Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken and uneven concrete without the cost of complete replacement using professional leveling techniques.
Why Concrete Settles and Sinks
Sunken concrete creates trip hazards, drainage problems, and looks terrible. One section sits lower than adjoining areas, creating uneven surfaces that cause falls and collect water. This settling happens gradually, often going unnoticed until the problem becomes obvious. By then, you face expensive replacement or dangerous conditions.
Concrete settles when soil underneath washes away or compacts. Poor initial compaction, water erosion, and natural soil settling all cause voids under concrete slabs. The concrete has nothing supporting it, so it sinks into these empty spaces. Traditional solutions meant tearing out and replacing entire sections at high cost. Concrete leveling offers a better option in many cases.
Common Signs You Need Concrete Leveling
- Uneven surfaces: Steps or gaps between concrete sections create obvious height differences and trip hazards.
- Water pooling: Settled areas collect water that should drain away, creating puddles and ice problems.
- Cracked slabs: Concrete cracks along edges where supported sections meet unsupported sunken areas.
- Gaps at foundations: Slabs pulling away from building foundations indicate settling and create water entry points.
- Sloping surfaces: Areas that should be level now slope toward one side, affecting drainage and appearance.
We evaluate settled concrete throughout Merrimack to determine if leveling makes sense or if replacement is needed. Not every situation suits leveling, but when it works, you save significant money compared to replacement. Check our main services page to learn more about our concrete repair and maintenance capabilities.
How Concrete Leveling Works
Concrete leveling, also called mudjacking or slabjacking, fills voids under sunken slabs and lifts concrete back to proper position. The process is faster and less expensive than removal and replacement. When done correctly, leveled concrete can last for many more years without additional problems.
The Leveling Process
We drill small holes through the sunken concrete slab. These access points allow us to inject material underneath. We use specialized equipment to pump filling material under pressure into voids beneath the slab. The material flows into empty spaces and builds up pressure that lifts the concrete.
As material fills voids, we monitor the slab and control lifting to bring it back to the desired level. Too much pressure can crack concrete, while too little fails to lift adequately. Our experience lets us achieve proper results without damaging the slab. Once level, the filling material hardens to provide permanent support. We patch the injection holes to match the existing surface.
Materials and Methods
Traditional mudjacking uses a cement slurry mixture. This economical material works well for many applications. Some situations benefit from polyurethane foam injection, which is lighter and expands to fill voids. We select appropriate materials based on your specific conditions and needs.
The choice depends on soil type, void size, weight considerations, and budget. Both methods have advantages for different situations. We explain options and help you make informed decisions. This same approach to proper repair methods applies to all our work including concrete repair services.
When Leveling Works Best
Leveling works well for concrete that remains structurally sound but has settled. The slab should not be severely cracked or damaged. Soil conditions must allow for effective filling and support. We evaluate your situation to determine if leveling provides a lasting solution or if replacement makes more sense.
Common applications include sunken driveway sections, settled walkways, uneven patio areas, and sloping garage floors. Industrial and commercial slabs also benefit from leveling when conditions are right. The process saves money while solving real problems.
Benefits of Concrete Leveling
Leveling offers significant advantages over replacement when your concrete remains in good condition except for settling. The cost savings alone make it worth considering. Additional benefits make leveling the smart choice for many situations.
Cost and Time Savings
Leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than removing and replacing concrete. You avoid demolition costs, disposal fees, and the expense of new concrete and installation. Most leveling projects complete in a few hours rather than several days required for replacement. You can use the area almost immediately after leveling versus waiting a week or more for new concrete to cure.
The disruption to your property is minimal. No heavy equipment tears up your yard. No trucks haul away broken concrete and bring in new materials. Landscaping around the area remains intact. These factors add up to significant savings in money, time, and hassle compared to full replacement.
Environmental and Practical Benefits
Leveling keeps existing concrete out of landfills. This reduces environmental impact compared to disposal and new concrete production. You also avoid the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting new concrete. For property owners concerned about sustainability, leveling offers a greener solution.
Existing concrete has already cured and reached full strength. You know how it has performed over time. New concrete is an unknown that could develop unexpected problems. Leveling preserves what already works while fixing the one issue that caused settling. This practical approach makes sense when concrete quality is good and only support is needed.
Preventing Further Damage
Addressing settled concrete prevents problems from getting worse. Water pooling in low spots undermines adjacent areas. Trip hazards create liability concerns. Gaps at foundations allow water infiltration that damages your home. Leveling solves these issues before they escalate into bigger, more expensive problems that require complete replacement.
Concrete Leveling Questions
Fix Your Sunken Concrete Today
Find out if concrete leveling can save you money on your repair project. Contact us for an honest evaluation and estimate.