Concrete Leveling

Save Money by Leveling Instead of Replacing

When sections of your driveway, sidewalk, or patio sink and become uneven, you might think replacement is your only option. The good news is that concrete leveling offers a faster, more affordable solution that can restore your sunken slabs to their original height. For a fraction of the cost of full replacement, you can eliminate trip hazards, improve drainage, and make your concrete look and function like new.

Concrete leveling works by filling voids beneath your slab and lifting it back to the proper height. This process is also called slab jacking, mud jacking, or foam jacking depending on the materials used. As an experienced concrete contractor in Pembroke Pines, we use proven leveling techniques to fix settled concrete quickly and effectively.

If your concrete is structurally sound but has simply settled due to soil compaction or erosion, leveling is usually the smart choice. You save money, time, and hassle compared to tearing out and replacing entire sections. Most leveling projects are completed in a single day, and you can use your concrete again within 24 hours.

Why Concrete Settles and Sinks

Understanding why your concrete sank helps you make informed decisions about repair. Here are the most common causes of concrete settlement we see in South Florida:

• Soil Compaction: Over time, the soil beneath your concrete naturally compacts and shrinks, creating voids. This is especially common with fill dirt that was not properly compacted during initial construction.
• Water Erosion: Poor drainage or plumbing leaks wash away soil from beneath your slab. When the supporting soil disappears, the concrete settles into the empty space.
• Tree Roots: Growing tree roots can displace soil and create voids. When roots die and decay, they leave empty spaces that allow concrete to sink.
• Poor Base Preparation: If the original contractor did not prepare the base properly, the soil may compress unevenly under the weight of the concrete and anything on top of it.
• Heavy Loads: Vehicles, equipment, or structures that exceed the design load for your slab can compress the soil beneath and cause settling over time.

Before we level your concrete, we identify and address the underlying cause. Simply lifting the slab without fixing the root problem means it will likely settle again. We ensure the repair will last by stabilizing the soil and correcting drainage issues.

How Concrete Leveling Works

The concrete leveling process is straightforward and minimally invasive. Here is what happens when we level your sunken concrete:

Step 1: Assessment and Preparation

We evaluate your concrete to determine how much lifting is needed and identify the best injection points. We check for structural damage that might prevent leveling from being a good solution. Then we drill small holes through the slab at strategic locations. These holes are typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter.

Step 2: Material Injection

We pump specialized leveling material through the holes beneath your concrete slab. This material fills voids and gradually lifts the slab back to its original height. We monitor the lift carefully and adjust the process to ensure even, controlled raising. The material expands and hardens, creating a stable base that supports your concrete.

Step 3: Finishing and Cleanup

Once your slab reaches the correct height, we fill the injection holes with concrete patch material that matches your existing surface. We clean up the work area completely. Most of the time, the repair is barely noticeable after we finish. Your concrete is usually ready for light use within hours and full use the next day.

Materials Used for Leveling

We use polyurethane foam or cementitious grout depending on your situation. Polyurethane foam is lightweight, expands quickly, and works well for smaller lifts and residential projects. Cementitious grout is a traditional mixture of cement, sand, and additives that provides excellent strength for larger jobs. We will recommend the best material for your specific application.

Benefits of Concrete Leveling Over Replacement

Leveling offers several advantages compared to removing and replacing your sunken concrete. For many situations, leveling is clearly the better choice.

Cost is the biggest benefit. Leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than full replacement. You keep your existing concrete, which often has years or decades of life remaining. There is no demolition, no hauling away debris, and no new concrete to pour and cure.

Speed is another major advantage. Most leveling projects are completed in a few hours to a day. Compare that to replacement, which requires demolition, base preparation, forming, pouring, and several days of curing before you can use the area. With leveling, you are back to normal use almost immediately.

Leveling is also less disruptive. There is minimal mess, noise, and impact on your daily routine. Your landscaping stays intact, and you do not have to worry about matching new concrete to old. For driveways, sidewalks, and patios in good structural condition, leveling makes perfect sense.

That said, leveling is not always the answer. If your concrete is severely cracked, broken into multiple pieces, or structurally compromised, replacement may be necessary. We will give you an honest assessment and explain your options so you can make the best decision for your property.

Common Questions About Concrete Leveling