Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken concrete and eliminate trip hazards without the cost of full replacement.
Understanding Sunken Concrete Problems
Over time, concrete slabs can sink or settle, creating uneven surfaces that are both unsightly and dangerous. This happens when the soil underneath the concrete shifts, compacts, or washes away. You end up with trip hazards, water pooling, and sections that are noticeably lower than they should be. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and even garage floors can all develop these problems.
Many homeowners think they need to replace the entire concrete section, which can be expensive and disruptive. But if the concrete itself is still in good condition, leveling is often a better solution. When Port Salerno Concrete Master levels your concrete, we lift the sunken sections back to their original height, eliminating trip hazards and restoring proper drainage. This process costs a fraction of replacement and can be completed in just a few hours.
Common Signs You Need Concrete Leveling
- •Uneven Surfaces: Visible height differences between concrete sections create tripping hazards and look unprofessional.
- •Water Pooling: Sunken areas collect water after rain instead of draining properly, leading to staining and further deterioration.
- •Gaps at Joints: Settlement causes separation between concrete sections or where concrete meets structures like your house.
- •Cracks from Movement: Uneven settling creates stress that leads to cracking, especially near the edges of sunken sections.
How Concrete Leveling Works
Concrete leveling, also called slab jacking or mud jacking, is a process that lifts sunken concrete back to its proper level. The basic concept is simple: we pump material under the slab to fill voids and raise the concrete. The process is minimally invasive, completed quickly, and much less expensive than replacing the concrete.
The Leveling Process
We start by drilling small holes through the sunken concrete slab. These holes are typically about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and are strategically placed based on where the slab needs support. Then we pump a specialized material underneath the slab through these holes. As the material fills the voids under the slab, it lifts the concrete gradually until it reaches the desired height.
We carefully monitor the lifting process to ensure the slab rises evenly and does not over-lift. Once the slab is at the correct height, we stop pumping and patch the holes. The material underneath sets up quickly, providing stable support. Most leveling jobs are completed in just a few hours, and you can use the concrete again almost immediately. If you have concrete that is beyond leveling, we also provide concrete replacement services.
Materials We Use
Traditional mud jacking uses a cement-based slurry mixture that is pumped under the slab. This material is cost-effective and works well for most applications. Newer methods use polyurethane foam that expands and hardens under the slab. Foam is lighter weight and provides faster curing, but costs more. We help you choose the right material based on your specific situation, soil conditions, and budget.
Why Choose Leveling Over Replacement
If your concrete is structurally sound but just sunken or uneven, leveling makes a lot more sense than replacement. You save money, time, and hassle while solving the problem effectively. Here is why so many Port Salerno homeowners choose leveling when their concrete settles.
Cost Savings
Leveling typically costs about half as much as replacing the same area of concrete. You are not paying for demolition, removal, disposal, or new concrete. You are simply lifting what is already there. For large areas like driveways or patios, these savings can be substantial. The concrete you already have can last many more years once it is properly supported again.
Speed and Convenience
Most leveling jobs are completed in just a few hours. There is no waiting a week for new concrete to cure. You can walk on leveled concrete immediately, and you can usually drive on it within 24 hours. Compare this to replacement, which requires demolition, site prep, pouring, and at least a week of curing time. Leveling causes minimal disruption to your daily routine.
Environmental Benefits
Leveling existing concrete is more environmentally friendly than replacement. You are not creating waste that goes to landfills or using energy and resources to manufacture new concrete. For homeowners concerned about their environmental impact, leveling is the greener choice. If you need other concrete work done alongside leveling, check out our sidewalk and walkway services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have sunken or uneven concrete? We can help. Contact us for a free assessment.
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