leveling a concrete floor with slight settling

[Chris Bingham]

I have an up/down duplex I bought 10 yrs ago. The bottom unit has some settling in the living room. It has been there since I bought it. It isn't very significant, but here's the issue. I have renters moving out in a month and I think I'd like to replace the old carpet with hardwood floor looking linoleum (more durable). I want to flatten the concrete floor before I put the new linoleum down. I figure there has to be an easier way than using helical piers or something drastic. Is there an easier way to level the floor with quickcrete or something of that nature? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Chris Simmons]

Are their significant cracks throughout the floor? Since you are talking unleveled and possible piers, I assume there is something major going on.

If not, and the floor just wasn't properly leveled when they poured the pad, then you can use some delve leveling compound. It's like a real thin, runny concrete that you mix and pour on the floor. You then work it a little bit to make sure your target area is covered and bubbles are worked out. Then just let it set up per instructions and lay new floor.

If there are cracks, but not significant ones, less than 1/8", then you can fill it with hydraulic caulk. If greater than 1/8", talk to structural engineer.