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Concrete Cracks & Gaps2026-10-23T11:51:46-05:00

Concrete Cracks & Gaps in Tampa Bay, Orlando, Miami and Largo, FL: What They Mean & How to Fix Them

Cracks and gaps in driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and other concrete surfaces happen often, but they shouldn't be overlooked. While some cracks are just a byproduct of normal concrete curing, others point to soil beneath the slab that has settled, shifted, or eroded. When concrete loses support, it can crack, separate or become uneven. During a free inspection, LRE Foundation Repair pinpoints the underlying cause and recommends the right solution.

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Symptoms

When Concrete Cracks Need Professional Attention

Concrete cracks take many forms, from thin hairline cracks to widening gaps between slabs. Although some are simply a product of normal aging, the following signs often mean the concrete keeps moving because the supporting soil has shifted or settled.

Expanding Concrete Cracks
Unlevel Concrete Slabs
Widening Gaps Between Slabs
Pooling Water on Concrete
Concrete Trip Hazards
Settling Driveways, Sidewalks or Patios

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Causes

What Causes Concrete Cracks & Gaps to Form?

Small cracks form in concrete naturally over time, but they don't all share the same cause. Some are a normal part of the curing process or years of exposure to the elements. Others form because the soil beneath the slab has shifted, settled or eroded, allowing the concrete to move. Identifying what's causing the damage is the key to choosing the right repair. While small surface cracks may be harmless, widening cracks, growing gaps or uneven concrete often point to underlying problems that should be professionally evaluated.

  • Expanding or Shrinking Soils

    Shifts in soil moisture can cause the ground beneath concrete to expand in wet periods and shrink in dry conditions. As the soil moves, the concrete loses consistent support, increasing the likelihood of cracks, gaps and settlement.

    Many regions contain clay-rich soils that naturally expand when they absorb moisture and contract as they dry. This constant cycle places stress on concrete slabs, causing them to shift over time. Even minor soil movement can lead to widening cracks or uneven surfaces when it goes unaddressed.

  • Improperly Compacted Soil

    Concrete holds up best when it sits on properly compacted soil. If the soil wasn’t compacted well before the slab was poured, it can settle over time, leaving parts of the concrete unsupported.

    Poor compaction is common beneath driveways, sidewalks, patios and porches, especially where fill soil was added during construction. As loose soil compresses, the slab can crack, sink or separate from adjacent concrete.

  • Washout and Erosion Beneath Slabs

    Soil erosion happens when water slowly carries away the soil supporting a concrete slab. Once that support is gone, the concrete can settle, crack or pull away from nearby slabs.

    Poor drainage, leaking downspouts, heavy rainfall and water flowing beneath the slab can all contribute to soil erosion. As these voids grow, the concrete begins to settle into the empty space, leading to cracks, uneven slabs and widening gaps.

  • Heavy Vehicle Traffic

    Repeated heavy loads can put more stress on concrete than it was built to handle, especially when the supporting soil has already weakened.

    Driveways that see large trucks, RVs or commercial vehicles often crack or settle sooner than lightly used surfaces. If unstable soil sits beneath the slab, the additional weight can hasten movement and worsen existing damage.

  • Natural Curing and Age of Concrete

    Hairline cracks come with normal concrete curing and aging. However, cracks that widen over time, form gaps or become uneven usually indicate movement under the slab rather than normal wear.

    Not every crack points to a structural problem. However, widening cracks, growing gaps or uneven concrete often suggest the slab is moving rather than simply aging. A professional inspection can determine whether the damage is cosmetic or the result of underlying settlement.

What Happens When Concrete Cracks Are Ignored

  • Stage 1

    Water Works Its Way In

    Small cracks may seem cosmetic at first, but they create pathways for water to reach the soil beneath the slab. As moisture washes away supporting soil or causes it to expand and contract, the concrete can continue to shift.

  • Stage 2

    Uneven Slabs & Trip Hazards Develop

    When the supporting soil continues to settle or erode, sections of concrete can shift out of level or separate from one another. What started as one small crack can create a trip hazard, collect standing water and make driveways, sidewalks, patios or porches less safe to use.

  • Stage 3

    Repairs Become More Extensive

    Ignoring ongoing slab movement can result in larger cracks, continued settlement and more expensive repairs. Addressing the problem early can often stabilize and restore the concrete before more extensive damage—or even replacement—becomes necessary.

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How LRE Foundation Repair Fixes Cracked Concrete

Not every concrete crack requires the same repair. In a free inspection, LRE Foundation Repair determines what's driving the damage before recommending a solution. If the slab has settled, PolyLevel® is used first to lift and stabilize the concrete. Once the slab is fully supported, NexusPro® seals the cracks and joints to help prevent water intrusion and protect the repair.

Schedule a Free Inspection

  • NexusPro® Joint & Crack Sealant

    NexusPro® fills and seals concrete cracks and joints to help keep water away from the soil beneath the slab. Unlike many over-the-counter fillers, it stays flexible as concrete expands and contracts with the seasons for a longer-lasting seal.

