Have you ever tripped on an uneven driveway or noticed one side of your patio sinking lower than the other? Those uneven slabs aren’t just an eyesore; they’re a sign your concrete has started to settle.
The good news? You don’t always need a full replacement to fix it.
Concrete lifting is a fast, reliable solution that raises sunken slabs back to level using precise, non-invasive techniques like polyurethane foam injection. It saves time, reduces mess, and keeps your property safe without tearing everything apart.
At Helicon, we’ve been helping Florida homeowners restore their driveways, patios, and pool decks with long-lasting concrete lifting services since 2004. Our process focuses on strength, precision, and clear communication, so you always know your home’s in trusted hands.
In this blog, we will talk about:
- What concrete lifting is and how it works
- The benefits and cost factors involved
- How to find the right local experts for lasting results
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to bring your uneven concrete back to level—quickly, safely, and affordably.
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting is a practical way to fix uneven or sinking concrete surfaces on your property. It raises and stabilizes slabs without needing full replacement. This method uses specific materials and techniques to address common problems with driveways, patios, or pool decks.
Definition and Key Concepts
Concrete lifting, also called slabjacking or slab raising, involves injecting materials under sunken concrete to lift it back to its original level.
The goal is to restore the surface’s stability and safety. This process is less invasive than replacing the entire slab. It saves time and money while improving the appearance and function of your concrete surfaces.
The technique fills voids from soil erosion, poor compaction, or water damage beneath the slab. Once lifted, the concrete becomes stable and less prone to future shifting.
Common Techniques Used
Two main methods are used in concrete lifting:
- Polyurethane Foam Injection: This lightweight foam expands after being injected under the slab. It fills voids quickly and lifts the concrete. It’s long-lasting and resistant to water damage.
- Mortar or Cement Grouting: A slurry mixture is pumped beneath the slab to fill gaps and lift the concrete. This older method is more time-consuming and heavier, but still effective for specific projects.
Both methods stabilize soil and restore slab position, but polyurethane foam is often preferred because it is faster and cleaner.
Types of Concrete Surfaces Treated
Concrete lifting can be applied to many common surfaces around your home or business. These include:
- Driveways: Fixes sunken or cracked areas that cause unevenness or tripping hazards.
- Patios and Walkways: Restores flat, safe walking areas and improves curb appeal.
- Pool Decks: Raises slabs around pools, preventing water pooling and surface damage.
- Garage Floors and Sidewalks: Levels cracked or sinking concrete to maintain function and safety.
If your concrete shows signs of sinking or unevenness, concrete lifting is a strong option.
Benefits of Concrete Lifting
Concrete lifting can save you money, reduce downtime, improve safety around your property, and help protect the environment. These benefits make it a smart choice if you have sunken or uneven concrete surfaces like driveways or patios.
Cost Savings Compared to Replacement
Concrete lifting is generally much cheaper than full concrete replacement.
Instead of tearing out and pouring new concrete, the old slab is raised and stabilized. This cuts down on material, labor, and disposal costs. Because the process uses polyurethane foam injected beneath the slab, you avoid expensive excavation.
You also save on future repairs since lifting improves soil stability under your concrete.
Time Efficiency
Concrete lifting is faster than replacing concrete. The work often takes just a few hours to complete. This means you get your driveway, sidewalk, or pool deck back in use quickly without long disruptions. You won’t have to wait days or weeks for new concrete to cure, which is common with full replacement.
Improved Safety
Uneven or sunken concrete can create trip hazards on your property. Concrete lifting eliminates these risks by restoring level surfaces, protecting you, your family, and visitors from falls. By stabilizing slabs with foam, the repaired areas stay secure against further sinking or shifting soil. A smooth surface also improves accessibility for people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.
Environmental Advantages
Concrete lifting is an environmentally responsible option. Instead of demolishing and hauling away old slabs, the existing concrete stays in place. This reduces waste sent to landfills. The foam material used is lightweight and requires minimal resources compared to new concrete production. Less heavy equipment and excavation also means less energy used overall.
Signs You Need Concrete Lifting
You may notice certain problems with your concrete surfaces that show they are sinking or shifting. These issues affect safety and can lead to more damage if left alone. Watch out for cracks, uneven areas, and water collecting in places it shouldn’t.
Visible Cracks and Uneven Surfaces
Cracks in your driveway, patio, or sidewalk often indicate that the concrete isn’t stable. These cracks can form when the soil underneath shifts or sinks.
If you see large cracks or the concrete slabs no longer line up evenly, it’s a clear sign that the foundation below needs fixing. Uneven surfaces are not only unattractive but can also cause damage to vehicles or make walking unsafe.
Concrete lifting raises these low spots back to their original level without replacing the entire slab.
Pooling Water and Poor Drainage
Water that collects on or near your concrete is a sign of sinking or improper slope. If water doesn’t drain away properly, it can soak into the soil below and cause further settling. Pools of standing water by foundations or walkways increase the risk of damage over time.
Proper drainage relies on surfaces being level or gently sloped. Concrete lifting can correct these issues by adjusting the height and angle to ensure water flows away from your home.
