Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about sunken concrete, slab leveling, or whether repair makes sense for your property? Below are common questions homeowners ask about concrete leveling in Johnson County and nearby Central Indiana communities.
What is concrete leveling?
Concrete leveling is a repair process used to lift and stabilize settled concrete slabs. Instead of tearing out the existing concrete, material is placed beneath the slab to fill voids, raise low areas, and help support the concrete.
Common areas that may be leveled include:
- driveways
- sidewalks
- patios
- pool decks
- garage floors
- walkways
- concrete steps and approaches
Why does concrete sink?
Concrete often sinks because the soil beneath the slab has shifted, washed away, or compacted over time.
Common causes include:
- poor soil compaction
- water runoff
- erosion beneath the slab
- downspout drainage near concrete
- freeze-thaw cycles
- tree roots or soil movement
- heavy use or vehicle loads
Leveling can help address the settled slab, but drainage and soil conditions should also be considered so the problem is less likely to return.
Is concrete leveling cheaper than replacement?
Concrete leveling is often less expensive than removing and replacing the entire slab. Replacement usually requires demolition, hauling away old concrete, forming, pouring, curing time, and cleanup.
Leveling may be a better option when the concrete is still in reasonable condition but has settled or become uneven. If the slab is badly broken, crumbling, or severely deteriorated, replacement may be the better long-term solution.
View the concrete leveling cost guide.
How much does concrete leveling cost?
Pricing depends on the size of the slab, the amount of settlement, access to the area, repair method, and the condition of the concrete.
Smaller sidewalk repairs may cost less than larger driveway, patio, garage floor, or pool deck projects. The best way to estimate the cost is to evaluate the slab, measure the area, and identify any voids or drainage issues.
How long does concrete leveling take?
Many concrete leveling projects can be completed in a few hours. Larger repairs or projects with difficult access may take longer.
In many cases, the repaired concrete can be used sooner than newly poured replacement concrete, but exact timing depends on the repair method and site conditions.
What is the difference between foam leveling and mudjacking?
Foam leveling uses expanding polyurethane foam injected beneath the slab. Mudjacking uses a heavier cement-based slurry to raise the concrete.
Both methods can lift settled concrete, but they differ in material weight, injection hole size, cure time, cost, and how they perform in different soil conditions.
Compare foam leveling vs mudjacking.
Can cracked concrete be leveled?
Sometimes. A cracked slab may still be a good candidate for leveling if the concrete is structurally sound and the cracking is related to settlement.
Concrete may need replacement instead if it is:
- severely broken
- heavily spalled
- crumbling
- missing large sections
- too thin or unstable to lift safely
An inspection can help determine whether leveling, crack repair, or replacement is the better option.
Will leveling remove all cracks?
Concrete leveling raises and stabilizes the slab, but it does not erase existing cracks. Cracks may still be visible after the slab is lifted.
In some cases, cracks or joints can be sealed after leveling to help reduce water intrusion and improve appearance.
Can concrete leveling fix trip hazards?
Concrete leveling can often reduce trip hazards caused by sunken sidewalk, walkway, driveway, or patio slabs. The goal is to bring uneven sections closer to the surrounding concrete surface.
Trip hazard repair is common for:
- front sidewalks
- entry walkways
- driveway aprons
- commercial walkways
- HOA sidewalks
Will concrete leveling fix drainage problems?
Concrete leveling may help improve drainage if settlement is causing water to flow toward a home, garage, patio, or low spot.
However, leveling may not solve every drainage issue. Downspouts, grading, soil erosion, and water runoff patterns may also need attention.
Is concrete leveling a permanent repair?
Concrete leveling can provide a long-lasting repair when the slab is in good condition and the underlying cause of settlement is addressed.
Future movement is still possible if water continues to wash out soil beneath the concrete or if the base below the slab remains unstable. Good drainage is one of the most important ways to protect repaired concrete.
What types of concrete can be leveled?
Concrete leveling may be used for many residential and light commercial slabs, including:
- sidewalks
- driveways
- patios
- garage floors
- pool decks
- porches
- steps
- walkways
The slab must be evaluated to determine whether it is strong enough to lift.
Do I need to replace my concrete instead?
Replacement may be recommended when the concrete is too damaged to lift or stabilize effectively.
Replacement may make more sense if the slab has:
- widespread cracking
- deep surface deterioration
- major structural damage
- severe heaving
- large missing sections
- major tree root damage
If the concrete is mostly intact but uneven, leveling may be worth considering first.
What should I do before requesting a quote?
It helps to gather a few basic details about the concrete problem.
Useful information includes:
- the type of slab
- the approximate size of the area
- photos of the uneven concrete
- whether water pools nearby
- how long the issue has been present
- whether the slab has continued to move
Photos can make it easier to understand the issue before an on-site evaluation.
What areas do you serve?
Hoosier Concrete Leveling helps connect homeowners with concrete leveling professionals throughout Johnson County, Indiana and nearby Central Indiana areas.
Common service areas include:
- Franklin
- Greenwood
- Whiteland
- Bargersville
- Trafalgar
- New Whiteland
How do I request information?
If you have uneven concrete around your home or property, call or request information online.
Request information about concrete leveling options in your area.