  • PolyLevel®

    If settlement caused the cracks, PolyLevel® lifts and stabilizes the slab before it’s sealed. Fixing the underlying cause helps deliver a longer-lasting repair.

How It Works

LRE Foundation Repair's Process for Repairing Concrete

Step 1

Free Property Evaluation

Each project begins with a detailed inspection to pinpoint what’s causing the cracks or gaps. When slab settlement is contributing to the damage, LRE Foundation Repair may recommend stabilizing the concrete with PolyLevel® before the cracks are sealed.

Step 2

Grind, Route & Clean the Cracks

The cracks and joints get carefully cleaned, routed and prepared, with dirt, debris, vegetation and old sealants removed. Proper preparation helps create a strong bond for a longer-lasting repair.

Step 3

Install Flexible Backer Rod (When Needed)

On larger or deeper cracks and joints, a flexible foam backer rod goes in before sealing. This controls the depth of the sealant and supports the long-term performance of the repair.

Step 4

Install NexusPro® Joint & Crack Sealant

NexusPro® is professionally installed to fill cracks and joints, creating a flexible, watertight seal that helps keep water from reaching the soil beneath the slab. Unlike traditional caulks, it resists UV damage, shrinking and cracking over time.

Step 5

Detail & Complete the Repair

The sealant is carefully tooled and smoothed to create a clean, professional appearance while ensuring the crack or joint is fully sealed. Once complete, your concrete is better protected against water intrusion and future deterioration.

Benefits

Why Homeowners Choose LRE Foundation Repair

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What To Expect

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Customer Information

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Don't just take our word for it

See what our customers have to say about our work.

When David from High Springs noticed the floors of his historic home starting to sag, he knew it was time to call LRE. 🏠 Our team at LRE Foundation Repair installed the SmartJack System — a durable, adjustable support solution designed to lift, level, and permanently stabilize crawl space floor joists.

Here’s why homeowners trust LRE’s SmartJack system: ✅ Galvanized steel supports that resist corrosion and won’t settle over time ✅ Restores uneven floors to their proper level ✅ Provides permanent stabilization for long-term protection Now, David’s home is stronger, safer, and ready to stand the test of time. Watch to see how LRE helped preserve the integrity of his historic home — and hear what David had to say about his experience!

David V. | High Springs, FL

Norbert’s driveway, walkway, and front porch in Gainesville, FL had settled over time, creating uneven surfaces and serious tripping hazards that had even caused previous injuries. After contacting LRE Foundation Repair, our team lifted and leveled the slabs with PolyLevel and sealed the cracks with NexusPro for long-lasting protection. Norbert was very pleased with the results and our team’s professionalism.

We’re grateful he shared his experience and helped other homeowners learn about reliable, long-term concrete repair solutions

Norbert M. | Gainesville, FL

When Toby bought his new home in Beverly Hills, Florida, he noticed water pooling along the side of his driveway and in front of his garage, caused by the slope directing water toward the house. Our team at LRE designed and installed a custom exterior drainage system to fix the problem for good. We added an enhanced channel drain in front of the garage, connected it to an underground drainage pipe, and tied in the home’s downspouts to safely redirect water away from the foundation.

Now, Toby’s property stays dry and protected — and he couldn’t be happier with the results!

Toby A. | Beverly Hills, FL

Scott and Carrie from Belleview were preparing to sell their home, but noticed that the cracks in their concrete pool deck were discouraging potential buyers. That’s when they reached out to us at LRE for help.

After our Customer Care team scheduled an appointment with one of our expert Design Specialists, we inspected the pool deck and developed a repair plan using our Two-Part Concrete Protection System — combining PolyLevel to lift and level the slabs, and NexusPro to seal the cracks and prevent future damage.

Scott and Carrie were thrilled with the transformation and the professionalism of our team — and they’re excited to share their wonderful experience! 🎥 Watch their story and see how LRE helped restore their pool deck and peace of mind!

Scott & Carrie D. | Belleview, FL

Christine and Scott in Leesburg, FL, noticed significant settlement inside and outside their home, with large cracks in their walls and tile flooring. Seeking a permanent solution, they turned to LRE Foundation Repair. Our team installed helical piers, interior slab piers, and PolyLevel to fully stabilize their home. Now, they have peace of mind knowing their home’s foundation is finally permanently secure.

Christine & Scott R. | Leesburg, FL

After noticing exterior wall cracks and doors that wouldn’t close properly, Mary knew her home needed help. Previous repairs had failed, leaving her without a lasting solution or a company to stand behind the work. In this testimonial, Mary shares how LRE Foundation Repair permanently stabilized her home and restored her peace of mind with proven solutions, lifetime transferable warranties, and double-backed warranty protection.

Mary Anne S. | Brooksville, FL

When Frank in Spring Hill, FL, noticed cracks in his walls, he turned to LRE Foundation Repair. Our Design Specialist confirmed foundation settlement and designed a plan using helical piers and a new exterior drainage system to stabilize the home and redirect water. With the repairs complete, Frank was thrilled with the results. Watch the video to see how LRE restored his home and peace of mind.