Tripping Hazards
When concrete slabs are uneven, raised edges or sunken areas create tripping hazards. These are especially risky for children, elderly family members, or guests. Loose or shifting concrete poses safety risks and could lead to accidents.
By identifying these uneven spots, you can prevent injuries and improve the safety of your outdoor spaces. Concrete lifting smooths out these dangerous changes, making your walkways, driveways, and patios safer to use.
Concrete Lifting Methods
Concrete lifting fixes sunken or uneven slabs by raising them to their original position. Different methods offer various benefits depending on the condition of your slab and the surrounding soil. You can expect solutions that range from traditional approaches to modern, cost-effective techniques.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a common and affordable concrete lifting method. It involves pumping a mixture of water, soil, and cement under the sunken slab to fill voids and lift the concrete. This creates a stable base and levels the surface.
The process is effective for repairing driveways, sidewalks, and patios. However, mudjacking uses heavier material, which may not be ideal if your soil is weak or prone to further settling.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Polyurethane foam injection uses a lightweight foam that expands after being injected below the slab. This foam fills gaps and lifts the concrete without needing heavy materials or demolition.
This method is fast, less messy, and often costs less than replacing concrete. It also resists water, reducing future damage from erosion. Polyurethane foam injection is a preferred option for pool decks and residential slabs.
Slabjacking
Slabjacking is similar to mudjacking but uses a grout-like slurry instead of mud. The grout is pumped beneath the slab to raise and stabilize it. This approach provides a durable and precise lift. Slabjacking works well for thicker slabs or where high-strength material is needed. It can also seal cracks and prevent further soil erosion beneath the concrete.
How to Choose a Concrete Lifting Contractor
Choosing the right contractor means finding someone with local experience, valid credentials, and good customer feedback. These factors help ensure your concrete lifting project will be done safely and last a long time. Knowing what to look for saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.
Checking Local Experience
A contractor experienced in your area understands local soil and weather conditions that affect concrete lifting. This knowledge helps them choose the best method for your job. Ask how many projects they’ve completed nearby. If they’ve worked with cases similar to yours, they’ll know common problems and how to fix them effectively.
Local experience often means faster, more reliable work. Also, look for a company that uses modern techniques like polyurethane foam lifting, which is less invasive and provides better results. Helicon, for example, uses this method to safely raise sinking slabs without major disruption.
Evaluating Credentials and Insurance
Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Licensing confirms they meet state standards for construction and concrete work. Insurance protects you if accidents or damage happen during the job. Ask for proof of both before hiring.
Some contractors carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage ensures you won’t be responsible for injuries or property damage. You should also check the contractor’s length of operation. Companies that have been in business for many years usually have proven reliability and a good track record.
Reading Customer Reviews
Customer reviews reveal how well a contractor communicates and handles the work. Look for recent feedback on local review sites or social media. Pay attention to comments about timeliness, professionalism, and quality.
If many customers report satisfaction and no hidden fees, that’s a strong sign of trustworthiness. Be wary of contractors with mostly negative reviews or complaints about poor follow-up.
What to Expect from the Process
When having concrete lifted, you will see careful steps from start to finish. A professional team inspects your concrete, prepares the site, and completes the lifting within a clear schedule. This helps ensure safety, quality, and lasting results for your property.
Initial Inspection and Estimate
First, a qualified expert will visit your property to examine the sunken or uneven concrete. They will check the slab’s condition, measure the affected areas, and look for underlying soil issues that caused the problem.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed estimate that includes the cost, the recommended lifting method, and the expected results. If you choose to proceed, the team will schedule the work at your convenience.
Preparation Steps
The crew will prepare the site before lifting. This means clearing debris, removing obstacles, and sealing any cracks or holes in the concrete. These actions prevent material leakage during the lifting process. Next, small holes are drilled into the concrete slab at strategic spots.
These points allow precise injection of the lifting material, usually polyurethane foam. The preparation prioritizes minimal disruption to your daily routine and property. Safety measures are also set up to protect both the crew and your home during the work.
Work Timeline
The actual lifting process is quick and can often be completed in a few hours for most residential slabs. The team injects the foam beneath the sunken sections through the drilled holes. As the foam expands, it fills voids and raises the concrete back to its original level.
The material then hardens, creating a stable base that supports the slab. After lifting, holes are patched, and the area is cleaned. You can usually use your driveway, patio, or sidewalk the same day or the next.
Cost Factors for Concrete Lifting
Concrete lifting costs vary based on the size of the project, the materials used, and local pricing conditions. Understanding these factors helps you plan your repair budget without surprise expenses.
Project Size and Complexity
The total area and the depth of the sunken concrete mainly determine your cost. Larger slabs or multiple areas needing repair will increase the price.
The severity of the sinking also matters—more extensive or deeper settling requires more material and time to fix. Complex projects may involve difficult access or extra prep work, which can raise labor costs.
Helicon offers service consultations to assess your specific situation. This ensures you pay for what you actually need.
Material Selection
Two common materials impact your total cost: polyurethane foam and cement-based slurry. Polyurethane foam is usually more expensive but offers precise lifting and faster curing times. It’s best for small, detailed repairs like pool decks and walkways.
