Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken and uneven concrete slabs without the cost and mess of replacement.
Why Concrete Sinks and Settles
Uneven concrete is more than just an eyesore. It creates trip hazards, causes water to pool in the wrong places, and makes your property look neglected. The good news is you usually do not need to tear out and replace settled concrete. Concrete leveling lifts sunken slabs back to their original position at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Concrete settles when the soil underneath it shifts, compacts, or washes away. In Farmers Branch and throughout North Texas, our clay soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This constant movement can create voids under concrete slabs. Poor drainage makes the problem worse by washing soil out from under the concrete. Tree roots can also displace soil and cause settling.
Once a slab settles, it only gets worse over time. Water flows into the low spots and erodes more soil. The gap underneath grows larger and the slab settles further. What starts as a small problem becomes a major safety issue. We fix these problems before they get out of hand using proven leveling techniques that last for years.
How Concrete Leveling Works
We use two main methods to lift and level sunken concrete. Both work well, and we recommend the best option based on your specific situation.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
This modern technique uses expanding polyurethane foam to lift concrete. We drill small holes through the slab and inject foam underneath. The foam expands to fill voids and lift the concrete. It cures in minutes and is incredibly lightweight, so it will not add extra weight to the soil. The holes are patched and barely visible when done. This method is fast, clean, and you can use the concrete the same day.
Mudjacking (Slab Jacking)
Mudjacking pumps a mixture of cement, sand, and water under the slab through larger holes. The mixture fills the void and lifts the concrete. It is a tried-and-true method that has been used for decades. Mudjacking costs less than foam injection but takes longer to cure. The holes are also larger, though we patch them to match the surrounding concrete. This method works great for driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
Which Method is Right for You
Polyurethane foam is better for areas with weak soil or where weight is a concern. It is also cleaner and faster. Mudjacking is more affordable and works well for most residential applications. We evaluate your concrete and soil conditions to recommend the best approach for lasting results. If you have other concrete damage beyond settling, explore our repair and replacement services for comprehensive solutions.
Benefits of Leveling Over Replacement
When you have sunken concrete, you face a choice. Replace it completely or level what you have. Here is why leveling usually makes more sense.
- Much lower cost: Leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than tearing out and replacing concrete. You save thousands of dollars on larger projects.
- Faster completion: Most leveling jobs take just a few hours. Replacement takes several days plus curing time before you can use the concrete.
- Less mess and disruption: No jackhammers, no dump trucks hauling away broken concrete, and no heavy equipment tearing up your yard.
- Environmentally friendly: You keep the existing concrete instead of sending it to a landfill. This reduces waste and the carbon footprint of producing new concrete.
- Same day use: With foam injection, you can drive or walk on the leveled concrete within hours. No waiting a week for concrete to cure.
- Long-lasting results: Properly done leveling lasts 10 years or more. The materials used are permanent and do not break down over time.
The only time replacement makes more sense is when the concrete itself is badly cracked or deteriorating. If the slab is in good condition but just uneven, leveling is the smart choice. We can level driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and more. Need new concrete instead? Check out our driveway installation or sidewalk services for complete installations. Get in touch for a free evaluation and leveling quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete leveling cost?▼
Concrete leveling typically costs $5 to $15 per square foot depending on the method used and how much the slab has settled. Foam injection is usually on the higher end of that range, while mudjacking is more affordable. A typical driveway panel that has settled 2 to 3 inches might cost $300 to $600 to level. Compare that to $1,500 to $2,500 to replace the same section. The exact price depends on accessibility, how much material is needed, and whether any underlying drainage issues need addressing.
How long does leveled concrete last?▼
When done properly, concrete leveling can last 10 to 15 years or more. The materials we use are permanent and do not deteriorate. However, if the original cause of settling is not addressed, the concrete may settle again. That is why we identify drainage problems or other issues during our inspection. If water continues to wash away soil or tree roots keep growing, you might need future work. In most cases, fixing these underlying problems during the leveling process ensures the repair lasts as long as the concrete itself.
Can all settled concrete be leveled?▼
Most settled concrete can be leveled, but there are some limitations. If the slab is badly cracked, broken into pieces, or severely deteriorated, replacement is a better option. Leveling works best when the concrete is structurally sound but just uneven. We also cannot lift slabs that have settled more than about 6 inches in most cases. During our inspection, we determine whether leveling will work for your situation or if replacement is necessary. We always give you honest recommendations based on what will give you the best long-term results.