Concrete Leveling
Fix sunken concrete quickly and affordably without the mess of complete replacement.
Understanding Concrete Settlement
Concrete slabs sink when the soil beneath them erodes, compacts, or shifts. This creates uneven surfaces that look bad, create trip hazards, and allow water to pool in wrong places. Settlement is extremely common with driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garage floors. At Marblecrest Burien Concrete, we fix settled concrete using modern leveling techniques that cost less than replacement and cause minimal disruption.
Several factors cause concrete to settle. Water erosion washes soil out from under slabs, creating voids that allow concrete to drop. Poor compaction during original installation leaves soft spots that compress over time. Tree roots can disturb soil and create settlement. Leaking pipes or downspouts saturate soil, causing it to compress as it dries. Here in the Pacific Northwest, our clay soils are particularly prone to expansion and contraction that contributes to settlement.
Settlement problems get worse over time if not addressed. A small settled section creates a trip hazard. It also changes drainage patterns, causing water to flow toward foundations or pool on surfaces. This water accelerates further erosion and settlement. What starts as a minor annoyance becomes a safety concern and potential structural issue. Early intervention prevents small problems from becoming expensive disasters.
You might notice several signs of settlement. Visible gaps appear between concrete and adjacent structures like steps or foundations. Water pools where it did not before. You feel a noticeable drop when walking from one slab to another. Cracks develop as concrete bends trying to span voids underneath. If you see any of these signs, concrete leveling can likely fix the problem before it gets worse.
How Concrete Leveling Works
Concrete leveling, also called slabjacking or mudjacking, raises sunken concrete back to its original position. The process involves drilling small holes through the concrete, then pumping material underneath to fill voids and lift the slab. Modern materials and techniques make this process quick, effective, and minimally invasive compared to tearing out and replacing concrete.
The Leveling Process
We start by evaluating the settled area to determine how much it has dropped and why settlement occurred. This assessment guides our approach. We drill strategically placed holes, typically 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, through the concrete. Then we pump lifting material through these holes under controlled pressure. The material flows beneath the slab, filling voids and exerting upward force that raises the concrete.
- Quick process, usually completed in hours not days
- Minimal disruption to landscaping or surroundings
- Usable within 24 hours after leveling
- Costs 50 to 70 percent less than replacement
- Permanent solution when done correctly
Materials and Methods
Traditional mudjacking uses a cement-based slurry mixture. Newer polyurethane foam injection offers advantages including lighter weight, faster curing, and greater precision. We recommend the best method for your specific situation. Both approaches work well when applied correctly. The key is proper diagnosis of settlement causes and correct material placement. Similar to our repair work, addressing underlying problems ensures long-lasting results.
Applications and Benefits
Concrete leveling works for most settled horizontal concrete surfaces. We commonly level driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and garage floors. The technique also works for concrete steps, warehouse floors, and loading docks. If concrete has settled but remains otherwise intact, leveling is likely possible and practical compared to replacement.
Cost savings represent the biggest advantage of leveling versus replacement. You save money on demolition, disposal, materials, and labor. Leveling costs roughly half to one-third what replacement costs. You also avoid damage to landscaping, sprinkler systems, and adjacent structures that replacement often requires. The existing concrete continues serving you rather than going to a landfill, making leveling an environmentally friendlier option.
Time and convenience matter too. Leveling typically takes a few hours versus several days for replacement projects. You can use the leveled concrete within 24 hours compared to a week or more for new concrete to cure. There is less mess, less disruption to your routine, and faster return to normal. For businesses, this means less downtime and fewer operational impacts.
Leveling provides a permanent fix when done correctly. The material we inject does not shrink or deteriorate. It becomes part of the soil structure supporting your concrete. As long as you address drainage issues and other factors that caused the original settlement, your leveled concrete should remain stable indefinitely. We see leveled slabs perform well for many years without additional problems.