Concrete Leveling

What Is Concrete Leveling and Why You Need It

Concrete leveling, also called slab jacking or mud jacking, is a process that lifts sunken concrete back to its original position. Over time, the soil under your concrete can erode, compact, or wash away, causing slabs to sink and create uneven surfaces. This happens with driveways, sidewalks, patios, and even garage floors. Leveling fixes the problem by filling the voids under the slab and raising it back up, eliminating trip hazards and restoring proper drainage. It's a smart, cost-effective alternative to tearing out and replacing the entire slab.

Sunken concrete isn't just an eyesore. It's a safety hazard. Raised edges and uneven sections create trip hazards for you, your family, and visitors. If someone gets hurt on your property, you could be liable. Uneven concrete also causes drainage problems, allowing water to pool near your foundation instead of flowing away. This can lead to basement flooding, foundation damage, and erosion that makes the problem worse. In Fort Eisenhower's clay soil, where ground movement is common, concrete settling is a frequent issue that needs attention.

At FH Fort Eisenhower Concrete, we offer professional concrete leveling services using proven techniques. We assess your situation, determine what's causing the settling, and lift the concrete back into place. In many cases, leveling costs 50 to 70 percent less than replacement and takes just a day or two to complete. You get your space back quickly without the mess of demolition, hauling away debris, and waiting weeks for new concrete to cure.

Signs You Need Concrete Leveling

• Visible gaps or voids under concrete slabs
• Uneven sections creating trip hazards
• Water pooling on or near the concrete surface
• Cracks widening at the edges of settled sections
• Doors or windows sticking in adjacent structures
• Concrete that has sunk more than 2 inches
• Slabs that rock or move when you walk on them

Concrete Leveling Methods

Two main methods are used for leveling concrete: traditional mudjacking and polyurethane foam injection. Both work by filling voids under the slab and applying pressure to lift it. The best choice depends on your situation, budget, and how much the slab has settled.

Traditional Mudjacking

Mudjacking has been used for decades and is a reliable, affordable method for lifting concrete. We drill small holes through the slab, then pump a mixture of cement, sand, and water underneath. This slurry fills the voids and lifts the slab as we add material. Once the slab reaches the desired height, we stop pumping and patch the holes. The material sets within hours, and you can walk on the slab within 24 hours. Mudjacking works well for most residential applications like driveways, sidewalks, and patios. The main downside is the weight of the material, which can cause additional settling in very poor soil.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

Polyurethane foam leveling is a newer technology that uses expanding foam instead of heavy slurry. We drill smaller holes than mudjacking requires, inject the foam, and it expands to fill voids and lift the slab. The foam is extremely lightweight, so it doesn't add much load to the soil underneath. It also sets in minutes rather than hours, so you can use the area almost immediately. Foam is ideal for situations where soil is very weak or saturated, or where you need a quick turnaround. The tradeoff is higher cost, typically 50 to 100 percent more than mudjacking. For most Fort Eisenhower properties with clay soil, mudjacking provides excellent results at a better value.

When Leveling Isn't Enough

Leveling works best when the concrete itself is in good condition. If your slab has major cracks, extensive damage, or is breaking apart, leveling might only be a temporary fix. In these cases, we'll recommend repair or replacement as a more permanent solution. We're honest about what will and won't work because our goal is to solve your problem long-term, not just patch it temporarily. During our inspection, we'll assess the concrete, the soil, and the cause of settling to recommend the best approach.

The Leveling Process and What to Expect

Concrete leveling is faster and less invasive than replacement, but it still requires careful execution and the right equipment. Here's how the process works from start to finish:

Inspection and Assessment

We start by inspecting your concrete to understand how much it has settled and what's causing the problem. We check for voids under the slab, soil conditions, drainage issues, and any underlying problems like tree roots or erosion. This assessment helps us determine if leveling will work and how much material we'll need. We also look for cracks or damage that might affect the leveling process. Based on this inspection, we provide a detailed estimate and explain exactly what we'll do.

Drilling and Injection

On the day of the job, we drill holes in strategic locations on the slab. For mudjacking, these holes are typically 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. For foam injection, they're smaller, about the size of a penny. We insert a pump nozzle into each hole and inject material under the slab. As we pump, we monitor the slab's movement and adjust the amount of material to achieve the right height. This requires skill and experience because injecting too much or too fast can crack the concrete. We work methodically, lifting the slab gradually until it's level with adjacent sections.

Finishing and Cleanup

Once the slab is level, we patch the injection holes with concrete that matches the existing surface as closely as possible. For mudjacking, you need to stay off the slab for about 24 hours while the material cures. Foam sets much faster, often allowing use within an hour. We clean up any mess from drilling and leave your property looking neat. The entire process usually takes a few hours to a full day, depending on the size of the area. You get your space back quickly without the weeks of disruption that come with full replacement. We also provide recommendations for addressing the root cause, like improving drainage or compacting soil, to prevent future settling.

Frequently Asked Questions