Common Leveling Issues in Walkways and Concrete—and How Shims Solve Them

1. Common Leveling Issues in Walkways and Concrete—and How Shims Solve Them Uneven walkways and settling concrete can turn a clean landscape into a tripping hazard. In North Carolina’s varied soil conditions, issues like paver shifting, cracking, or sloping are common. Here's how the right shims address these problems, without resorting to heavy replacements. 1. Soil Settlement and Erosion Problem: Clay-rich soils of NC expand and contract with moisture, causing uneven surfaces under walkway pavers and concrete slabs. Solution: Use Walkway Paver Shims in NCto stabilize and re‑level individual pavers. These small plastic shims help you adjust height with precision—no tearing up the whole path. 2. Uneven Load Distribution Problem: Foot or vehicle traffic may concentrate weight in one area, making adjacent sections sink. Solution: Concrete leveling shims can fill voids beneath your North Carolinaslabs. You lift one edge slightly, insert a shim, and balance the load. The result? A solid, even surface capable of handling daily use. 3. Cracking at Joints or Edges Problem: Shifts in slab elevation often show up as cracks along edges or between pavers. These cracks widen over time, trapping water and weeds. Solution: Re‑level sections using durable, heavy-duty plastic shim options in NC. These shims resist degradation from moisture and maintain elevation longer than wood or metal alternatives. How to Apply Shims—A Practical Use‑Case Here’s a step-by-step method for correcting a sloping sidewalk:

2. 1.Identify problem spots – Walk the area and mark low or sloped sections. 2.Lift affected segments – Use a pry bar to gently lift pavers or concrete edges by around ¼–½ inch. 3.Insert shims – Place walkway paver shims under the lifted edge. If it’s a concrete slab, use concrete leveling shims in North Carolina designed to hold heavier loads. 4.Check alignment – Use a level to ensure the surface sits flush with adjacent sections. Adjust the shim thickness as needed. 5.Compact soil or sand base – Once proper height is achieved, refill underneath with compacted material to support the shim. 6.Secure surface – For pavers, add jointing sand; for concrete, patch small gaps with a compatible filler. Why Professionals Choose Plastic Shims ● Durability: The heavy-duty plastic shim available in NC resists moisture and UV exposure. ● Precision: Manufactured for consistent thickness—ideal for professional-grade leveling. ● Non‑corrosive: Unlike metal, these shims won’t rust or stain nearby surfaces. ● Load rated: Designed for structural stability, they hold under pressure without crushing. Beyond Walkways: Doors and Structural Elements Leveling isn’t limited to ground surfaces. For example, installing load bearing shims for doors in Georgia homes, professionals use heavy-duty plastic shims to ensure door frames sit plumb and bear weight correctly. Though this example is for a

3. different region, it highlights the versatility of plastic shims in structural applications across regions. Benefits of Using Shims vs. Replacement Concern Reshing a Section with Shims Full Replacement of Pavers/Concrete Cost Low—shims and minimal material High—tear out, haul away, lay new surface Days to weeks—setup, curing time Time Quick—repair in hours Disruption Minor—localized work Major—entire walkway disturbed Longevity Lasts years when base solid New materials but same soil issues Tips for Lasting Results ● Track soil changes seasonally—especially after heavy rain in NC, revisit shims to ensure they hold. ● Use multiple shims (stack if needed) to fill larger gaps without over‑lifting. ● Match material types—don’t mix wood with plastic; choose shims rated for outdoor and underground use. Final Thoughts Uneven walkways and cracked concrete aren’t just unsightly—they pose risks. Tackling these issues with walkway pavers shims, and Concrete Leveling Shims in North Carolina offers a fast, cost‑effective, and reliable fix. Whether addressing a

4. sunken paver or leveling a concrete step, using a heavy-duty plastic shim ensures durability. And remember, professionals even rely on load-bearing shims for doorsin structural work. Make leveling smarter, not harder. Start small, assess every season, and save time, hassle, and your money by choosing the right shim solution.