How much does concrete leveling cost?

Concrete leveling in Hollywood, FL typically costs $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the extent of settling and the material used. Polyurethane foam leveling runs toward the higher end but offers superior performance. A typical driveway approach repair might cost $400 to $800, while leveling a 200-square-foot patio section could run $1,000 to $2,000. These prices are significantly less than replacement.

How long does leveled concrete last?

Properly done concrete leveling should last as long as the concrete itself, potentially decades. The key is using quality materials and addressing the underlying cause of settling. Polyurethane foam won't compress, degrade, or wash away over time, providing permanent support. If settling was caused by poor drainage or plumbing leaks, those issues need to be fixed as well.

Will the holes be visible after leveling?

The holes used for leveling are patched after work is complete with color-matched concrete material. Immediately after, you'll see where the holes were, but they blend in over time. Each hole is only 1 to 2 inches in diameter. On natural gray concrete, patches typically become nearly invisible within a few months. Most customers find the small patches are a minor tradeoff for eliminating settling problems.

Concrete Leveling

Fix sunken concrete fast without the cost and mess of replacement using proven leveling techniques.

Why Concrete Sinks and Settles

Sunken or uneven concrete is more than just an eyesore. It creates tripping hazards, causes water to pool in the wrong places, and damages the overall appearance of your property. Understanding why concrete settles helps you appreciate why leveling is such an effective solution.

The concrete itself doesn't shrink or compress. Instead, the soil underneath shifts, compacts, or erodes away, leaving voids beneath the slab. When there's nothing supporting the concrete from below, gravity takes over and the slab sinks into the empty space. This is especially common here in Hollywood, FL where we have sandy soils and frequent heavy rains that can wash away soil from beneath concrete slabs.

Several factors contribute to soil erosion and settling. Poor compaction during original construction leaves air pockets that eventually compress under the weight of the concrete. Water flowing beneath slabs washes away soil over time. Tree roots can displace soil or die and decompose, leaving voids. Plumbing leaks saturate soil and cause it to erode or compress. Even natural soil settling happens gradually over the years.

Once concrete starts to sink, the problem typically gets worse. Water flows toward the low spots, causing more erosion underneath. The edges of sunken slabs often crack from the stress of being unsupported. What starts as a minor issue can become a major problem if left unaddressed. The good news is that concrete leveling can fix these problems before you need expensive replacement. Whether it's your driveway, patio, or walkway that's settling, we can restore it to level condition.

How Concrete Leveling Works

Concrete leveling, also called slab jacking or mud jacking, is a proven method for raising sunken concrete back to its original position. The process is faster, cleaner, and more affordable than tearing out and replacing concrete:

The Leveling Process

We drill small holes through the sunken concrete slab, typically about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These holes give us access to the space beneath the slab. Through these holes, we pump a specialized leveling material underneath the concrete. As the material fills the voids and builds up, it lifts the slab back to the proper height. We carefully monitor the lifting process and can control it precisely to avoid over-lifting.

Once the slab reaches the correct level, we stop pumping and allow the material to set. The holes are then filled and patched to match the surrounding concrete. The entire process usually takes just a few hours, and you can use the area again within 24 hours. Compare that to replacement, which requires demolition, removal, new pouring, and several days of curing before use.

Materials We Use

Modern leveling materials are engineered for strength and longevity. We primarily use polyurethane foam, which is lightweight, strong, and won't wash away or compress over time. This foam expands as it's injected, filling voids completely and exerting controlled lifting force. It cures quickly and remains stable indefinitely. Some situations call for traditional cement-based slurry, which is heavier but works well for certain applications. We choose the right material based on your specific situation.

When Leveling is the Right Solution

Concrete leveling works great for many situations, but it's not always the answer. Here's when leveling makes the most sense:

The concrete is structurally sound: No extensive cracking, crumbling, or severe damage
The sinking is localized: Specific areas have settled rather than the entire slab being compromised
You want to avoid the mess of replacement: Leveling is much cleaner with minimal disruption
Budget is a concern: Leveling costs 50 to 75 percent less than replacement
Time is important: You need the area back in service quickly
You want to preserve existing decorative finishes: Stamped or colored concrete that would be expensive to replicate

Leveling might not be the best option if your concrete is severely cracked throughout, crumbling from age and deterioration, or if the underlying cause of settling can't be addressed. In these cases, we'll be honest about when replacement makes more sense. Our goal is to recommend the solution that gives you the best long-term value, whether that's leveling or replacement.

Applications for Concrete Leveling

We use concrete leveling to fix a wide range of settling problems around Hollywood properties:

Driveways: Sunken driveway sections create jarring bumps when you drive over them and can damage your vehicle's suspension. Leveling eliminates these problem areas and prevents water from pooling on your driveway. It's especially effective for the approach where driveways meet the street, which often sinks over time.

Sidewalks: Uneven sidewalk panels are major tripping hazards and liability concerns. Leveling brings panels back to a safe, flush condition quickly. This is common work for commercial properties where customer safety is paramount, but just as important for residential properties where you have guests and family walking.

Patios: When patio slabs settle, water pools on the surface instead of draining away. This creates slip hazards and accelerates deterioration. Leveling restores proper drainage and makes your patio usable again. You preserve your existing patio appearance without the cost and downtime of replacement.

Garage floors: Settled garage floors can cause doors not to seal properly, create drainage issues, and make the space feel unfinished. Leveling brings the floor back to proper grade and eliminates low spots where water accumulates. This is often combined with epoxy coatings for a complete garage floor makeover.

Pool decks: Settling pool decks can slope water back toward the pool or create trip hazards around the pool edge. Leveling addresses these safety issues and improves the overall appearance of your pool area. It's a much more practical solution than tearing out and replacing expensive decorative concrete around your pool.

Commercial flatwork: Loading docks, warehouse floors, parking lots, and walkways all benefit from leveling when settling occurs. We minimize business disruption and get your commercial surfaces back to safe, functional condition quickly.