The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Lifting
By Leah Leitow
Keeping your concrete surfaces level and safe is crucial, but it’s frustrating when your driveway, sidewalk, or patio starts to show signs of sinking or cracking.
These issues often sneak up on us, caused by soil erosion, water damage, or just the effects of time. These problems can feel overwhelming—not only do they pose safety risks, but they can also affect your home’s appearance and value.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the signs of uneven concrete and discuss the best ways to fix it so you can feel confident that your home is safe and well-maintained.
Let’s take the first step toward solving the problem together.
What Is Concrete Lifting and Leveling?
Concrete lifting and leveling involve raising and stabilizing sunken or uneven concrete slabs to restore them to their original position.
Uneven concrete can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as soil settlement, erosion, or water infiltration beneath the surface. When concrete sinks or becomes uneven, it can create safety hazards and lead to further damage.
There are several methods for lifting and leveling concrete, depending on the severity of the problem and its underlying cause. Common techniques include:
- Polyurethane Foam Injection: This method involves injecting a lightweight, expanding polyurethane foam under the sunken concrete slab. As the foam expands, it fills any voids and lifts the concrete back to its original level. This technique is fast, minimally invasive, and effective for most types of concrete surfaces.
- Mudjacking: Also known as slab jacking, this technique involves pumping a slurry of cement, sand, and water beneath the slab to raise it back to its original position. Mudjacking may not be suitable for all situations and can wash out easily.
- Concrete Resurfacing: When concrete surfaces are only slightly uneven or damaged, resurfacing can provide a fresh, smooth layer over the existing slab. This method enhances appearance but doesn’t address underlying stability issues.
- Piering Solutions: In cases where the underlying soil has caused severe settling of porches, piers may be installed beneath the concrete to provide additional support and prevent further sinking.
Whether you’re dealing with a sinking driveway, an uneven sidewalk, or a sloping patio, Groundworks has the expertise and tools to provide a lasting solution. Explore the following sections to learn more about concrete lifting and leveling options that can restore your surfaces and maintain the value and safety of your home.
7 Benefits of Concrete Lifting
Concrete issues can be tricky to handle, and selecting the correct repair can be confusing, given all the factors involved.
Instead of spending repeatedly on quick fixes, consider choosing a solution designed to stand the test of time.
- Shorter-Than-Average Cure Times
- A Waterproof Barrier and Lift
- A Chemical Barrier
- Lightweight Materials and Equipment
- Minimally Invasive Installation
- Clean and Easy Installation
- Cost-Effective, Lasting Solution
PolyRenewal™ offers durable stabilization and is an effective solution for repairing sunken or uneven concrete in any setting.
Why Does Concrete Crack?: The Top 7 Causes
Concrete might look tough, but it’s got its weaknesses, too! From shifting soils to harsh weather, cracks appear for many reasons. We’re breaking down the top 7 causes so you can keep your concrete looking smooth and strong.
- Soil Characteristics
- Water Erosion
- Root Intrusion
- Drought Conditions
- Improper Installation
- Excessive Weight
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Concrete can crack and sustain damage for many reasons, and it’s important to diagnose these causes to implement the best solution properly.
What Is Concrete Made Of?
Concrete is a versatile and durable building material with several key ingredients that form a strong, solid mass. Here’s a quick breakdown of what goes into making concrete:
- Cement: The binding agent that holds the mixture together. Typically, Portland cement is used, which hardens when mixed with water.
- Water: Reacts with cement to form a paste that coats and binds the aggregates. The water-to-cement ratio is crucial for determining the concrete’s strength and durability.
- Aggregates: Coarse materials like gravel, crushed stone, and sand provide bulk and stability. Aggregates comprise most of the concrete mix and are essential for its strength.
- Additives or Admixtures: Chemical additives may be included to modify the properties of concrete, such as accelerating curing time, improving workability, or enhancing durability against extreme weather.
Concrete’s unique composition allows it to be molded into various shapes, making it a popular choice for construction projects worldwide. Understanding its ingredients helps in selecting the right mix for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Concrete Crack Inspection Guide
Regular concrete crack inspections are essential for maintaining your home’s safety and stability. They help identify minor issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
Depending on the type of crack and the underlying cause, different inspection methods are needed to assess the situation accurately. From surface cracks to deeper structural issues, knowing which inspection is right for your specific problem is the first step toward a proper repair.
Concrete Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?
Deciding between repairing or replacing your concrete can feel like choosing between a quick patch-up and a full-blown makeover.
If you’re staring at cracks, chips, or uneven slabs and wondering which way to go, it comes down to the extent of the damage, your budget, and how long you want the fix to last.
