Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken, uneven concrete slabs without the cost and mess of full replacement using proven leveling techniques.
Why Sunken Concrete Is More Than Just an Eyesore
That sunken section of your driveway or sidewalk might not seem like a big deal, but it causes more problems than you think. Water pools in the low spots instead of draining away. Ice forms there in winter, creating slip hazards. The uneven surface trips people and damages lawnmower blades. And the problem usually gets worse over time as more soil washes out from underneath.
Concrete doesn't just sink on its own. Something underneath is causing the problem, usually soil that has washed away, compacted from heavy loads, or settled naturally over time. Once voids form under your concrete, gravity does the rest. The good news is that in many cases, you can lift and level that concrete without tearing it out and starting over.
Signs You Need Concrete Leveling
- •Uneven sections: One part of your driveway or walkway is noticeably lower than the rest
- •Trip hazards: Lips between slabs where one has settled more than its neighbor
- •Water pooling: Standing water that used to drain away now sits in low spots
- •Gaps forming: Space opening up between the concrete and your foundation or steps
The earlier you address settling concrete, the easier and less expensive it is to fix. Small amounts of settlement are simple to correct. Major settling that's been ignored for years often requires more extensive work or even replacement if the concrete has cracked badly.
How We Level Your Concrete
There are two main ways to lift settled concrete, and we use both depending on your situation. Each method has its place, and we'll recommend what makes the most sense for your specific problem.
Mudjacking (Slabjacking)
Mudjacking is the traditional method that's been around for decades. We drill holes about 2 inches in diameter through your concrete slab. Then we pump a thick slurry mixture of cement, soil, sand, and other materials underneath the slab. As the mixture fills the voids, it lifts the concrete back to the correct level.
The mixture is heavy, which helps stabilize the soil underneath. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to replacement. The holes we drill are patched with concrete that blends reasonably well with the existing surface. The main downside is that the slurry can be messy if it squeezes out, and it adds weight to potentially unstable soil.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
The newer method uses expanding polyurethane foam instead of a cement slurry. We drill much smaller holes (about the size of a penny) and inject foam that expands and hardens in minutes. The foam is incredibly lightweight but strong, and it won't add weight to already compromised soil.
Foam injection is faster, cleaner, and more precise than mudjacking. The cure time is measured in minutes instead of hours or days. The smaller holes are less noticeable after patching. The tradeoff is higher material costs, though you often save money on labor and cleanup.
For most residential projects around Richmond, we find that foam injection gives better long-term results, especially in areas with soil movement or moisture issues. But mudjacking still makes sense for large commercial projects or situations where budget is the primary concern.
Whichever method we use, the goal is the same: fill the voids under your concrete, lift it back to the proper grade, and stabilize the base so it doesn't settle again. We also make sure drainage is improved so water doesn't cause the same problem down the road.
Leveling vs. Replacement: What Makes Sense?
The big question most people have is whether to level existing concrete or tear it out and replace it. Here's how we think about that decision.
When Leveling Is the Right Choice
If your concrete is structurally sound but has just settled unevenly, leveling is almost always more cost-effective. You're looking at roughly 50-70% less cost compared to full replacement. The work is done in hours instead of days, with minimal disruption to your property. And you keep the concrete you already have instead of adding to landfills.
Leveling works great for sunken driveways, settled sidewalks, tilted garage floors, and uneven patio slabs. As long as the concrete isn't severely cracked or deteriorated, we can usually lift it successfully.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
If your concrete is badly cracked, breaking apart, or has surface deterioration from years of freeze-thaw cycles, leveling might be a waste of money. You'll end up with level concrete that's still in poor condition. In those cases, replacement gives you a fresh start with new concrete that will last another 30 years.
Sometimes we find during inspection that the settling is caused by serious foundation issues or ongoing water problems that need to be addressed first. In those situations, we'll be honest about what needs to happen before leveling makes sense.
We'll come out, assess your situation, and give you an honest recommendation. If leveling will solve your problem for years to come, we'll tell you. If you're better off with concrete replacement, we'll explain why. Our goal is to give you the best long-term solution, not just sell you whatever service costs more.
Common Questions About Concrete Leveling
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