The Homeowner’s Guide to Concrete Leveling

Think about how often you use concrete daily. You probably walk on it, park your car on it, and even drive under it. As you can see, our daily routines can be interrupted when concrete sustains damage, and our safety is put at risk.  

Concrete leveling is one of the most effective ways to repair concrete—and we’ll explore why in this guide. By the end, you’ll know if concrete leveling is needed for your home or business.

Introduction to Concrete Leveling 

Concrete leveling is a valuable service, but most people don’t understand what it is. This makes sense, as most people do not really think about repairing concrete until they notice severe damage.  

If this sounds like you, we’ve got you covered. Let’s look at the basics of concrete leveling so you know exactly what it looks like. 

What is Concrete Leveling? 

Concrete leveling is a repair process that lifts concrete back into a safe position. In doing so, the safety, functionality, and appearance of the concrete are restored. 

Understanding How Concrete Leveling Works  

Concrete leveling is used with one goal in mind: to lift a concrete surface as close to its original position as possible. In doing so, it makes the concrete structure safer to use.  

There are four main methods used to achieve this goal:    

1. Polyurethane foam    

2. Stone slurry grout    

3. Mudjacking    

4. Self-leveling concrete    

The method used to fix concrete on your property depends on several factors including your concrete’s dimensions, extent of the damage, and your desired outcome.   

You should always work with a professional when determining whether or not you need concrete leveling. Experts can provide an in-depth inspection and outline the best way to repair your concrete.  

In general, concrete that is cracking or sinking can be fixed with concrete leveling methods. Even if your concrete looks good, leveling can be used as a preventative measure to avoid damage in the first place.  

The cost of concrete leveling varies based on factors like total area of the damage, severity of the damage, chosen repair method, and the extent of repair. Make sure to get quotes from a reputable company for an accurate estimate of total cost.     

One thing is for certain—concrete leveling is a more cost-effective solution compared to complete concrete replacement. Consider the pros and cons and consult a professional to make the most informed choice. 

Ranking the 4 Most Popular Methods of Concrete Leveling  

There are four common methods used to achieve concrete leveling. Keep in mind, some provide a better outcome than others. Based on our experience, here are concrete leveling methods ranked from best to worst:  

1. Polyurethane Foam Injection    

Once situated inside these crevices, the foam expands, compresses the soil (making it stronger), and pushes concrete back to a safe level.     

The foam itself cures within 30 minutes and provides incredible strength to the concrete. Polyurethane foam causes minimal disruption to your concrete and provides a longer lasting result compared to other concrete leveling methods.    

2. Mudjacking  

Due to the materials used during mudjacking, the slurry solution is susceptible to erosion after rain or snowmelt. As a result, concrete often shows the same signs of damage just a few years (at most) after mudjacking is installed.    

Most importantly, many people believe mudjacking can be a “do-it-yourself” project. Believe us when we say that a DIY job of this size is not easy.     

Trying to fix concrete on one’s own creates an unsafe repair process that might even make the problem worse. In short, mudjacking may work for a short time, but it doesn’t last, and it may even cause more damage later on.    

3. Cement or Stone Slurry Concrete Leveling    

Stone slurry grout concrete leveling combines mudjacking and polyurethane foam injection techniques, using a mix of crushed stones (mainly limestone) and water. This mixture is installed using equipment similar to polyurethane injection tools.     

It requires drilling large holes (about 1”) for application, offering better control over the material’s thickness and adding significant weight to the soil. Unlike mudjacking, this method effectively fills voids, is environmentally friendly, and durable, though it tends to be a costly option.    

4. Self-Leveling Concrete    

Self-leveling concrete, a polymer-fortified cement, is popular because it is a user-friendly option. It offers a quick-drying, low-water solution for DIY interior floor patching and resurfacing. It’s ideal for small-scale repairs and home improvements, providing a smooth finish without needing structural reinforcement.     

Although more expensive than traditional concrete, its compatibility with various materials makes it accessible for homeowners aiming to refresh floors affordably. However, keep in mind that DIY projects with self-leveling concrete always run the risk of leading even more to costly and unsafe outcomes. 

When to Level Concrete 

Take a look at the concrete on your property; certain problem signs are clear indications that you will benefit from concrete leveling.  

These include a cracked driveway, a sinking porch, or a cracked pool deck. Damage that makes concrete look harder to walk on can usually be fixed with concrete leveling.   