Cement-based slurry, also called mudjacking, costs less but takes longer to set. It works well for larger, low-traffic areas. Choose the material that fits your project’s needs and budget.
Local Market Rates
Labor and permit fees vary by location. Areas with higher living costs or stricter regulations tend to have higher service prices. When you’re searching for “concrete lifting near me,” check quotes in your area carefully.
Our team operates in Florida with industry-standard pricing and transparent quotes. Rates can vary by city or county. Getting a local estimate helps ensure you receive fair and competitive pricing.
Comparing Concrete Lifting to Alternatives
When deciding how to fix your sunken or damaged concrete, you want to understand the main differences between repair and replacement. Cost, speed, and long-term stability are key factors to consider.
Repair vs. Replacement
Concrete lifting is a repair method that raises sunken slabs using polyurethane foam injected beneath the surface. This process fills voids caused by soil settling without removing the existing concrete.
Replacement means tearing out and pouring new concrete. It often costs about twice as much as lifting. For example, lifting may cost $5–$15 per square foot, while replacement could run $8–$20 or more. Repair is usually faster and less disruptive.
You avoid demolition debris and full drying times. It works well when the slab is still mostly intact, but uneven or lowered. If your concrete is badly cracked or crumbled, replacement might be necessary.
Long-Term Results
When done properly, concrete lifting offers a durable, long-lasting fix. The injected foam cures quickly and stabilizes the slab against future settling.
Replacement gives a fresh surface but involves greater time for curing and potential soil problems if not addressed below the slab. Without proper soil stabilization, new concrete can also sink over time.
Our expertise in polyurethane concrete lifting ensures your slab is restored and supported safely. You get a solution designed for Florida’s unique soil conditions.
Finding Concrete Lifting Services Near Me
Locating the right concrete lifting service means knowing where to look and what to expect in terms of coverage. You’ll want to use smart tools that show local providers and understand how service areas affect availability and response times.
Utilizing Online Tools
Start by using online search engines and review sites to identify local concrete lifting companies. Look for providers with detailed service descriptions, such as polyurethane foam lifting, a common and effective method for raising sunken slabs.
Pay attention to customer ratings and reviews. These offer insight into service quality and professionalism. Many companies also offer free estimates online, which can help you compare prices without commitment. Some websites provide maps to show companies closest to your location.
Using terms like “concrete lifting near me” works well to get localized results. You can also visit specialized directories that list trusted concrete lifters along with their service options.
Understanding Service Areas
Concrete lifting services often cover specific geographic zones. Knowing the limits of a company’s service area helps set your expectations for timing and cost.
Some providers serve a vast region, including suburban and city areas, while others focus on nearby neighborhoods. Service areas affect availability for emergency jobs and follow-up maintenance.
If you live in a rural or less populated area, fewer companies may offer on-site visits. Helicon, for example, serves Florida with a strong focus on foundation and concrete stability, ensuring timely access within its area.
When contacting a company, confirm their range and how quickly they can respond to your address to avoid delays.
The Bottom Line
Fixing uneven concrete doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With the right concrete lifting service, you can restore your driveway, patio, or pool deck in just a few hours—without the mess of full replacement. The key is choosing a trusted team that understands soil behavior and uses proven materials designed to last in Florida’s conditions.
At Helicon, we focus on long-term stability, transparent pricing, and seamless results that protect your home’s value. If you’ve noticed cracks, uneven slabs, or water pooling, now’s the time to act. Schedule your free inspection today and let Helicon bring strength and balance back to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even after learning how concrete lifting works, it’s natural to have more questions about the process, results, and long-term value. Here are some common queries homeowners ask when exploring this repair option.
How long does the concrete lifting process take?
Most residential projects are completed within a few hours. The surface can typically be used the same day since polyurethane foam cures fast, making it ideal for driveways or pool decks that need quick access.
Is concrete lifting safe for all weather conditions?
Yes. Professional-grade polyurethane foam resists moisture and temperature changes, allowing concrete lifting to be done year-round. However, extreme weather like heavy rain or freezing conditions may delay scheduling to ensure proper curing and accuracy.
Does concrete lifting affect landscaping around my home?
No major disruption occurs. Crews drill small holes in the slab without disturbing lawns or plants nearby. In most cases, professionals like Helicon carefully patch the holes afterward, leaving minimal visual impact on your outdoor space.
Can concrete lifting fix large gaps beneath slabs?
Yes, but it depends on the void size and soil stability. Polyurethane foam expands to fill most gaps effectively, but extremely deep voids may require soil stabilization or additional support to ensure long-term performance.
How do I maintain my lifted concrete afterward?
Keep water away from edges by cleaning gutters and ensuring proper drainage. Avoid heavy loads on newly lifted slabs for the first 24 hours. Regular inspections and sealing cracks early help maintain the surface’s strength.
What’s the difference between polyurethane and traditional mudjacking?
Polyurethane uses lightweight, expanding foam that provides stronger lift and faster curing than heavy mud mixtures. It requires smaller drill holes and offers more precision, making it cleaner and longer-lasting compared to traditional mudjacking techniques.
