If you’ve ever driven through Squirrel Hill or walked along the sidewalks in the South Side Flats, you’ve probably noticed how uneven some of the pavement can get. In a city like Pittsburgh, where freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soils are part of everyday life, it’s common for asphalt and concrete surfaces to become bumpy, cracked, or sunken over time.
But knowing this can save you a lot of stress, time, and money: You don’t always have to rip everything out and start over. There are smart, cost-effective ways to fix uneven paving in Pittsburgh without going for a full replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Pittsburgh’s freeze-thaw cycles and clay-heavy soil cause pavement to crack, shift, or sink in many neighborhoods.
- Asphalt leveling using infrared repair or overlays works well for small dips in hilly spots like Bloomfield.
- Concrete slab lifting with mudjacking or polyjacking helps fix sunken sidewalks around older homes in Point Breeze.
- Crack filling and sealcoating are low-cost ways to smooth surfaces in areas like Swissvale before winter hits hard.
- Partial replacements are ideal for damaged corners or sections in tight neighborhoods like Polish Hill or Troy Hill.
Fixing Uneven Paving in Pittsburgh Without Tearing It All Out
Uneven pavement in Pittsburgh doesn’t always mean you need a full tear-out. With the right repair method, you can restore safety and curb appeal without the mess, cost, or downtime of total replacement.
Let’s unpack the things involved in this challenge.
Why Paving Gets Uneven in Pittsburgh
Before we talk fixes, let’s break down the usual suspects behind uneven pavement here in the Steel City:
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Pittsburgh winters are no joke. As water seeps into cracks and freezes, it expands, which can push pavement upward or cause it to crack. When it melts, the surface settles unevenly.
- Clay-heavy soil: Areas like Mt. Washington and Greenfield have soil that expands and contracts with moisture, which shifts pavement over time.
- Tree roots: In older neighborhoods like Shadyside or Highland Park, mature trees can send roots under driveways and sidewalks, lifting or cracking the surface.
- Poor drainage: Low spots in places like Beechview or near Frick Park can collect water, softening the ground underneath and causing the pavement to sink or break apart.
Now let’s get into how to fix it—without tearing everything up.
1. Asphalt Leveling (Infrared or Overlay)
If you’re dealing with dips or low spots in your driveway or parking lot—especially common in Pittsburgh’s hilly areas like Bloomfield—asphalt leveling could be your best bet.
- Infrared repair: This uses heat to soften the existing asphalt. Once it’s pliable, new asphalt is mixed in and re-compacted for a seamless patch. It’s great for small sunken areas or depressions from vehicle traffic or water damage.
- Overlaying: A thin layer of new asphalt is applied over the old surface. This can even things out, but it works best when the underlying surface is still structurally sound.
Best for: Residential driveways in Lawrenceville, small commercial lots, or alleys where patchy surfaces aren’t yet crumbling.
2. Concrete Slab Lifting (Mudjacking or Polyjacking)
For sidewalks or patios—especially around older homes near Regent Square or Point Breeze—slab lifting can be a game-changer.
- Mudjacking: A slurry mixture is pumped beneath the sunken concrete to lift it back into place.
- Polyjacking: Similar to mudjacking, but uses lightweight polyurethane foam that expands and sets quickly.
Both methods are less invasive and far cheaper than full slab replacement, and they work well in tight urban areas where access might be limited.
Best for: Uneven sidewalks, steps, and patios around older Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
3. Crack Filling and Sealcoating
If your uneven pavement is mostly from minor cracks and surface wear, a simple crack fill and sealcoat job can smooth things out—especially on asphalt driveways or paths in areas like Swissvale or Edgewood.
- Crack filling prevents water intrusion, which is crucial before another Pittsburgh winter hits.
- Sealcoating gives the surface a uniform appearance and adds a protective layer to slow future damage.
Best for: Preventive pavement maintenance and improving appearance without major cost.
4. Drainage Improvements
In places like the Strip District or along the riverfront where water pooling is a major issue, uneven paving might come down to poor drainage.
Fixing the slope, adding a French drain, or redirecting downspouts can prevent further settling or erosion under the pavement.
Best for: Problem areas near retaining walls, basements, or low spots that never seem to dry out.
5. Partial Replacement
Sometimes, just one section is beyond saving—like a cracked slab near your garage entrance or a sinking corner near the front steps.
Instead of a full replacement, targeted removal and replacement lets you fix only the damaged areas while preserving the rest of the surface. This is common in tighter neighborhoods like Polish Hill or Troy Hill where access and space are limited.
Best for: Areas that would benefit from a more comprehensive solution to ensure long-term durability, as patching or leveling alone may not provide lasting results.
Don’t Let Uneven Pavement Become a Bigger Problem
Whether it’s cracking, sinking, or heaving, uneven paving only gets worse if ignored—especially with Pittsburgh’s seasonal swings. The right repair method depends on the cause and severity, but a full replacement isn’t always the answer.
Take the First Step Toward Safer, Smoother Surfaces
Stop Tripping Over That Uneven Slab
Living in Pittsburgh means dealing with hills, weather, and aging infrastructure—but it doesn’t mean you have to live with unsafe or unsightly pavement. Whether you’re in the North Hills, Dormont, or right by Schenley Park, uneven surfaces can be fixed without tearing everything out.
At Brant’s Asphalt, we specialize in affordable, lasting paving repairs that make your property safer and better-looking—without blowing your budget. From asphalt leveling to slab lifting and everything in between, we’ll help you find the right fix for your home or business.
Call us today to schedule a free estimate or learn more about how we can restore your pavement—without starting from scratch.
