How long does concrete leveling last?

When the underlying soil problem is addressed properly, polyurethane foam leveling can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The foam itself does not break down or wash away the way mudjacking material can. If the soil continues to shift due to an ongoing drainage issue or poor soil conditions, additional settlement is possible. We assess the cause before recommending leveling so you get a result that holds.

Can all sunken concrete slabs be leveled?

Not every slab is a good candidate. Concrete that is severely cracked, crumbling, or has deteriorated significantly is usually better replaced than lifted. Slabs that have sunk more than a few inches may also be difficult to bring back up evenly. When you call us for an estimate, we will give you an honest read on whether leveling makes sense or if replacement is the smarter investment for your situation.

How much does concrete leveling cost compared to replacement?

Concrete leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than full replacement. The exact price depends on how many slabs need to be lifted, how much the slab has sunk, and how much foam is required to fill the void. We provide free written estimates with no obligation. Call us at (253) 354-9370 to schedule a visit and we will walk your property and give you an exact number.

Concrete Leveling

Sunken or uneven concrete doesn't always need to be replaced — let us lift it back into place for a fraction of the cost.

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Smooth, level concrete driveway at a residential home in Tacoma, WA after professional concrete leveling service

What Is Concrete Leveling and How Does It Work?

Concrete leveling is a process that lifts sunken or uneven concrete slabs back to their original position without tearing them out. When the soil underneath your concrete settles, washes away, or shifts, the slab above it sinks or tilts. That creates tripping hazards, drainage problems, and an eyesore in your yard or driveway.

The most common method used today is called polyurethane foam injection, or polyjacking. Small holes are drilled through the slab, and a high-density expanding foam is injected underneath. As the foam expands, it fills the void and gently pushes the slab upward. The holes are then patched and the surface is ready to use within hours. It is far less disruptive than full slab replacement and costs significantly less.

Here in Tacoma, WA, soil movement is common due to our rainy climate and clay-heavy ground. If you have a sunken walkway, driveway panel, patio slab, or garage floor, concrete leveling is often the best first option to consider before committing to a full replacement.

Good Candidates for Leveling

Sunken driveway panels or sections
Uneven walkways and sidewalks
Settled patio slabs
Garage floors with low spots
Concrete steps that have shifted
Pool deck sections that have sunk
Slabs causing water to drain toward the house
Trip hazards at expansion joints

Should You Level or Replace Your Concrete?

This is the first question we answer for every customer. Leveling is a great solution in a lot of cases, but it is not the right call for every situation. Here is a straightforward way to think about it.

Leveling Makes Sense When...

The slab itself is structurally sound but has sunk due to soil settlement. If the concrete is not crumbling, spalling, or cracked in multiple places, it can likely be lifted and stabilized. Leveling preserves your existing slab, costs 50 to 70 percent less than replacement, and is finished in hours rather than days.

Replacement Makes More Sense When...

The slab is severely cracked, has deteriorated to the point that lifting would not hold, or the soil problem underneath is too significant to fill with foam. In those cases, trying to level it would just be postponing the inevitable. We will always give you our honest assessment rather than push you toward the more expensive option. See our concrete repair and replacement service if replacement is the better route for your situation.

What About Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is an older method that pumps a slurry of cement, soil, and water under the slab. It works but adds significant weight to the already compromised soil underneath and can cause future settling. Polyurethane foam is lighter, stronger, and cures faster, which is why it has become the preferred method.

Not sure which direction is right for you? Call us at (253) 354-9370 and we will come take a look. There is no charge for the estimate.

Here's What the Leveling Process Looks Like

The whole job is usually done in a few hours and your concrete is back in service the same day. Here is what to expect from start to finish:

We assess the slab. We walk the area, probe the soil, and check the extent of the settlement to confirm leveling is the right call and plan the injection points.
We drill small access holes. Typically 5/8-inch holes are drilled through the slab at strategic locations where the foam needs to fill voids.
We inject the foam. High-density polyurethane foam is pumped through the holes. It expands rapidly, fills the void, and lifts the slab in a controlled way.
We monitor the lift. We watch carefully as the slab rises, stopping at the right level to match adjacent slabs and restore proper drainage.
We patch the holes and clean up. The injection holes are patched with cement, the area is cleaned, and you can typically walk on the surface within 15 minutes and drive on it within a few hours.

Compare that to a full replacement, which involves demolition, hauling, a new pour, and 7 days before you can drive on it. Leveling is the faster and more cost-effective path when the slab is a good candidate. For full concrete work in Tacoma, visit our Tacoma concrete contractor homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Leveling

Get a Free Concrete Leveling Estimate in Tacoma

We will come out, assess your slab, and give you a straight answer on whether leveling or replacement is right for you. No pressure, no obligation.

(253) 354-9370

Available 24/7. Precision Tacoma Concrete Contractor.