Concrete leveling: mudjacking and foam jacking
Raise a sunken slab back to level and fill the voids underneath, usually in a few hours and without new concrete.
Concrete leveling lifts a settled slab by pumping material underneath it. The material fills the empty space that caused the slab to sink and pushes the concrete back up. Leveling works on driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches and stoops, garage aprons, pool decks and some garage floors.
How does concrete leveling work?
- Inspection. The contractor checks how far the slab has dropped, whether it's cracked through and what caused the settling.
- Drilling. Small holes are drilled through the slab in a pattern.
- Injection. Slurry or foam is pumped in under pressure, filling voids first and then gradually lifting the slab.
- Patching and sealing. Holes are patched, and joints and cracks are usually sealed so water can't wash out the base again.
Mudjacking vs. foam jacking: which is better?
| Mudjacking | Foam jacking | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement-based slurry (often with limestone or sand) | Expanding polyurethane foam |
| Hole size | Roughly 1 to 2 inches | Roughly 5/8 inch |
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Cure time | Typically a day or more before heavy loads | Often usable within hours |
| Water | Can erode if water keeps running under the slab | Doesn't absorb water |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
Neither method fixes the cause of the settling on its own. If water from a downspout or sump line keeps running under the slab, it can sink again either way.
When won't leveling work?
- The concrete is broken into many small pieces or crumbling at the surface.
- The slab has heaved up rather than sunk, such as from tree roots.
- The slab is too thin or was poured without a solid base.
- The settling comes from ongoing foundation movement that needs a different repair.
Can leveling help a slab that slopes toward my house?
Yes. That's one of the most useful leveling jobs. A patio, stoop or sidewalk that has settled back toward the foundation sends rain and snowmelt toward your basement. Lifting it to slope away from the house, then sealing the joint where it meets the foundation, can make a real difference.
What affects the cost of concrete leveling?
- Method. Foam usually costs more than mudjacking.
- Size of the slab and depth of the voids. More material, more cost.
- How far it has to be lifted.
- Access. Hard-to-reach slabs take longer.
- Sealing. Joint and crack sealing may be included or extra.
Prices come from the concrete company after they've seen the slab and figured out why it moved. We don't quote prices ourselves, and a phone estimate is only a starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How long does concrete leveling last?
When the cause of settling is addressed and joints are sealed, leveled slabs often stay put for many years. If water keeps washing out the base, it can settle again.
Can I drive on my driveway after leveling?
With foam, often the same day. With mudjacking, ask the contractor; many recommend waiting at least a day for heavy vehicles.
Can leveling be done in winter?
Some companies work in cold weather, especially with foam, but frozen ground and snow cover limit what can be done. Spring through fall is the main season.
Related services
More background: Sioux Falls concrete repair guide.
Sunken slab or a trip hazard by the door?
Call now and a local concrete company will come look and quote the fix.