Who to Call When You Need Concrete Leveling    

During our free inspections, we complete a thorough evaluation of your property and pinpoint the causes behind your concrete problems. This enables us to determine exactly what your home needs and then implement the best repairs possible.  

When Not to Level Your Concrete 

Sometimes, concrete leveling isn’t the best repair option. There are two situations when concrete leveling isn’t simply won’t work: little to no concrete damage or severe concrete damage.     

Tiny cracks develop in concrete as a part of the normal curing process. Even the newest concrete is bound to have some of these small cracks. They don’t need to be fixed, but if they grow in size, call someone to inspect your concrete.    

On the other hand, concrete that sustains severe damage (maybe from a natural disaster or other uncontrollable event) likely can’t be saved by concrete leveling methods. If sections of the concrete are completely broken or crumbling into tiny pieces, concrete leveling won’t help.  

Who to Call When You Don’t Need Leveling    

It’s best to work with a company that can repour concrete if the concrete on your property has extreme damage. If you’re unsure whether or not concrete replacement is the best solution, reach out to AquaGuard for a free inspection.  We will evaluate the damage and recommend if the next steps should be replacement or leveling. 

The Cost of Concrete Leveling    

Concrete leveling is a complex process, so there isn’t one simple answer to how much it will cost. There are many variables affecting the total cost, including:     

• Extent of the damage     
• Size of the area requiring repair     
• Appropriate repair method     
• Amount of product required     
• Labor, materials, permits     

The best way to get an accurate price for your concrete leveling project is to contact your local concrete experts for a free inspection and no-obligation repair estimate.      

Concrete Leveling vs Replacement: Cost Comparison    

Catching and fixing concrete damage early on is key to avoiding severe (and more expensive) damage down the line. Concrete leveling techniques—particularly PolyRenewal™—provide a more cost-effective solution than complete concrete replacement.    

When concrete is damaged, it might seem like the only option is to tear it out and pour new concrete. This process takes a lot of time because the new concrete needs days to dry and harden.   

Just keep in mind, replacing concrete is pricier than leveling. Tearing out and replacing concrete can cost somewhere between $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the damage. It’s always worth considering if concrete leveling will work for your situation.   

Average Price to Raise a Driveway    

Average Price to Raise a Patio    

Average Price to Raise a Walkway    

How to Save Money on Your Concrete    

• Keep an eye on concrete with regular inspections.     
• Don’t invest in invasive repairs like mudjacking.     
• Avoid DIY repair methods.     
• Contact and reputable repair expert as soon as you notice damage.     
• Invest in lasting repairs like PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injection.     
• Take advantage of annual maintenance programs.    

Pros and Cons of Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane Foam   

PolyRenewal™ is our go-to solution for concrete leveling. Over 20 years of experience has proven to us that this modern technique is the most dependable way to level concrete.     

It can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, making it an incredibly versatile tool. We want to show you what we’ve learned about the product over the years:    

Pros    

• Reduced cost     
• Quicker installation time     
• Convenience     
• Consistency     
• No mess     
• Eco-friendly     

Cons    

• May not lead to 100% level concrete    
• Surface cracks may still be visible     
• Can be affected by variable soil conditions 

Concrete Leveling FAQs 

What is the best way to level concrete?  

There are many concrete leveling options, but PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injection stands out as the best method. Compared to traditional procedures like mudjacking and repouring, polyurethane foam is less invasive, longer lasting, quicker to cure, and environmentally friendly. Don’t wait for issues to get worse—contact your local concrete leveling experts at AquaGuard to book a free concrete inspection and learn more about this innovative repair.  

How long does leveled concrete last? 

Depending what repair method is used, professionally leveled concrete can last for many years with proper maintenance. Factors like soil movement, freezing/thawing, and heavy loads can cause slab settlement to occur. Ongoing cracking should be evaluated. To learn more about concrete leveling, particularly with long-lasting polyurethane injections, contact AquaGuard for a free inspection and estimate. 

How long does the concrete leveling process take? 

The timeline can range from 1-3 days depending on the size of the job. Professionals work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property. Setting materials like polyurethane expand quickly while concrete replacement and mudjacking takes longer to cure. You’ll receive an accurate timeline during a free concrete inspection by an AquaGuard expert. 

Contact AquaGuard Foundation Solutions for Concrete Lifting and Leveling Today!    

Related Resources

7 Benefits of Fixing your Sinking Concrete

Sinking Concrete? What’s Really Occurring

Lifting Your Sunken Concrete Slab: The PolyRenewal™ Difference

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AquaGuard Foundation Solutions does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.