5 Concrete Problem Areas We See Most in Eastern & Central Washington

In Eastern and Central Washington, we enjoy four true seasons—but that also means our concrete takes a beating year-round. From Yakima’s summer heat to Ellensburg’s icy winters, the freeze-thaw cycle, irrigation-heavy landscapes, and shifting soil can all lead to uneven, cracked, or sinking concrete.

At Level Best Northwest, we’ve lifted thousands of slabs across the region. Here are five of the most common problem areas we see and why they matter.

1. Driveways with Heavy Irrigation Nearby

Driveways often suffer when sprinkler systems or irrigation lines leak or oversaturate nearby soil. This softens the subgrade, causing slabs to sink—especially along edges. We frequently lift concrete in newer subdivisions where landscaping and irrigation weren’t designed with long-term soil stability in mind.

Tip: Direct sprinkler heads away from concrete and check for slow leaks.

2. Sidewalks Along Tree-Lined Streets

Roots from mature trees like maple, pine, and ash can slowly push sidewalks upward, while soil erosion underneath leads to the opposite—sunken, shifting panels that become trip hazards. It’s a common issue in older neighborhoods in Yakima and Selah.

Why it matters: ADA compliance and public safety often require quick attention to uneven walkways.

3. Garage Floors & Shop Spaces

We often get calls from homeowners noticing large cracks or dips in their garage floors. In many parts of Central WA, loose or poorly compacted fill beneath the slab can settle over time—especially with repeated vehicle pressure.

Bonus: Polyurethane lifting can restore your garage floor without tearing it out or moving equipment.

4. Slabs Near Retaining Walls or Slopes

Kittitas County is full of properties with beautiful mountain views—but sloped terrain brings drainage challenges. Water runoff and poor soil compaction near retaining walls or hillsides can accelerate settling in patios, stairs, or walkway pads.

Solution: Lifting these slabs helps redirect water flow, improving both safety and drainage.

5. Commercial Storefront Entrances

We’ve helped small businesses and larger commercial buildings in Yakima, Kennewick, and Moses Lake correct sunken entry slabs. This is often caused by foot traffic, snowmelt, and older drainage systems that let water pool under the concrete.

Liability risk: Uneven entries aren’t just unsightly—they can lead to trip-and-fall claims.

Your Concrete Might Be Talking—Are You Listening?

Sinking concrete doesn’t fix itself. The earlier you catch it, the easier (and more affordable) it is to level.

At Level Best Northwest, we use Eco-Rise polyurethane foam to lift and stabilize your slab—fast, clean, and built to last.

Serving Yakima, Ellensburg, Tri-Cities, and beyond. Let’s get your surfaces back on solid ground.

Call 509-424-5188 or visit www.levelbestnorthwest.com to schedule your free inspection today.