Making the right call now can save you from bigger headaches (and costs) down the road.
How to Raise Sunken Concrete
Dealing with a sunken driveway or patio that’s starting to show its age?
Don’t worry—you don’t have to settle for those annoying dips and trip hazards!
Raising sunken concrete can be simpler than you might think. From old-school options to professional solutions like polyurethane foam injections, this article covers the most effective methods to bring your concrete back to its original level.
Say goodbye to uneven surfaces and restore your home’s safety and curb appeal with confidence!
Top 5 Common Concrete Problems & How to Fix Them
Concrete is tough, but it’s not invincible! Issues can pop up when you least expect them. We’re exploring the top five common concrete problems that homeowners face and sharing practical tips on how to tackle them.
- Improper Curing
- Concrete Cracks
- Installation Mistakes
- Uneven Concrete
- Pitting, Flaking, and Staining
Need Concrete Lifting? Groundworks Can Help!
Feeling unsure about how to handle your sinking or uneven concrete? It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. That’s why it’s a great idea to get quotes from trusted experts and understand the best solutions for lifting and leveling your concrete.
At Groundworks, we know just how important your exterior concrete is. As the nation’s leading repair company, we’re here to give you straightforward, reliable advice. After all, we’re homeowners, too, and we get it.
Contact your local Groundworks team and schedule a free inspection today. Let’s get your concrete level again.
The More You Know…
DIY vs. Professional Concrete Crack Repair
When faced with cracks in concrete surfaces, the temptation to fix them yourself can be strong. This page explains what you need to know first.
Why Should You Invest In PolyRenewal™ Injections?
When the concrete around your home starts to show signs of wear and tear, you might wonder why Groundworks’ PolyRenewal™ injections are the right investment for you. Learn more here.
Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Foam: Which Is Better for Concrete Leveling?
Polyurethane foam injection and mudjacking are common concrete lifting solutions, but which one is best? The answer might surprise you, read this page to learn more!
The Cost of Concrete Leveling
Curious about the cost of concrete leveling? Discover what factors influence the price and why investing in professional services can save you money in the long run. Learn more here.
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Steve and the entire team were fantastic! Steve was very friendly, came out quickly, gave an informed assessment of our sagging front porch …
Steve and the entire team were fantastic! Steve was very friendly, came out quickly, gave an informed assessment of our sagging front porch and turned around service within 1-2 weeks time. Marcos and Eduardo did the job and even went above and beyond helping us cut back some stucco for a full finish/framing. Couldn’t be happier
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Coming into this appointment I was very nervous, but Trent and Cody immediately calmed me as I could sense their expertise in the work,…
Coming into this appointment I was very nervous, but Trent and Cody immediately calmed me as I could sense their expertise in the work, their ability to communicate the process, their affability, and their pride of work. I could not be happier!!! A big THANKS to Trent and Cody……………:)))))))
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David, Deigo, and Jay were amazing. Great work by these guys. All the crews are super friendly, polite, and work hard. I had 3 different…
David, Deigo, and Jay were amazing. Great work by these guys. All the crews are super friendly, polite, and work hard. I had 3 different crews at my house at different times and they were all great. After work was completed we were happy with the results.
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We purchased our retirement home a year ago, and knew there had been foundation repairs. However, nothing prepared us for major headache…
We purchased our retirement home a year ago, and knew there had been foundation repairs. However, nothing prepared us for major headache of getting the warranty honored from the other company. Thus, we decided to get 3 estimates and settled on Foundation Support Specialists. From the initial consultation from Jay Brooks to the crew of Jose N, Tyler C, and Ricky R; we are thrilled with our results. The crew was respectful of our home and the fact that we had done so much landscaping around the house. Don’t settle for the cheapest bid, but the best company.
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Danila and Valeri showed up on time, surveyed the worksite with me, and explained what they would do to correct our problem. When they…
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Concrete Leveling FAQs
The effectiveness of concrete lifting in repairing cracks varies based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the lifting process can significantly diminish their visibility. In some cases, the elevation of the concrete may be sufficient to completely close small cracks.
However, when dealing with extensive or severe cracks, lifting alone may not be adequate. In such instances, complete replacement of the concrete section might be the only viable solution to fully address the problem.
It depends on the method selected. Polyurethane foam injection addresses the soil instability or voids under the slab by stabilizing the soil beneath it.
Protect your home’s concrete surfaces through sealing techniques, ensuring proper drainage to avoid erosion, evenly distributing weight, and regular inspection and maintenance.
Leah Leitow
Related Resources
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.