Concrete Leveling

What Is Concrete Leveling

Concrete leveling, also called mudjacking or slab jacking, is a process that raises sunken concrete back to its original position. Instead of tearing out and replacing concrete that has settled, we inject material underneath the slab to lift it back up. This method is much faster and more affordable than replacement, and it can restore your concrete to perfect condition in just hours instead of days.

Concrete slabs sink when the soil underneath them settles, washes away, or compacts over time. This is especially common in areas with clay soils like we have in Roanoke Rapids. Heavy rain can wash out soil under slabs, creating voids that allow concrete to settle. Poor compaction during original construction also leads to settling over time as the soil naturally compacts under the weight of the concrete.

Sunken concrete creates several problems. Uneven slabs are trip hazards that can cause injuries and liability issues. Water pools in low spots, creating drainage problems and accelerating deterioration. Gaps form between slabs allowing water to wash away more soil and making the problem worse. Sunken sections also look bad and hurt your property value. Leveling fixes all these issues without the cost and disruption of replacement.

We use concrete leveling to fix sunken driveways, settled sidewalks, uneven patios, garage floors with low spots, and any other concrete slab that has dropped. The process works for both residential and commercial properties. As long as the concrete itself is in good condition without major cracking or damage, leveling is usually the best solution.

How Concrete Leveling Works

The concrete leveling process is straightforward and proven effective:

Assessment and Preparation

We start by evaluating the settled areas and determining how much lifting is needed. We measure elevation differences and check the condition of the concrete. We also look for the cause of settling to address any underlying drainage or soil issues. This assessment ensures we achieve the right results and prevent future settling.

Drilling Injection Holes

We drill small holes, typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter, through the settled slab. These holes are strategically placed to provide even lifting. The number and location of holes depend on the size of the area being lifted and how far it has settled. We minimize the number of holes while ensuring effective lifting.

Pumping and Lifting

We pump a specialized material under the slab through the injection holes. As the material fills voids and builds up, it gradually lifts the concrete. We monitor the lift carefully and adjust pressure as needed. The slab rises slowly and steadily until it reaches the correct elevation. This process is precise and controlled, allowing us to achieve perfect results.

Finishing and Cleanup

Once lifting is complete, we fill the injection holes with concrete or other suitable material to match the surrounding surface. We clean up thoroughly, leaving your property neat and ready to use. In most cases, you can use the leveled concrete immediately or within a few hours. There is no multi-day curing period like with new concrete.

Benefits of Leveling Over Replacement

Concrete leveling offers significant advantages compared to tearing out and replacing settled slabs:

• Much lower cost: Leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than replacement. You get your concrete back to level for a fraction of the price of new concrete.
• Fast completion: Most leveling jobs are completed in a few hours. You can use your concrete the same day. Replacement takes days for removal, preparation, pouring, and curing.
• Minimal disruption: Leveling does not require heavy demolition equipment or large concrete trucks. There is no messy debris removal or extensive site work. Your property remains relatively undisturbed.
• Environmentally friendly: Leveling reuses your existing concrete instead of sending it to a landfill and using new materials. This conserves resources and reduces waste.
• Long-lasting results: Properly executed leveling can last as long as the original concrete. The lifted slab is stable and solid, especially when we address the underlying cause of settling.

Leveling makes sense for most sunken concrete situations. If your concrete has major structural damage, widespread cracking, or has reached the end of its useful life, replacement may be necessary. We will honestly assess your concrete and recommend the best solution. We also handle new concrete installation when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions