Concrete Leveling
Raise sunken concrete slabs back to their original position without the cost of replacement.
Why Concrete Leveling Matters
Sunken or uneven concrete creates more than just an eyesore. It creates tripping hazards that put your family and guests at risk. Water pools in low spots, leading to erosion and further settling. Your property value takes a hit when potential buyers see damaged concrete surfaces. The good news is you do not need to replace the entire slab in most cases.
Concrete leveling, also called slab jacking or mudjacking, raises sunken concrete back to its original level by injecting material underneath the slab. This process is faster, less expensive, and less disruptive than tearing out and replacing concrete. You get the same end result without the hassle and high cost of a full replacement. Most leveling projects are completed in a few hours, and you can use the surface the same day.
We service driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and any other concrete flatwork that has settled. If you have noticed cracks, uneven surfaces, or pooling water, concrete leveling might be the solution you need. Our team assesses the damage and determines if leveling is the right fix for your situation. In many cases, we can save you thousands of dollars compared to replacement costs.
What Causes Concrete to Sink
Understanding why concrete sinks helps you prevent future problems. The most common cause is soil erosion underneath the slab. Water washes away soil particles over time, creating voids under your concrete. Without support, the concrete settles into these empty spaces. Poor compaction during original installation is another major factor. If the soil was not properly compacted before pouring, it will compress under the weight of the concrete and cause settling.
Freezing and thawing cycles in Ohio play a big role too. Water seeps into soil, freezes, expands, and then thaws. This cycle repeats throughout winter and spring, causing soil to shift and compact. Tree roots can also lift or shift concrete as they grow, creating uneven surfaces. Heavy loads on the concrete, like vehicles on driveways or equipment on patios, accelerate the settling process by compressing the soil underneath.
Leaking downspouts, poor grading, and drainage issues wash away soil faster. When you address these underlying problems along with leveling the concrete, you get a long-lasting repair. We evaluate the cause of settling during our inspection and recommend fixes to prevent it from happening again. Simply raising the concrete without addressing drainage or soil issues will lead to the same problem down the road.
How Concrete Leveling Works
The concrete leveling process is straightforward and minimally invasive. First, we drill small holes through the sunken slab, usually about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These holes are strategically placed to provide even lifting. Next, we inject a specialized material under the slab through these holes. The material fills voids and creates pressure that lifts the concrete back to its original level.
We use polyurethane foam or a cement-based slurry depending on your specific situation. Polyurethane foam is lightweight, expands quickly, and provides excellent long-term stability. The cement slurry is a traditional method that has been used for decades and works well for most applications. Both methods are effective, and we recommend the best option based on the condition of your concrete and soil.
After the slab is lifted to the correct height, we patch the injection holes with fresh concrete that matches your existing surface. The patches cure quickly and blend in with the surrounding area. Most projects take just a few hours from start to finish. You can walk on the concrete immediately and drive on it within 24 hours. Compare that to the weeks of downtime required for concrete replacement, and you can see why leveling is such a popular choice.
Benefits of Concrete Leveling
- Costs 50 to 70 percent less than concrete replacement
- Completed in hours instead of days or weeks
- No mess or demolition debris to clean up
- Environmentally friendly by reusing existing concrete
- Eliminates tripping hazards and improves safety
- Prevents water pooling and further damage
- Restores curb appeal and property value
When to Consider Leveling vs Replacement
Concrete leveling is not always the right solution. If your concrete is severely cracked, crumbling, or structurally damaged, replacement might be necessary. We perform a thorough inspection to determine if your concrete is a good candidate for leveling. Generally, if the slab is still intact and structurally sound, leveling will restore it to full functionality.
Minor cracks are not a problem and can be filled after leveling. However, large cracks that run through the entire slab or pieces that have broken away indicate deeper issues. Surface spalling, where the top layer of concrete flakes off, is mainly cosmetic and does not prevent leveling. We look at the overall condition of the concrete, the degree of settling, and your long-term goals to make the best recommendation.
Age is another factor. Older concrete that has reached the end of its lifespan might be better off replaced, especially if you want to upgrade the appearance or thickness. On the other hand, newer concrete that has settled prematurely is usually perfect for leveling. We give you honest advice about which option makes the most sense for your situation and budget. Our goal is to provide the most cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
If you are unsure whether your concrete needs leveling or replacement, give us a call. We offer free consultations and inspections. We measure the degree of settling, check for structural damage, and explain your options in plain language. You get a detailed quote for both leveling and replacement so you can make an informed decision. Many homeowners are surprised to learn they can save thousands of dollars by choosing leveling over replacement. Learn more about our full range of concrete services in Reynoldsburg or explore our concrete repair and replacement options.