Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken and uneven concrete slabs quickly and affordably without the mess and expense of complete replacement.
Why Concrete Sinks and Settles
You've probably noticed it happening slowly over time. Your driveway develops a dip near the garage. The sidewalk has an uneven section that creates a tripping hazard. Your patio slopes toward the house instead of away from it. This settling happens when the soil underneath concrete compresses, erodes, or washes away, leaving voids that let the concrete slab sink down.
Several factors cause soil to shift under concrete here in San Luis, AZ. Poor soil compaction during original construction is common. Water erosion from rain, irrigation, or gutter runoff washes soil away. Tree roots can disturb soil as they grow. Even natural soil consolidation over time causes settling. Whatever the cause, the result is the same: uneven concrete that looks bad, creates safety hazards, and gets worse if ignored.
The good news is that sunken concrete doesn't always need replacement. Concrete leveling, also called slab jacking or mud jacking, lifts settled concrete back to its original position. This repair method costs a fraction of replacement, takes less time, and avoids the hassle of tearing out and disposing of old concrete. SLC San Luis Concrete specializes in concrete leveling solutions that fix the problem without breaking the bank.
How Concrete Leveling Works
Concrete leveling is a straightforward process that produces immediate results. We drill small holes through the sunken slab, then pump a specialized material underneath that fills voids and lifts the concrete. As the material expands and hardens, it raises the slab back to the proper level. The holes are patched and the area is ready for use quickly.
The Leveling Process
- •Assessment: We evaluate the settled area, determine how much lift is needed, and identify the cause of settling.
- •Preparation: Small holes about 1 to 2 inches in diameter are drilled through the concrete at strategic locations.
- •Injection: Leveling material is pumped through the holes under controlled pressure to fill voids and lift the slab.
- •Monitoring: We carefully monitor the lift to ensure even raising and avoid over-lifting that could cause new problems.
- •Finishing: Holes are patched to match the surrounding concrete and the area is cleaned up.
The entire process typically takes just a few hours for most residential jobs. You can usually walk on the leveled concrete immediately and drive on it within 24 hours. Compare that to concrete replacement, which takes days and requires waiting a week or more before using the new concrete.
Benefits of Leveling vs Replacement
When you discover settled concrete, you face a choice: repair it or replace it. While replacement makes sense for severely damaged or cracked concrete, leveling is the smart solution when the concrete itself is still in good condition. The cost difference alone makes leveling attractive, typically running 50 to 75 percent less than replacement.
Time is another major advantage. Leveling happens in hours instead of days. There's minimal disruption to your property, no heavy equipment tearing up landscaping, and no concrete debris to haul away. Your existing concrete stays in place, just raised back to where it should be. This speed and convenience make leveling ideal when you need the problem fixed quickly.
Leveling also addresses the underlying problem by filling voids under the slab. This stabilizes the base and helps prevent future settling. Of course, if drainage issues caused the original problem, those need fixing too. We identify and address root causes so your repair lasts long-term.
Not every settling situation is right for leveling. Concrete with extensive cracks, structural damage, or deterioration may need replacement. We honestly assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution. If leveling won't work, we also provide full concrete repair and replacement services for situations requiring more extensive work. For new installations, check our concrete driveway services for quality work built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does concrete leveling cost?+
Concrete leveling typically costs $3 to $6 per square foot, significantly less than replacement which runs $8 to $15 per square foot or more. The exact cost depends on how much the slab has settled, accessibility, and the total area needing repair. Most residential leveling projects for driveways, sidewalks, or patios range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. We provide free estimates after inspecting your concrete and determining exactly what's needed. The savings compared to replacement make leveling a smart choice when your concrete is structurally sound but just needs lifting.
How long does concrete leveling last?+
Properly performed concrete leveling can last for many years, often as long as the original concrete itself. The key factor is addressing what caused the settling in the first place. If poor drainage was the culprit, fixing that prevents future problems. If tree roots were the issue, removing or managing them protects your repair. The leveling material we use is permanent and won't break down over time. Some settling could occur again if soil conditions continue to change, but the repair typically provides long-lasting results. Many leveled slabs remain stable for 10 to 15 years or longer with proper drainage and soil conditions.
Can all sunken concrete be leveled?+
Most sunken concrete can be successfully leveled, but there are limitations. The concrete needs to be structurally sound without major cracks or deterioration. Very thin slabs may not have enough strength to lift safely. Extremely settled areas requiring several inches of lift may be better candidates for replacement. We assess each situation individually and give you honest recommendations. If the concrete itself is damaged beyond just settling, leveling won't solve the problem. In those cases, we discuss replacement or other repair options that make more sense for your specific situation and budget.