FAQ

1. What is concrete leveling?

Concrete leveling is a repair method for lifting and leveling sunken or uneven concrete slabs. At Ann Arbor Concrete Leveling, we use a polyurethane foam injection technique to return settled concrete to its original position. This process involves drilling small holes in the concrete and pumping expanding polyurethane foam underneath to fill voids and lift the slab. Concrete leveling is an effective and affordable alternative to replacing entire concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks.

2. How does concrete leveling work?

Our concrete leveling process uses polyurethane foam injection to lift sunken slabs. We begin by strategically drilling small 5/8″ holes in the concrete surface. Then, we inject a two-part polyurethane foam through these holes and underneath the slab. As the foam expands, it fills voids in the soil and gently lifts the concrete back to its proper level. The expanding foam also compresses and stabilizes loose soil to prevent future settling. Once the concrete is level, we patch the drill holes and clean the work area. The entire process usually takes just a few hours to complete.

3. What are the benefits of concrete leveling compared to replacement?

Concrete leveling offers several key advantages over full concrete replacement:

Much more affordable – typically 50-70% less expensive than replacement
Faster process – can be completed in hours instead of days
Less disruptive – no need for heavy equipment or demolition
Environmentally friendly – reuses existing concrete instead of creating waste
Long-lasting results – addresses underlying soil issues
Maintains existing look – no visible differences in concrete color/finish

For most sunken concrete issues, leveling is the superior repair option in terms of cost, time, and effectiveness.

4. What types of concrete surfaces can be leveled?

Our concrete leveling services can be used on virtually any concrete slab, including:

Driveways
Sidewalks
Patios
Pool decks
Garage floors
Porches and steps
Warehouse/factory floors
Concrete foundations

As long as the concrete is structurally sound and not severely cracked or deteriorated, it can likely be successfully leveled. During our free estimate, we’ll assess your specific situation to determine if leveling is the right solution.

5. How long does concrete leveling take?

Most residential concrete leveling projects can be completed in 2-3 hours. Larger commercial jobs may take a full day. The polyurethane foam we use rapidly cures you to use the concrete again within 15 minutes of completing the leveling process. This is much faster than concrete replacement, which can take several days or weeks before the new concrete is fully cured and ready for use. Our efficient process means minimal disruption to your property and schedule.

6. Is concrete leveling a permanent fix?

Concrete leveling provides a long-lasting solution in most cases. We stabilize the base by addressing the underlying soil issues and filling voids to prevent future settling. Our polyurethane foam is extremely durable and will not break down over time. While no repair method is 100% permanent, properly performed concrete leveling typically lasts 5-10 years or longer. Factors like soil conditions, drainage, and concrete conditions can impact longevity. We offer a 5-year warranty on our work for your peace of mind.

7. How much does concrete leveling cost?

The cost of concrete leveling varies depending on factors like the area’s size, settling severity, and ease of access. However, concrete leveling is typically 50-70% less expensive than full concrete replacement. For example, leveling an average two-car driveway may cost $1000-2000, while replacing it could run $5000-7000 or more. We provide free, no-obligation estimates, so you’ll know the exact cost for your project before any work begins. Given the significant savings, concrete leveling is a cost-effective repair option for most homeowners and businesses.

8. Is concrete leveling safe for my property?

Yes, our concrete leveling process is completely safe for your property. Our polyurethane foam is environmentally inert and will not react with soil or cause any contamination issues. The small 5/8″ holes we drill are quickly patched and barely noticeable. Unlike replacement, there’s no risk of damage to surrounding landscaping or structures. The foam is also lightweight so that it won’t add significant weight to your property. Our experienced technicians greatly protect your property throughout the leveling process. You can feel confident that concrete leveling is a safe, non-invasive repair method.

9. How soon can I use the concrete after leveling?

One of the major benefits of our polyurethane foam leveling method is the rapid cure time. You can usually walk on the leveled concrete within 15 minutes of completing the work. We recommend waiting about 30-60 minutes for driveways before driving on the surface. This is much faster than new concrete, which can take days or weeks to cure fully. The quick turnaround time means minimal disruption to your daily routine. You’ll be able to enjoy your newly leveled concrete almost immediately after we finish the job.

10. Will concrete leveling fix cracks in my concrete?

Concrete leveling can help stabilize and prevent further cracking but does not directly repair existing cracks. As we lift the concrete, some minor cracks may close up. However, we recommend sealing any significant cracks after the leveling process is complete for best results. We offer crack sealing services using high-quality polyurethane sealants that will prevent water infiltration and further deterioration. For severely cracked or broken concrete, replacement may be necessary. We’ll assess the condition of your concrete during our inspection and recommend the best course of action.

11. Do you offer a warranty on concrete leveling?

We stand behind our work with a 5-year warranty on all concrete leveling projects. This warranty covers settling or shifting the leveled concrete due to issues with our materials or artistry. If any problems occur within the warranty period, we’ll return to re-level the affected areas at no cost to you. We use only the highest quality materials and have extensive experience, so warranty claims are rare. However, we offer this guarantee to give you complete confidence in our services. Some exclusions may apply, so please ask for full warranty details.

