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Concrete Leveling

Lift sunken concrete back to its original position without the mess and expense of complete replacement.

Professional concrete leveling and slab lifting services in Urbana, IL

Fix Sunken Concrete Without Replacement

You probably have at least one section of concrete around your property that has settled and sits lower than it should. Maybe your driveway has a sunken slab that creates a bump when you drive over it. Or a sidewalk section that creates a trip hazard. Perhaps your patio has tilted and now water pools near your foundation instead of draining away. These problems get worse over time and can lead to bigger issues.

The traditional solution has been to tear out and replace the sunken concrete. That means days of noise, mess, and disruption, plus the high cost of removal and new concrete. Concrete leveling offers a better option. We lift the sunken slabs back to their original position in hours instead of days, and the process costs much less than replacement. Many homeowners in Champaign and Urbana are surprised to learn this option exists.

The technical term for this process is slab jacking or mud jacking, and it has been used successfully for decades. We drill small holes through the concrete, pump material underneath to fill voids and lift the slab, then patch the holes. Your concrete gets back to level, drainage problems get fixed, and trip hazards disappear. The best part is you can usually walk on the leveled concrete the same day we finish.

How Concrete Leveling Works

The leveling process starts with a careful assessment of your situation. We determine why the concrete settled in the first place. Common causes include soil erosion from poor drainage, soil compaction from heavy loads, or voids that formed when the original fill material washed away. Understanding the cause helps us fix the problem permanently rather than just treating symptoms.

Our Leveling Process

  • We drill strategic holes through the concrete, typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter
  • Pumping material fills voids beneath the slab and creates hydraulic pressure
  • The slab lifts gradually back to the proper level while we monitor carefully
  • We patch the injection holes to match your existing concrete surface

The material we pump varies based on your situation. Traditional mud jacking uses a cement slurry mixture. Newer methods use polyurethane foam that expands to fill voids and lift concrete. Both work well when applied correctly. We recommend the best method for your specific situation based on the amount of lift needed, soil conditions, and your budget.

When Leveling Makes Sense

Concrete leveling works best when your concrete is still in good condition but has settled unevenly. If your driveway or sidewalk has one or two sunken sections but no major cracks or damage, leveling usually makes financial sense. The concrete itself still has many years of life left, it just needs to be lifted back to the correct position.

Ideal Leveling Applications

Sunken slabs near your foundation create drainage problems that can lead to water in your basement. Leveling fixes the grade so water flows away from your house as it should. Trip hazards on sidewalks and walkways pose liability concerns, especially if you have elderly visitors or young children. Lifting these sections eliminates the danger without tearing up your whole walkway.

Uneven garage floors make it difficult to work comfortably and can affect how doors close. Pool decks and patios that have settled create water pooling problems and look unprofessional. In all these situations, leveling provides a quick, affordable solution that extends the life of your existing concrete.

However, leveling does not work for all situations. Concrete with extensive cracking, major structural damage, or surfaces that have deteriorated significantly need replacement rather than leveling. We will honestly assess your situation and tell you whether leveling makes sense or if replacement is the better choice for your property.

Common Questions About Concrete Leveling

How long does leveled concrete last?
When done correctly and when the underlying cause is addressed, leveled concrete can last many years. If the original settlement was caused by a one-time soil issue that we fix during the leveling process, the repair may last indefinitely. If settlement was caused by ongoing problems like poor drainage or expansive clay soils, you may need periodic maintenance. Most of our Champaign-Urbana customers find that leveling provides years of service and costs far less than replacement even if touch-ups are eventually needed.
Will the leveling holes be visible after you finish?
Yes, the patched holes will be visible, especially on new concrete. We carefully patch them to match your existing surface as closely as possible, but expect to see the repair locations. The patches are typically small circles about the size of a silver dollar. Over time, they weather and become less noticeable. Most customers find the improved function and safety far outweighs any cosmetic concerns about visible patches.
How much does concrete leveling cost compared to replacement?
Concrete leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than complete replacement. The exact savings depend on the size of the area and how much lift is needed. Leveling also saves you the cost and hassle of removing and disposing of old concrete. You avoid the curing time needed for new concrete, which means less disruption to your routine. We provide free estimates that compare leveling versus replacement costs so you can make an informed decision about which approach makes sense for your situation.