Was Your Walkway Sinking or Lifted? Identifying Frost Heave vs. Settlement in NY Concrete

Now that the deepest freeze of the 2025-2026 winter has passed, Hudson Valley homeowners are starting to notice changes to their sidewalks, patios, and driveways. If you have sections of concrete that are uneven, it’s crucial to understand the cause before you attempt a repair.In early spring, two different forces are at work: frost heave and soil settlement.

Frost Heave: A Upward Threat

Frost heave is a winter problem that reveals itself in March. It occurs when water saturates the soil beneath your concrete slab and freezes. Since water expands by about 9% when it turns to ice, it pushes the entire concrete slab upward. When the ice melts in March, the concrete might settle back into place, but often it leaves the slab cracked or permanently misaligned.

Soil Settlement: A Sinking Threat

Settlement is the opposite issue. As the March thaw progresses, the saturated, soft soil beneath your concrete may become unstable. Combined with the weight of the slab, this causes the concrete to sink into the ground. Voids (empty pockets) form, leaving the slab unsupported and creating major trip hazards.

The Fast, Non-Invasive Solution: PolyLevel®

Whether your issue is leftover frost heave damage or new spring settlement, traditional solutions like "mudjacking" or completely replacing the concrete are messy and disruptive.

Basement Systems of New York offers PolyLevel®, a specialized polyurethane foam injection. Here’s why it’s the superior choice for NY spring repair:

• Fast: The concrete is ready to use in just 15 minutes.
• Lightweight: It won't add heavy weight to already unstable soil.
• Waterproof: It will not wash away during heavy spring rains.
• Precise: It lifts the slab back to level, eliminating trip hazards.

If you are a homeowner or business owner in Fishkill or Ossining, NY, don’t ignore that uneven concrete. Contact our team to see if PolyLevel® is the right fix for your home.