Concrete Leveling

Fix Sunken Concrete Without Tearing It Out

Sunken or uneven concrete creates real problems. It creates trip hazards that can cause injuries. It allows water to pool instead of draining properly. It makes your property look neglected. And if left alone, the problem only gets worse as more soil washes away underneath. Traditional solutions meant tearing out the concrete and starting over, which is expensive, disruptive, and time-consuming.

Concrete leveling offers a better solution. This technique lifts sunken slabs back to their original height without replacement. The process is faster, costs about half what replacement would run, and you can use the area the same day. For driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage floors that have settled, leveling is almost always the smarter choice than replacement.

Why Concrete Settles and Sinks

• Soil underneath washes away from poor drainage
• Ground compresses under the weight over time
• Tree roots grow and then decay leaving voids
• Inadequate soil compaction during original installation
• Freeze-thaw cycles cause soil movement
• Water erosion creates empty spaces under slabs

How Concrete Leveling Works

We use a process called polyurethane foam injection, also known as poly leveling or foam jacking. First, we drill small holes through the sunken concrete, typically about the size of a penny. These holes are barely noticeable and we fill them when we finish.

Next, we inject expanding polyurethane foam through these holes. The foam flows into the voids underneath the concrete and expands. As it expands, it gently lifts the slab. We monitor the lift carefully and stop when the concrete reaches the correct height. The foam continues expanding slightly to fill all voids and compact the surrounding soil.

The foam cures in about 15 minutes and reaches full strength quickly. It is lightweight so it will not add stress to the soil. It is also waterproof so it will not wash away like the original fill material. The result is a stable base that supports the concrete and prevents future settling.

The entire process takes just a few hours for most residential projects. You can walk on the leveled concrete immediately and drive on it within an hour. Compare this to replacement, which requires excavation, base preparation, pouring, and several days of curing before use. Leveling gets your concrete back in service the same day with minimal disruption to your property.

Where Concrete Leveling Works Best

Concrete leveling works for almost any settled concrete slab. Driveways are one of the most common applications. The approach to your garage often settles because it is at the edge of the slab where soil support is weakest. Leveling brings it back flush with the garage floor, eliminating the bump and preventing water from flowing toward the garage.

Sidewalks and walkways develop trip hazards when sections settle at different rates. One panel might drop an inch or two lower than the next, creating a dangerous edge. Leveling brings everything back flush so people can walk safely. This is especially important for public sidewalks where property owners are liable for trip and fall injuries.

Patio slabs that have settled create drainage problems. Instead of water flowing away from your house, it pools on the patio or runs toward the foundation. Leveling restores proper slope so water drains correctly. This protects your home from water damage and makes the patio more enjoyable to use.

Garage floors, pool decks, and basement floors can also be leveled when they settle. The technique works anywhere you have a concrete slab with empty space underneath. However, leveling does not fix concrete that is severely cracked, broken into pieces, or has structural damage. For those situations, repair or replacement is the better option. We evaluate your concrete and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Frequently Asked Questions