to answer. They presented the work as they progressed through the job, and really, I was actually a little blown away by the scale of the project, and the speed at which they worked. What an impressive job they did! We're very confident in the work they did and will hire them again.

Ellen M.  | Takoma Park, MD

We were referred to NV Waterproofing from my brother-in-law who used them and was pleased. They came out and gave us an estimate - they were very prompt. We had the work done - it looked great and I am sure will do the job (only time will tell). We did have a miscommunication with the work (mostly on our part), but the owner had it fixed promptly and without additional cost. I would highly recommend them to anyone with water issues in their basement.

Susan C. | Washington DC, DC

NV stuck with me and made sure I was happy. Roberto Jr kept me calm as my problem persisted and kept working on a solution beyond the obvious. I highly recommend. Looking forward to a dry basement this summer.

Dean R. | Washington, DC

I am writing this letter to commend members of your organization for the waterproofing work performed on and around the foundation of my house. Despite situations beyond the control of both me and your associate, he always maintained professionalism and demonstrated why he is an outstanding representative of your organization. The crew obviously knew what had to be done and went about doing it. They were prompt in arriving at work each day, diligent in the performance of their duties (in spite of high heat and humidity), and took measures to ensure the safety around the excavated area (important because of children in the neighborhood). Unlike other construction sites I have seen, the crew maintained the area free of litter— no small measure these days! In addition, the crew always provided clear explanations of the work to be done each day, answering the questions with forthright and clear responses, never hurrying the discussion. As I was not on site while work was being done, they called me several times, taking those extra steps to keep me informed of the status of the work and aware of the tasks yet to be performed— something that is greatly appreciated. I would appreciate it if you would offer my heartfelt thanks to your able crew for the quality waterproofing work performed and the excellent communication and coordination exhibited by them.

Myra L. | Washington, DC

In my 12 years of having NV Waterproofing as a business partner, they have always proved reliable and trustworthy. They are a great value for me and my customers.

Darryl O. of Brookfield Homes, | Washington, DC

Great professional service and able to respond in timely manner to the project need.

Blake B. | Washington, DC

Brendan was very knowledgeable, professional and courteous. Highly recommend.

Cesar T. | Arlington, VA

A brief note to thank NV Waterproofing for extreme professionalism and courtesy in the manner in which my recent basement water seepage problem was addressed. From the initial contact with Jim, through the work with Roberto, Carlos and Jose, it was an overall pleasant experience – not to mention my contact with the owner and his responsiveness.

Ramesh T. | Arlington, VA

These guys were amazing. The initial visit was smooth, not pushy at all and he was even able to accommodate the relocation of a small drainage pipe. The demo to install the system was done beautifully, yes it was really good, you can tell they were precise and careful when doing so. Everything was clean, no stains on my carpet and they protected everything. No leak so far and I love it. Did I mention the price was excellent? I had 3 other companies to estimate thousands and even tried to sell extra unnecessary equipment. Thank you NV Waterproofing I have and will continue to recommend you.

Chelly Z. | Falls Church, VA

We appreciated NV Waterproofing's honesty and the men who worked tirelessly in uncomfortably cold weather. We've had one big storm since they finished and the basement walls are nice and dry. Nice work!

Peter V. | Falls Church, VA

Mauricio and Cristian were the initial sales reps who came to examine the issue and they took the time to test drainage that might have potentially been creating the water issue. They offered a reasonable solution (sealing the visible cracks and holes in the concrete) and I was contacted within a couple of days with an estimate and scheduling options. Sean was our tech and he did a fantastic job diagnosing the issue beyond just the cracks. He not only address all the holes and cracks in the concrete and mortar, he sealed up additional entry points above the foundation. He sourced additional materials to cover openings for cable lines. He went above and beyond and gave us measured information on how we should continue to monitor and treat this area as the house settles. He was thorough, informative, and provided excellent service in his work. I'm very glad that Sean was the technician sent to us and I would specifically request him for your projects.

Sara T. | Falls Church, VA

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Before & after photos

Check out before and after photos from some of our completed projects.

  • Sunken Concrete Step Repair in Stephens City, VA

    This Stephens City, VA homeowner was dealing with a sunken concrete front step that had settled over time, creating an uneven entryway and a noticeable tripping hazard near the front door. Sunken concrete steps can make everyday foot traffic unsafe for homeowners, guests, and delivery drivers, while also taking away from the home’s curb appeal. Our concrete repair team lifted and leveled the front step back to its proper position, creating a safer, more stable walkway and entrance. This concrete step repair helped reduce the risk of falls, improved the look of the front entry, and gave the home a cleaner, more welcoming appearance. The homeowner was thrilled with the outcome — a big transformation that improved both safety and curb appeal!

