Concrete lifting tools help fix uneven slabs without the mess and cost of full replacement. If your driveway, patio, or walkway is sinking, the right equipment can restore a safer, level surface faster.
At Helicon, we see the same pain point again and again: you want a clean fix that lasts, with minimal disruption. Choosing the right tool and method helps prevent overlifting, cracking, and wasted time.
This guide breaks down the main concrete lifting tools, how foam and mechanical options work, and what to look for before you start. You will also learn which setups make sense for DIY repairs and when professional gear matters most.
What Are Concrete Lifting Tools?
Concrete lifting tools are specialized equipment for raising and leveling sunken concrete surfaces. They work by creating pressure beneath the concrete slab to lift it back up. These tools can be as simple as a pry bar or as complex as a hydraulic pump system.
Most concrete lifting projects call for pumps, injection equipment, and monitoring tools to keep things accurate. The main goal here is to fix uneven concrete caused by soil settlement, water damage, or erosion. Instead of tearing out and replacing the slab, you can use lifting tools to restore the surface quickly—sometimes surprisingly quickly.
Types of Concrete Lifting Techniques
Foam jacking uses polyurethane foam injected beneath the slab. The foam expands and hardens, lifting the concrete as it grows. This method is lightweight and works well for residential driveways and sidewalks.
Mudjacking involves pumping a cement, soil, and water mixture under the slab to fill voids and raise the concrete through pressure. It’s more traditional, usually cheaper than foam jacking, but it does add more weight to the soil.
Helical piers provide support for concrete by installing steel shafts deep into stable soil. You twist these piers into the ground beneath the slab, creating a stable foundation that helps prevent future settling.
Essential Equipment for Concrete Lifting
You’ll need a few core items for any concrete lifting setup:
- Injection pumps – They create the pressure needed to push foam or slurry beneath the slab.
- Drill equipment – Used to make access holes in the concrete.
- Mixing systems – These blend your lifting material to the right consistency.
- Monitoring tools – Laser levels and gauges help you track the lifting progress.
Slab lifting pumps need to generate enough pressure to move heavy concrete sections. Most professional systems handle pressures between 100 and 200 PSI. Safety gear matters too—think gloves, eye protection, and decent ventilation when working with polyurethane or cement mixtures.
The lifting material bonds quickly with concrete, so your equipment should be easy to clean and maintain between jobs.
Popular Concrete Lifting Tools and Equipment
Contractors lean on three main categories of equipment to lift and level concrete slabs. Hydraulic systems provide the raw lifting power for heavy slabs. Foam injection tools fill voids and raise surfaces. Manual tools offer precise control for smaller projects.
Hydraulic Concrete Lifting Tools
Hydraulic jacks and lifting systems bring the muscle you need to raise heavy concrete slabs. They apply controlled upward pressure beneath the slab, and you can adjust the lifting speed and height with precision.
A typical hydraulic system includes a pump unit, hydraulic cylinders, and pressure gauges. The pump generates the force, while the cylinders do the heavy lifting. You’ll find these tools useful for raising garage floors, sidewalks, or foundation slabs.
Professional-grade hydraulic equipment can lift thousands of pounds. Some units mount on trucks for big jobs, while others are small enough to be carried by hand. It’s crucial to keep an eye on pressure levels as you work. Too much pressure can crack the slab; too little, and nothing moves.
Foam Injection Tools
Polyurethane foam injection systems pump expanding foam beneath sunken concrete. The foam fills empty spaces and lifts the slab as it expands and hardens. This method is lighter and faster than mudjacking.
A basic foam injection kit includes a specialized gun, hoses, and foam material in two-part containers. The gun mixes the components as you inject them through small holes drilled in the concrete. The foam expands in seconds and cures in about 15 minutes.
These systems work great for residential driveways, patios, and pool decks. The lightweight foam doesn’t add extra weight to already weak soil, and it resists water absorption, so it won’t wash away over time.
Manual Slab Lifting Tools
Manual tools give you direct control for smaller concrete lifting jobs. Slab tongs and grabs let you safely move and position concrete pieces during installation or repair. These tools grip the edges or special lifting points on the slab.
You’ll often use pry bars and wedges to create initial gaps under slabs before inserting lifting equipment. Hand-operated jacks provide mechanical advantage without needing power or hydraulics.
Manual equipment costs less and needs minimal maintenance. They’re best for thin slabs, pavers, and smaller repairs where precise positioning is required.
How Concrete Lifting Tools Work
Concrete lifting tools use pressure and force to raise sunken slabs back to their original position. You’ll find pumps, injection equipment, and mechanical lifters working together to fill voids beneath concrete and restore level surfaces.
Mechanics of Concrete Lifting
The idea is simple: create a force underneath a slab to push it up. With foam jacking or mudjacking, you drill small holes through the slab and use a pump to force material through these holes into the empty space below. The injected material expands or accumulates, filling the void.
As you add more, the concrete slab rises. You control the lifting speed by adjusting pump pressure and material flow to keep the slab level and avoid cracking. Manual lifting tools work differently. You use pry bars and wedges to create leverage, then slowly raise and reposition smaller slabs with controlled force.
Restoring Level Concrete Without Full Replacement
Sunken concrete is more than an eyesore. It can create trip hazards, drainage problems, and uneven surfaces that keep getting worse over time. The right concrete lifting tools allow you to correct these issues without tearing out and replacing slabs.
Understanding how foam systems, hydraulic tools, and manual equipment work helps you avoid common mistakes like cracking or overlifting. Choosing the right method saves time, limits disruption, and delivers cleaner results.
Helicon helps property owners solve concrete settlement problems with practical solutions and proven methods. If your slabs are sinking or uneven, scheduling a professional inspection is the easiest way to confirm the right fix and move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Lifting Tools
What Are Concrete Lifting Tools Used For?
Concrete lifting tools are used to raise and level sunken slabs caused by soil settlement, erosion, or moisture issues. They help restore driveways, sidewalks, patios, and floors without full replacement.
Are Concrete Lifting Tools Only for Professionals?
Some tools are designed for professional contractors, especially hydraulic and foam injection systems. Smaller DIY kits and manual tools can work for minor repairs, but larger or structural issues usually require professional equipment and experience.
What Is the Difference Between Foam Injection and Mudjacking?
Foam injection uses lightweight polyurethane foam that expands quickly and adds minimal weight to the soil. Mudjacking uses a heavier cement-based slurry that takes longer to cure and adds more load beneath the slab.
How Long Does Concrete Lifting Take?
Most foam lifting jobs are completed in a few hours, and the surface can often be used the same day. Mudjacking and mechanical lifting may take longer, depending on slab size and site conditions.
Can Concrete Lifting Prevent Future Settlement?
Concrete lifting can correct current settling, but long-term performance depends on soil conditions and drainage. Some methods, like foam injection or pier support, help reduce the risk of future movement.
Is Concrete Lifting Safe for Older Slabs?
Yes, when done correctly. Controlled pressure and proper monitoring help prevent cracking or damage. Older or brittle slabs should always be evaluated before lifting begins.
How Do I Know Which Concrete Lifting Method Is Right?
The right method depends on slab size, soil conditions, access, and budget. A professional evaluation helps determine whether foam, mudjacking, manual lifting, or structural support is the best option.
Does Concrete Lifting Fix Cracks in the Slab?
Lifting can close some cracks by restoring proper alignment, but it does not repair surface damage. Cracks usually need sealing or patching after the slab is leveled.
When Should Concrete Be Replaced Instead of Lifted?
If the slab is severely cracked, broken, or structurally unsound, lifting may not be effective. In those cases, replacement is often the better long-term solution.
