How to Prevent Tripping Hazards Caused by Uneven Concrete

Why Concrete Safety Matters

According to the CDC, one in four older adults experiences a fall each year, and one in five of those falls results in a serious injury. Many of these accidents happen around the home, especially on walkways, steps, patios, pool decks, and driveways.

Concrete surfaces wear down over time due to:

• Soil erosion
  
• Tree root growth
  
• Freeze-thaw cycles
  
• Heavy foot and vehicle traffic
  

These changes can cause slabs to sink, crack, or become uneven—creating trip hazards that are often overlooked.

5 Signs You Have a Tripping Hazard

1. Uneven walkways or driveways
   One side of a slab is lower than the other, often due to soil settlement.
   
2. Cracked concrete slabs
   Gaps and fractures become easy spots to trip—especially in sidewalks and garage floors.
   
3. Sunken steps or porches
   Stair treads that have dropped below normal height increase fall risk.
   
4. Exposed rebar or tree roots
   These not only cause damage but pose safety threats.
   
5. Pooling water on your slab
   Indicates poor drainage and uneven surfaces, often leading to concrete sinking.
   

How to Fix Trip Hazards Around Your Home

Level Uneven Concrete

Concrete lifting with polyurethane foam is a fast, long-lasting solution to raise sunken slabs and eliminate trip hazards. At SmartLevel Concrete, we use PolyLevel®—a lightweight foam that lifts and stabilizes concrete with minimal disruption.

Our services include:

• Driveway leveling 
  
• Sidewalk leveling 
  
• Pool deck repair
  
• Porch and step leveling
  
• Basement and garage floor leveling
  

Repair Cracks and Gaps

Cracks in concrete (https://smartlevelconcrete.com/concrete-repair/) can worsen over time and collect moisture, debris, and weeds. Our team uses NexusPro™ joint sealant to fill cracks and prevent further damage—restoring both safety and appearance.

Add Lighting and Clear Clutter

Even well-leveled concrete can be dangerous in the dark. Install path lighting near walkways, patios, and driveways to improve visibility at night. Also, remove obstacles like toys, tools, or bikes from walkways to prevent trips.

Special Attention: Pool Deck and Stair Safety

Pool decks with uneven slabs are especially hazardous due to water and bare feet. Look for height variations between slabs and signs of cracks or movement.

Concrete stairs should be level, crack-free, and securely anchored. A loose or sunken step is a serious hazard and should be evaluated right away.

Keep Your Home Safe with SmartLevel Concrete

You can’t eliminate every risk, but you can dramatically improve the safety of your property by addressing uneven, cracked, or sunken concrete before someone gets hurt.

SmartLevel Concrete provides affordable, long-lasting solutions for homes across Central Ohio and Cleveland. Whether you’re dealing with a sunken sidewalk or a cracked patio, we can help.

Get a Free Concrete Leveling Estimate Today

Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Get in touch with our team for a free concrete inspection and leveling estimate. We’ll help you protect your family and boost your home’s value.