  • Basement Waterproofing in Winchestor, VA

    A homeowner in Winchester, VA, was struggling with a failing sump pump that couldn’t keep up during heavy rainstorms, leaving their basement vulnerable to water intrusion. The lack of a reliable backup system also left them worried about potential flooding during power outages. Frustrated and seeking a dependable solution, they contacted NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, a trusted basement waterproofing company in Winchester, VA.

    After assessing the situation, we replaced their old sump pump with a state-of-the-art TripleSafe Sump Pump system. This advanced system includes three levels of protection: a primary pump, a secondary pump for heavy water flow, and a battery backup to ensure the basement stays dry even during power outages. The homeowner now has peace of mind knowing their basement is fully protected, no matter the weather.

  • Pool Deck Leveling in Manassas, VA

    A homeowner in Manassas, VA, quickly realized their dream backyard pool was at risk when the surrounding concrete pool deck began to show serious problems. Uneven and sunken slabs created tripping hazards and unsightly cracks, making both safety and aesthetics a challenge for anyone using the space. Additionally, water from rain and pool use was pooling in low spots, causing slippery surfaces and further soil erosion beneath the deck. These issues not only threatened the safety of family and guests but also compromised the value and enjoyment of the home.

    Seeking an effective solution, the homeowner reached out to our team for a professional assessment. We identified the main cause of settlement: soil erosion under the slabs—a common issue in Manassas due to its clay-rich ground and fluctuating moisture. To address both the immediate hazards and prevent future damage, we recommended our two-part approach: the cutting-edge PolyLevel® concrete leveling system and NexusPro® Joint Sealant.

    The repair process began with drilling small holes into the affected concrete slabs, allowing us to inject high-strength PolyLevel® polyurethane foam beneath the surface. As the foam expanded, it filled voids, stabilized the soil, and gently lifted the slabs back to their original positions. The process was quick, clean, and minimized disruption, giving the pool deck a level, safe surface once again. PolyLevel® foam is waterproof and lightweight, reducing the risk of future settling and ensuring long-term durability, even in a wet poolside environment.

    To provide further protection, we sealed all cracks and joints with NexusPro® Joint Sealant. This flexible, weather-resistant sealant prevents water from seeping beneath the slabs, protecting the soil and concrete from additional erosion. The result was a clean, finished appearance that not only improved the look of the deck but also safeguarded it for years to come.

    Thanks to modern concrete leveling technology, the homeowner’s pool deck was transformed from a liability into a safe and attractive outdoor gathering space. The project was completed in a single day, with minimal mess and immediate results, giving the homeowner peace of mind and renewed pride in their backyard. If you’re facing similar issues with your pool deck in Manassas, VA, the PolyLevel® system and NexusPro® Joint Sealant offer a fast, effective, and lasting

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Proudly Serving Northern Virginia, D.C., and Suburban Maryland

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I replace or lift my sinking patio? 2026-10-05T10:03:44-05:00

Often, lifting a sinking patio is faster, less disruptive and more affordable than replacing it. When the concrete is still structurally sound, PolyLevel® can raise and stabilize the existing slab by correcting the underlying soil problem. During your free inspection, NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair will recommend whether lifting or replacement is the better solution for your patio. 

Will my patio sink again after it’s repaired? 2026-10-05T10:02:37-05:00

PolyLevel® is designed to provide a long-lasting repair by filling voids and stabilizing the soil beneath the patio. No repair can prevent future ground movement caused by significant changes in soil conditions, but addressing the underlying cause of settlement greatly reduces the likelihood of the patio sinking again. Your inspector will recommend any additional solutions needed to help protect the repair long term. 

How long does patio lifting take? 2026-10-05T10:02:01-05:00

Most patio lifting projects can be completed in just a few hours, depending on the size of the patio and the extent of the settlement. Since PolyLevel® cures in minutes, homeowners can usually use their patio the same day. Your NV Waterproofing and Foundation Repair System Design Specialist will review the repair process and share a timeline during your free inspection. 

Is a sinking patio dangerous? 2026-10-05T10:01:28-05:00

Yes, it can be. Uneven concrete produces trip hazards and may let water gather near your home’s foundation. As the settlement progresses, gaps and cracks usually widen, increasing safety concerns along with the potential for additional concrete or foundation-related problems. 

Can a sinking patio be repaired instead of replaced? 2026-10-05T10:00:14-05:00

Yes. In many cases, a sinking patio can be raised and stabilized with polyurethane concrete lifting rather than being torn out and replaced. PolyLevel® fills voids beneath the slab, strengthens support and raises the concrete with minimal disruption to your landscaping or outdoor living space. 

Why is my concrete patio sinking? 2026-10-05T09:58:40-05:00

Most patios sink because the soil underneath has shifted, settled or eroded—not because the concrete has failed. Water erosion, poorly compacted fill soil, seasonal moisture changes and freeze-thaw cycles can all reduce the support beneath a patio slab, allowing sections to settle unevenly over time. 

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