Frank N. | Spring Hill, FL

Patrick from New Port Richey noticed water entering through his home’s slab foundation during last year’s hurricanes and contacted LRE Foundation Repair for help. Our team installed a custom exterior drainage system, including a French drain to collect and redirect rainwater to a relief drain away from the home. We also connected his downspouts directly into the subsurface system to stop water from pooling near the foundation. The result? A dry, protected home — and one very happy homeowner.

🙌 Watch as Patrick shares his experience and see how LRE Foundation Repair helped protect his home from future flooding! 🌧️🏠

Patrick G. | New Port Richey, FL

When Terry purchased his new home in Tarpon Springs, his home inspector discovered a serious issue — the floor joists were being supported by makeshift car jacks! 😬 Looking for a long-term solution, Terry reached out to LRE Foundation Repair. Our team installed the SmartJack® System, providing strong, durable, and permanent support for the home’s floors.

Terry was so impressed with the results that he shared his incredible experience with us! 🙌 🎥 Watch his story to see how we helped restore lasting stability and peace of mind.

Terry C. | Tarpon Springs, FL

When Carin and Jon from Tampa, Florida, noticed buckling in the wood floors of their 1950s historic home, they suspected something was wrong beneath the surface. That’s when they called us at LRE Foundation Repair for a complimentary crawl space inspection. In this customer testimonial, hear directly from Carin and Jon as they share their experience—from the first inspection to the final results. Our expert Design Specialist identified major moisture issues in their crawl space, and our team got to work installing the CleanSpace™ Crawl Space Encapsulation System to create a dry, healthy environment under their home. Watch their story to see how we helped protect their home for years to come!

Carin & Jon B. | Tampa, FL

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Before & after photos

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

  • Concrete driveway repair in San Antonio, FL

    The LRE team utilized our PolyLevel Solution to not only bring the concrete slabs back to an even, safe level but also fill the void underneath and permanently stabilize the driveway.

  • Channel drain solution in Seminole, FL

    The LRE team installed a 4″ channel drain within the pool deck’s concrete to collect rainwater and divert it away from the home through a subsurface drainage system.

  • Crawl space repair in Dunedin, FL

    To repair sagging floor issues, LRE used SmartJacks, made from galvanized steel, and our Crawlspace Encapsulation System to control moisture, air flow, and stabilize the structure.

View All Before & Afters

Proudly Serving Florida

LRE Foundation Repair is the local expert for Foundation repair and concrete repair and more. We proudly service Orlando and all of Florida.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is hardware store concrete crack filler a permanent solution? 2026-10-02T11:53:11-05:00

Store-bought crack fillers can improve the appearance of concrete and help seal out water, but they don’t address the underlying cause of many cracks. If the slab is settling because the supporting soil has shifted or washed away, the concrete may continue to move even after the crack is filled. A professional inspection can determine whether sealing alone is appropriate or if the slab should first be stabilized with PolyLevel® before the crack is repaired. 

What does concrete crack repair cost? 2026-10-02T11:52:42-05:00

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

How long does concrete crack repair last? 2026-10-02T11:52:13-05:00

Lasting results depend on correcting the underlying cause of the damage. Once settled concrete is stabilized with PolyLevel® and cracks are sealed with NexusPro®, the repair is built to provide lasting performance. At your inspection, LRE Foundation Repair will recommend the best solution for your property’s specific conditions. 

How does PolyLevel® work on cracked concrete? 2026-10-02T11:51:46-05:00

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

Will concrete cracks continue to get worse? 2026-10-02T11:51:19-05:00

Often, yes. When cracks let water reach the soil beneath the slab, erosion and settlement can continue, causing the concrete to shift even more. Over the years, small cracks can expand, gaps can grow and uneven concrete can create trip hazards. Addressing the underlying cause early can help prevent additional damage. 

When do driveway or sidewalk cracks become a problem? 2026-10-02T11:50:53-05:00

Thin hairline cracks are often just a normal part of concrete aging. That said, if cracks continue to widen, gaps form between slabs, one section rises above another or the concrete begins to settle, it’s worth having it inspected. These signs often indicate ongoing soil movement that can worsen if left untreated. 

Can cracked concrete be fixed without replacement? 2026-10-02T11:50:26-05:00

Yes. Many cracked concrete slabs can be repaired without the expense and disruption of replacement. If the slab remains structurally sound, PolyLevel® can often lift and stabilize it before NexusPro® seals it to help reduce water intrusion and protect the repair. Full replacement is typically required only when the concrete is too damaged to restore. 

Do concrete cracks mean I have foundation problems? 2026-10-02T11:49:41-05:00

Not usually. Most cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios and other exterior concrete slabs are caused by soil movement beneath the concrete—not foundation damage. However, if widespread settlement is showing up around your property or you see cracks in both your concrete and your home’s foundation, it’s worth having a professional inspection to identify the cause. 

What causes concrete cracks and gaps? 2026-10-02T11:49:10-05:00

Concrete can crack for several 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. When the slab loses support, it can crack, pull apart or become uneven. A professional inspection can confirm whether the damage is cosmetic or the result of soil movement beneath the slab. 

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