Concrete Cracks & Gaps in Nashville, TN: What They Mean & How to Repair Them

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 eroded, the concrete may keep moving even after the crack is filled. A professional inspection can tell whether sealing alone is appropriate or whether the slab needs to be stabilized with PolyLevel® before the crack is repaired. 

The cost varies based on several factors, including the size of the slab, how much settlement has occurred, the number of cracks and the repairs needed. Because every property is different, the best way to receive an accurate estimate is through a free professional inspection. The Foundation Specialists will assess the condition of your concrete and recommend the most effective repair for your situation. 

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

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

They can, yes. Once cracks let water reach the soil beneath the slab, erosion and settlement can continue, pushing the concrete to shift further. As time passes, small cracks can turn into larger ones, gaps can widen and uneven concrete can create trip hazards. Addressing the underlying cause early can help avoid additional damage. 

Small hairline cracks are often a normal part of concrete aging. However, if cracks continue to widen, gaps form between slabs, one section becomes higher than another or the concrete begins to sink, it’s a good idea to have it inspected. Those signs usually indicate continued soil movement that can get worse if left untreated. 

In many cases, yes. Many cracked concrete slabs can be repaired without the cost and disruption of replacement. If the slab is structurally sound, it can often be lifted and stabilized with PolyLevel®, then sealed with NexusPro® to help limit water intrusion and protect the repair. Replacement is typically only necessary when the concrete is too damaged to restore. 

In most cases, no. The majority of cracks in driveways, sidewalks, patios and other exterior concrete slabs are caused by soil movement beneath the slab—not foundation damage. However, if you’re seeing widespread settlement around your property or cracks in both your concrete and your home’s foundation, it’s worth scheduling a professional inspection to identify the cause. 

There are several reasons concrete cracks, including normal curing, age, heavy loads and seasonal weather changes. However, plenty of widening cracks and gaps develop because the soil supporting the concrete settles, shifts or washes out over time. When the slab loses support, it can crack, pull apart or become uneven. A professional inspection can tell whether the damage is simply cosmetic or caused by soil movement below.