Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Lifting
What is concrete lifting?
Concrete lifting (also called slab jacking, slab lifting, concrete jacking, or concrete levelling) is a cost‑effective concrete repair method that raises settled, sunken, or uneven concrete by injecting a concrete raising material (either polyurethane foam or a mudjacking slurry) beneath the slab to lift it back into place, instead of tearing it out and replacing it.
Is concrete lifting a good idea?
Concrete lifting is often an excellent option when your concrete is still structurally sound but has settled or become uneven, because it raises the existing slab instead of tearing it out and pouring new concrete, making it usually more affordable and much quicker than full replacement while also reducing trip hazards, limiting disruption to landscaping, and avoiding sending usable concrete to the landfill.
Does concrete lifting really work?
Yes! Concrete lifting is a highly effective and proven solution for raising and levelling sunken or settled slabs, especially when modern methods such as polyurethane foam lifting are used.
What are signs I need concrete lifting?
You will usually know it is time for concrete lifting when the slab looks noticeably out of level and starts causing annoyances or safety issues, such as one section of concrete sitting lower than the next and creating a trip hazard, water pooling instead of draining away from a building, steps or thresholds that suddenly feel too high because the concrete in front of them has sunk, and surfaces that are still structurally sound but are clearly becoming more slanted over time; if you notice one or several of these issues, it is a strong sign that concrete lifting is worth considering.
How long does concrete lifting last?
A properly done concrete lifting repair can last for the remaining life of the slab, often 30–50+ years depending on factors such as how the pad was built, the lifting method and material used, local weather conditions, usage, and post‑lift maintenance like managing drainage and sealing open joints; when the right lifting method is chosen and maintenance is kept up, concrete lifting can be a long‑term solution—see our Essential Guide to Care for Lifted Concrete for maintenance tips.
How expensive is lifting concrete?
Concrete lifting is usually much more affordable than tearing everything out and starting over with brand‑new concrete, because you are paying to fix what you already have instead of paying for demolition, haul‑away, new concrete, and restoration of landscaping. Depending on the method and job complexity, mudjacking often ranges roughly from about $3–$8 per square foot and polyurethane concrete lifting from about $5–$25 per square foot.
Is concrete lifting worth the cost?
When you factor in avoided costs like landscaping repairs, demolition and disposal, and commercial downtime or lost use of the area, the total cost of concrete lifting can be significantly lower than full removal and replacement for the same space, which is why it is often worth the cost when the slab is still structurally sound but has settled or shifted out of place.
What’s the best way to lift concrete?
The best method for lifting concrete depends on your slab, soil, and budget, but polyurethane concrete lifting is generally more durable, less invasive, and longer‑lasting than traditional mudjacking, which uses a heavier slurry and larger holes but can offer lower upfront cost; for a full breakdown, see our guide “Mudjacking vs Polyjacking – Which Concrete Levelling Method Is Best?”.
What types of concrete can be lifted?
You can lift almost any settled slab‑on‑grade pour, as long as it is structurally sound. Typical examples include residential slabs such as driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches, entrance slabs, pool decks, poured steps, garage floors, basement floors, and shop floors, as well as commercial and agricultural slabs like warehouse floors, barn floors, grain bin pads, and loading areas. For more on what can and cannot be lifted, read our article Can All Concrete Be Restored?.
Is concrete lifting better than replacement?
Concrete lifting is usually better than replacement when the slab is still structurally sound but has settled or shifted, because it solves the problem faster, with far less disruption, and typically at a much lower cost than demolishing, removing, and repouring the concrete. Lifting lets you keep your existing slab, quickly eliminate trip hazards and drainage issues, and avoid sending usable concrete to the landfill, while full replacement is generally reserved for slabs that are badly broken, crumbling, or beyond practical repair—if you are unsure which option fits your situation, see our guide Concrete Lifting vs Replacement – How to Decide What’s Best.
How much does concrete lifting cost compared to replacement?
Concrete lifting is usually significantly less expensive than full replacement because you are repairing the existing slab instead of paying for demolition, disposal, new concrete, and landscaping or surface restoration on top. In many cases, lifting can be completed for well under 50% of the total cost of removal and replacement for the same area, and when you factor in avoided downtime and clean‑up, the savings can be up to 85%—see our detailed comparison in Concrete Lifting vs Replacement – How to Decide What’s Best.
How much should concrete lifting cost?
Concrete lifting costs depend on slab size, thickness, access, and how far the concrete has settled, but as a rough guide mudjacking often ranges around $3–$8 per square foot and polyurethane foam lifting around $5–$25 per square foot, with many residential jobs quoted as a flat project price rather than strict square‑foot pricing. For a detailed breakdown of how polyurethane concrete lifting costs compare to mudjacking and full replacement, see our article “How Much Does Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Cost?”.
Get A Free Concrete Lifting Estimate
You can request an estimate or more information by contacting our team:
- Phone: 204‑509‑3501
- Email: [email protected]
- Online Request Form: Request a Free Estimate
