How much does concrete leveling cost compared to replacement?

Concrete leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than removing and replacing the same area. The exact savings depend on the size of the sunken area and how much lift is needed. Leveling is also much faster, usually completed in a few hours instead of several days. There's no demolition mess, no waiting for concrete to cure, and you can use the surface immediately after we finish.

Will the injection holes be noticeable?

The holes we drill are typically 1 to 2 inches in diameter. After lifting the concrete, we patch these holes with concrete that matches the existing slab as closely as possible. The patches will be visible up close at first, but they blend in better as they weather. Most people don't notice them from normal viewing distances, especially on driveways where tire marks and normal wear create varied surface appearance.

Concrete Leveling

Q: How long does leveled concrete last?

When done properly, leveled concrete can last many years, often as long as the original slab. The key is ensuring the material we inject properly fills voids and compacts the soil underneath. We also address drainage issues that may have caused the settling in the first place. If the underlying problem is fixed, leveled concrete should stay in place indefinitely.

Lift sunken concrete back to its original position without the cost and hassle of full replacement.

Professional concrete leveling and finishing work in Calexico

Why Concrete Sinks and Settles

You've probably noticed uneven concrete around your property. Maybe one side of your driveway sits lower than the other, or a section of your sidewalk has dropped and created a trip hazard. This happens when the soil beneath the concrete shifts, compacts, or washes away. The concrete itself is fine, but without proper support underneath, it settles into the void.

Here in Calexico, several factors cause soil to shift under concrete. Water from irrigation or heavy rains can erode soil over time. Poor compaction during original construction leaves voids that eventually collapse. Tree roots can lift or undermine sections. Even natural soil settlement happens as the ground adjusts over the years.

The good news is that sunken concrete doesn't always need replacement. Modern leveling techniques let Calexico Concrete lift settled sections back to their original height in just a few hours. This saves you thousands compared to tearing out and replacing the concrete.

Signs You Need Concrete Leveling

Uneven surfaces: Sections that sit lower than surrounding concrete or create visible steps.
Trip hazards: Raised edges or dips that make walking dangerous, especially for elderly visitors.
Pooling water: Areas where water collects because the slope drains toward your foundation instead of away.
Gaps and cracks: Separation between concrete sections that's getting wider as settling continues.
Foundation concerns: Settlement near your home's foundation that could lead to structural problems.

How Concrete Leveling Works

Concrete leveling, also called mudjacking or slabjacking, is a proven technique that's been used for decades. Here's how we lift your sunken concrete.

Assessment and Preparation

First, we inspect the sunken areas to determine how much lift is needed and whether the concrete is in good enough condition for leveling. If the slab is badly cracked or deteriorated, replacement might be the better option. But if the concrete itself is sound, leveling is usually perfect. We mark the areas that need work and measure the exact amount of lift required.

Drilling Access Holes

Next, we drill small holes through the concrete, typically about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. These holes provide access points for injecting the lifting material underneath. We strategically place holes so we can lift the slab evenly without creating stress points. The holes are much less invasive than tearing out entire sections of concrete.

Injecting Lifting Material

We pump a specialized mixture under the concrete through the access holes. This material fills voids, compacts loose soil, and creates pressure that lifts the slab. We carefully monitor the lift in real time, raising the concrete slowly and steadily to the correct height. The process is surprisingly quick, usually taking just a few hours for most residential projects.

Finishing and Cleanup

Once the concrete reaches the proper level, we fill the access holes with patching compound that matches your concrete color. After the patch material cures, the holes are barely visible. You can use the leveled surface within 24 hours. The entire process creates minimal mess and disruption compared to concrete replacement. If you do need replacement instead of leveling, explore our driveway replacement or sidewalk installation services.

Why Choose Leveling Over Replacement

Concrete leveling offers several advantages that make it the smart choice for most sunken concrete situations.

Cost Savings

Leveling typically costs 50 to 70 percent less than tearing out and replacing concrete. You're working with your existing concrete rather than starting over. This makes leveling a budget-friendly solution that still solves the problem completely.

Speed and Convenience

Most leveling projects finish in a single day, and you can use the area within 24 hours. Replacement requires demolition, removal, base preparation, pouring, and curing that takes a week or more. Leveling means less disruption to your daily routine and faster return to normal use.

Minimal Mess and Disruption

Replacement creates tons of debris that must be hauled away. Leveling produces virtually no waste. We drill a few small holes, pump material underneath, and patch the holes. Your landscaping stays intact, and there's no major construction zone in your yard.

Environmentally Friendly

Keeping your existing concrete out of landfills is better for the environment. Leveling uses fewer resources and creates less waste than manufacturing and placing new concrete. When the existing concrete is still structurally sound, leveling is the green choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does leveled concrete last?

Leveled concrete typically stays raised for many years, often 5 to 10 years or longer. The key factor is whether the underlying cause of settlement is addressed. If water erosion caused the problem, we need to fix drainage. If poor compaction was the issue, the leveling material creates a solid base that won't compress further. Some properties may experience new settlement in different areas over time due to changing soil conditions, but the leveled sections usually remain stable.

Can all sunken concrete be leveled?

Not all concrete is a good candidate for leveling. Slabs that are severely cracked, broken into multiple pieces, or structurally compromised should be replaced rather than leveled. Very thin concrete may not withstand the lifting pressure. Concrete that has settled more than about 4 to 6 inches becomes difficult to lift safely. We evaluate each situation and honestly tell you whether leveling will work or if replacement is the better option.

Will the patch holes be visible after leveling?

The access holes will be visible if you know where to look, but we work hard to minimize their appearance. We use patching material that closely matches your concrete color, and we smooth the patches flush with the surrounding surface. Over time, as the patches weather, they blend in even more. Most people find the small patched holes far less noticeable than the trip hazards and uneven surfaces that existed before leveling.