Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken, uneven concrete without the cost and hassle of complete replacement.
Save Money by Leveling Instead of Replacing
Sunken or uneven concrete is more than just an eyesore. It creates trip hazards that can lead to injuries and lawsuits. Water pools in low spots instead of draining properly. Doors and gates do not close right. The problem gets worse over time as soil continues to settle and erosion washes away more support from underneath. Many homeowners think replacement is their only option, but concrete leveling offers a better solution in most cases.
Concrete leveling, also called slabjacking or mudjacking, raises sunken concrete back to its original position. The process costs a fraction of what you would pay for removal and replacement, typically 30 to 50 percent less. It takes just a few hours instead of several days. You can use your concrete the same day in most cases. Best of all, it solves the problem permanently when done correctly with proper techniques and materials.
Here in San Bruno, settling concrete is common because of our clay soils and varied terrain. Tree roots, water runoff, and soil erosion all contribute to the problem. We have lifted and leveled thousands of concrete slabs throughout the Bay Area. Our experience with local conditions means we know how to fix your concrete so it stays level for years to come.
How Concrete Leveling Works
The process is straightforward but requires skill and the right equipment. We start by drilling small holes through the sunken concrete, typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These holes are strategically placed based on where the slab needs support and lifting. The hole pattern depends on the size and shape of the slab and how much it has settled.
Once the holes are drilled, we pump a specialized lifting material underneath the concrete. Traditional mudjacking uses a mixture of cement, sand, and other additives. Modern polyurethane foam injection uses expanding foam that is lightweight but incredibly strong. Both methods work by filling voids under the slab and applying pressure that lifts the concrete back to the proper level.
As we pump material through each hole, we monitor the slab carefully with levels and laser equipment. The concrete starts to rise gradually. We work methodically, filling and lifting section by section until the entire slab is back where it belongs. The process requires patience and precision because you cannot rush lifting without risking cracks or uneven results. Once the slab reaches the correct height, we stop pumping and let the material set.
After leveling is complete, we patch the injection holes with concrete that matches your existing surface. Within a few hours, the patch material cures and you can walk on your concrete. The lifting material underneath continues to harden and strengthen, creating permanent support that prevents future settling in the treated areas.
What Concrete Leveling Can Fix
- Sunken driveway sections that create bumps or low spots
- Uneven patio slabs that tilt or have lips between sections
- Sidewalk panels that have settled and create trip hazards
- Garage floors that slope toward the house instead of the door
- Pool decks with uneven sections or drainage problems
- Concrete steps that have pulled away from porches or foundations
- Any concrete slab that has settled but is structurally sound
Mudjacking vs. Polyurethane Foam Injection
Traditional mudjacking has been around for decades. It uses a cement-based slurry that is heavy and strong. The material is affordable and works well for most applications. Mudjacking requires larger injection holes, usually 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, which are more visible after patching. The slurry adds significant weight under your slab, which can be a concern in areas with weak or unstable soil. Curing takes several hours before the concrete can be used.
Polyurethane foam injection is a newer technology that offers several advantages. The foam is extremely lightweight, adding almost no additional load to the soil underneath. It cures in minutes instead of hours, so you can use your concrete right away. The injection holes are much smaller, typically just 5/8 inch, making them less visible after repair. The foam is waterproof and will not wash out or deteriorate over time.
The downside of foam is cost. Polyurethane injection typically costs more than traditional mudjacking, though it is still much cheaper than replacement. For most residential applications, we recommend foam because the benefits outweigh the extra cost. For large commercial jobs or areas where cost is the primary concern, mudjacking remains an excellent option. We discuss both methods with you and help you choose what makes sense for your specific situation.
When Leveling Works and When It Does Not
Concrete leveling works great when the concrete itself is in good condition but has settled due to soil issues underneath. If your concrete is cracked but the cracks are not severe, we can often still level it successfully. Small cracks might even close up as the slab is lifted and stress is relieved. The key is that the concrete must be structurally sound enough to be lifted without breaking apart.
Leveling does not work well for concrete that is badly deteriorated, extensively cracked, or broken into many pieces. If your concrete is crumbling, spalling, or has steel reinforcement showing through, replacement is the better option. We can assess your concrete and give you honest advice about whether leveling will work or if you need replacement.
Sometimes we combine leveling with other repairs. For example, we might level a sunken patio and then seal cracks to prevent water infiltration. Or we could level a driveway section and replace an adjacent section that is too damaged to save. The goal is always to give you the most cost-effective solution that solves your problems and lasts for years.
Preventing Future Settlement
Leveling your concrete solves the immediate problem, but addressing what caused the settling prevents it from happening again. Poor drainage is the most common culprit. Water flowing under your concrete washes away soil and creates voids. We evaluate drainage around every leveling project and recommend improvements if needed. This might involve regrading soil, installing downspout extensions, or adding drainage systems.
Tree roots can push concrete up or create voids that lead to settling. If trees are causing your concrete problems, you might need to remove roots, install root barriers, or in extreme cases remove the tree. We help you identify root issues and discuss solutions that protect both your trees and your concrete when possible.
Soil erosion from sprinklers or poor grading gradually washes away support. Adjusting sprinkler heads, fixing leaking pipes, and improving soil grading all help prevent this type of erosion. Once your concrete is level, taking these preventive steps protects your investment and keeps everything stable for the long term.
The lifting material itself helps prevent future problems. When we inject material under your slab, we fill existing voids and create a solid base that resists erosion and settling. Polyurethane foam is particularly good at this because it is waterproof and does not break down. The result is concrete that is more stable than it was even when originally installed.