3 Steps to Level a Concrete Floor

A stable concrete floor is essential for a safe and functional home. Uneven concrete floors are a common problem that can lead to structural issues and safety hazards. Fortunately, several methods are available to level a concrete floor, each with its advantages and disadvantages. 

This page outlines three concrete lifting and leveling techniques, including polyurethane foam injection, mudjacking, and slab replacement, and helps you determine the best solution for your home.

Concrete leveling restores stability to uneven or sinking concrete slabs, creating a smooth, level surface. This process involves filling the voids beneath the concrete, often caused by expansive soil or erosion, poor compaction, or moisture changes.

Concrete leveling prevents further settlement and ensures a safe, stable home foundation when it is part of a comprehensive solution that addresses the underlying causes of damage. A concrete professional can help determine your home’s best course of action.

There are three primary concrete leveling methods, each with its pros and cons: polyurethane foam injection, mudjacking, and slab replacement. The best choice for your home will depend on factors such as the extent of the damage, soil conditions, and your budget.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

Polyurethane foam injection is an innovative, minimally invasive technique injects expandable foam beneath a sunken concrete slab. The foam expands rapidly, filling voids and lifting the slab to a level position.

This repair method is quick, cost-effective, and causes minimal disruption to the property. Unlike other concrete leveling methods, polyurethane injections address cosmetic issues, like floor cracks, and the underlying causes of damage, like soil erosion, providing a comprehensive, long-term solution.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking, or slabjacking, is a traditional concrete leveling method that involves pumping a slurry mixture of cement, sand, and water beneath a sunken slab. As the slurry fills the voids, it lifts the slab to a level position.

While effective, mudjacking has limitations, such as adding weight to the soil and not addressing the underlying cause of settlement, which may require additional steps for a long-term solution.

Slab Replacement

Concrete slab replacement may be necessary for severe damage or when other leveling methods are not feasible. This process involves demolishing the existing concrete slab, addressing the underlying soil issues, and pouring a new, level slab. Slab replacement is the most invasive and expensive option, but it provides a long-lasting solution for severely compromised concrete floors.

• Step 1: Penny-size holes are drilled into the sinking concrete, and injection ports are inserted.
• Step 2: The two-part liquid polymer is mixed and injected into the holes. The polymer expands and fills the void beneath the slab, lifting it to a level position.
• Step 3: The injection ports are removed, and the holes are sealed and smoothed for a seamless finish.

“Concrete lifting” and “concrete leveling” are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. Concrete lifting focuses on raising a sunken slab to a stable, structurally sound position, while concrete leveling works to create a smooth surface.

In outdoor applications, concrete leveling maintains a slight slope for proper drainage, while concrete lifting prioritizes raising the slab to a safe and stable position, regardless of perfect flatness. Understanding this difference can help you better communicate your floor repair needs to a concrete professional.

Groundworks specializes in concrete floor solutions with our exclusive PolyRenewal™ system. With years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we have completed numerous concrete leveling projects, ensuring the safety and stability of homes across Calgary and southern Alberta. 

If your home has uneven concrete floors, contact us for a free inspection. We’ll inspect your property and recommend a tailored solution, ensuring your home remains structurally sound for many years.