12. Can you level concrete in cold weather?

Yes, we can perform concrete leveling year-round, even in cold Michigan winters. Our polyurethane foam is not affected by cold temperatures and will still expand and cure properly. However, we prefer to work when temperatures are above freezing for best results. We may need extra precautions in cold conditions, like heating the concrete surface or using specialized cold-weather foam formulations. We’ll assess weather conditions and advise you on the best timing for your project. Unlike new, temperature-sensitive concrete pouring, concrete leveling can be done effectively in most weather conditions.

13. How do I know if my concrete needs leveling?

Several signs indicate your concrete may need leveling:

Visible unevenness or sloping
Tripping hazards where slabs meet
Cracks that are wider on one side
Pooling water on the surface
Gaps between the concrete and adjacent structures
Sunken areas or dips in the surface

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to have a professional assessment. We offer free inspections and can determine if concrete leveling is the right solution for your property. Addressing settling early can prevent more serious damage and safety hazards.

14. Can you level-stamped or decorative concrete?

Our concrete leveling process works well for stamped, colored, or decorative concrete surfaces. The polyurethane foam injection method doesn’t disturb the surface texture or appearance of the concrete. We take extra care when working with decorative concrete to preserve the pattern and color. The small drill holes are easily patched to match the existing surface. Leveling is often preferable to replacement for decorative concrete, as it’s difficult and expensive to match the original look with new concrete. We can effectively restore the functionality and appearance of your stamped or decorative concrete without needing costly replacement.

15. Is mudjacking the same as foam concrete leveling?

While mudjacking and foam leveling aim to lift sunken concrete, they use different materials and methods. Traditional mudjacking pumps a slurry of mud, cement, and other materials under the slab. Foam leveling, which we use, injects expanding polyurethane foam. Foam leveling offers several advantages:

Smaller injection holes (5/8″ vs 1-2″ for mud jacking)
Lighter weight, won’t overburden weak soil
Expands to fill all voids completely
Waterproof and won’t wash out
Cures quickly, allowing immediate use
Longer-lasting results

For these reasons, we believe polyurethane foam leveling is the superior concrete repair method in most situations.

16. Will concrete leveling affect my home’s foundation?

Concrete leveling will not negatively impact your home’s foundation. It can often help protect your foundation by improving drainage and preventing water from pooling near the house. Our polyurethane foam is lightweight and won’t add significant pressure to the surrounding soil. We’re careful to avoid injecting foam too close to the foundation walls. In some cases, we may even be able to lift and stabilize settling portions of your foundation using our foam injection method. If you have concerns about your foundation, we can assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions during our free inspection.

17. How long has concrete leveling been around?

Concrete leveling techniques have been used for over 50 years, with mud jacking being the original method developed in the 1930s. Polyurethane foam leveling, which we use, was introduced in the 1980s and has become increasingly popular over the last few decades due to its many advantages. Our team has over 20 years of experience in polyurethane foam concrete leveling. We stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in materials and techniques to provide the most effective concrete leveling services possible. You can trust that you’re getting a proven, time-tested solution backed by decades of industry experience.

18. Can I level the concrete myself?

While some DIY concrete leveling products are available, we strongly recommend professional service for the best results. Proper concrete leveling requires specialized equipment, high-quality materials, and extensive experience to achieve a lasting, even lift. DIY attempts often result in incomplete lifting, further damage to the concrete, or safety hazards. Our team has the expertise to assess the underlying cause of settling, determine the optimal injection points, and achieve a precise, stable lift. We also have access to commercial-grade polyurethane foams that are unavailable to consumers. For safe, effective, and long-lasting results, it’s best to trust your concrete leveling to experienced professionals.

19. Do you offer concrete replacement services as well?

Yes, while we specialize in concrete leveling, we also offer full concrete replacement services when necessary. Replacement may be the best option in some cases, such as severely deteriorated or extensively cracked concrete. Our experienced team can handle all aspects of concrete replacement, including:

Removal and disposal of old concrete
Site preparation and grading
Formwork and reinforcement installation
Concrete pouring and finishing
Decorative options like stamping or coloring

During our free inspection, we’ll assess your concrete and make honest recommendations on whether leveling or replacement is the most appropriate solution for your situation.

20. How do I schedule a concrete leveling estimate?

Scheduling a free concrete leveling estimate with Ann Arbor Concrete Leveling is easy. Simply call us at 734-821-4886 or fill out the contact form on our website. We’ll arrange a convenient time for one of our experienced technicians to visit your property. During the estimate, we’ll assess the condition of your concrete, measure the affected areas, and discuss your options. We’ll provide a detailed written quote with no obligation. Our team is always happy to answer any questions about the process. Don’t let uneven concrete be a safety hazard or eyesore any longer – contact us today to start the repair process!