When you think of beautiful things, you probably envision flowers, a sunset, the fresh green of springtime after a rainstorm….but concrete? We’re going to bet it doesn’t make the list.
Particularly if you’re used to seeing the crumbling, sunken concrete around your home. Beautiful? No. Functional? Definitely not.
The good news, though, is that you aren’t stuck with it forever. Nor do you have to fully replace the concrete in your home. Instead, you need concrete leveling services!
With concrete leveling, you can:
- Reduce tripping hazards ⚠️
- Boost your curb appeal 🏡
- Prevent water damage 💧
But what exactly is concrete leveling? And how do you know if it is right for you? We’ll be explaining all that and more in today’s article!
What Is Concrete Leveling? 🤷♀️
While it is normal for the concrete in and around your home to shift and settle over time, that doesn’t mean that it is without its consequences. Broken concrete on your driveways and patios looks unpleasant and can cause damage to your home.
Oftentimes, this occurs because the soil underneath your concrete slab has shifted. Soil can shift when:
- Excessive water washes soil away
- Tree roots dislodge the soil
- The surrounding soil expands and contracts with the weather
But very few people want to spend the time and money to fully replace their concrete. That’s where concrete leveling comes in.
Concrete leveling – also referred to as mudjacking – works by filling voids that form underneath your concrete slab. This results in concrete lifting and can help restore your sunken concrete slab to its former glory!
A professional concrete company will come to your home and start by drilling holes into your concrete. These small holes are then injected with a slurry of cement, soil, and water.
What Areas of My Home Need Concrete Leveling? 🏠
Concrete leveling can be used in a variety of areas of the home. Here are just a few of the places on your property that could benefit from the service:
- Garage floors
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Patios
- Concrete steps
- Walkways
4 Signs You Need Concrete Leveling ⛏️
If looking at your garage floors or patio leaves you feeling stressed, you may be excited about the idea of concrete leveling. But is it right for you? Here are some signs that you should consider concrete leveling services.
1) Movement of Personal Items
Have you ever glanced at your patio furniture and thought that it looks like it might be tipping? Maybe you dismissed it as a trick of the light. The truth is, you may be looking at the early signs of shifting concrete. It can make your furniture and other belongings tilt and slide.
2) Sunken Concrete
Sometimes sunken concrete is very visible. You may see certain slabs are lower than others or find yourself tripping in areas of your home. Because it isn’t noticeable in the same way that, say, cracks are, you may find yourself ignoring it. However, leveling sunken concrete is essential in order to prevent further damage to the rest of your home.
3) Pooling Water
When your concrete sinks, it makes a perfect place for water to pool. While the occasional puddle around your home may not seem too concerning, pooling water can lead to water damage to your home. This may come in the form of water infiltration or flooding in your basement or further damage to the concrete itself.
4) Concrete Is Mostly Functional
One important factor to consider is the state of your existing concrete. While leveling does a great job of lifting the concrete back up to its’ desired height, it’s worth noting that it will not work if there are significant cracks and damage to the concrete surface. In this case, you may be better off pursuing a total concrete replacement.
How Much Does Concrete Leveling Cost? 💸
We know the real question on your mind. How much does concrete leveling cost?
The good news is that concrete leveling is a relatively cost-effective solution! Most contractors will charge somewhere between $3-$6 per square foot. However, when estimating your mudjacking costs, it is important to also factor in labor costs. Quality contractors will typically cost $30-$100 an hour. Anticipating this will allow you to get a more accurate sense of how much you can expect to pay.
Don’t forget that most contractors will be open to offering you estimates and quotes on your project!
Alternatives to Mudjacking 👷♀️
Not sure if mudjacking is the right type of concrete leveling for you? Some people prefer poly leveling.
Poly leveling is similar in method to mudjacking. However, instead of filling voids with a cement mixture, polyurethane foam is injected in order to lift the concrete slabs. While the end results are similar, poly leveling can last for over 10 years. Mudjacking only lasts for 5-10.
Poly leveling costs are slightly higher than mudjacking costs. Expect to pay $5-$25 per square foot.
Consult With an Expert ☎️
Not sure whether concrete leveling is the right choice for you or whether your home actually needs it? Perma Pier is here to help. As the foremost foundation experts in Texas, we can help your home with all of its foundation repair needs. Contact our team today to get started!
