Concrete leveling: mudjacking and foam lifting
Lift a settled slab back into place and fill the empty space that let it sink, usually in a few hours.
When a slab sinks, it's almost always because the ground underneath it has settled, washed out or compressed, leaving an empty pocket. Concrete leveling fills that pocket from above. The contractor drills through the slab, pumps material underneath, and uses the pressure to lift the concrete back toward its original height.
What can be leveled?
- Front walks and public sidewalks
- Driveways and garage aprons
- Patios and back stoops
- Front steps that have tipped or dropped
- Some garage floors and basement slabs, depending on what's underneath
How does the job go?
- Assessment. The contractor measures how far the slab has moved, looks for cracks that run all the way through, and asks about downspouts and drainage.
- Drilling. Holes are drilled in a planned pattern.
- Lifting. Slurry or foam is pumped in, filling voids first and then raising the slab slowly so it doesn't crack.
- Finishing. Holes are patched, and joints and cracks are sealed so water doesn't wash out the base again.
Mudjacking vs. foam lifting
| Mudjacking | Foam lifting | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cement-based slurry | Two-part polyurethane foam |
| Hole size | About 1 to 2 inches | About 3/8 to 5/8 inch |
| Weight added | Heavy | Very light |
| Ready to use | Usually within a day | Often within an hour |
| Typical cost | Lower | Higher |
When is leveling the wrong fix?
If the concrete is broken into many pieces, badly scaled or spalled on top, or has sunk several inches because of an ongoing drainage problem, replacement may be the better value. A good contractor will tell you when lifting isn't worth it.
What affects the price?
- How many slabs and how large they are
- How far they have to be raised and how big the void is
- Mudjacking or foam
- Access for equipment, and whether steps or a stoop are involved
- Joint sealing and crack repair after the lift
The contractor prices the job after seeing the slab and working out why it moved. We don't quote prices, and any number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How long does concrete leveling last?
It depends mostly on whether the cause of the settling is fixed. If downspouts and drainage keep water away from the slab, a lift can last many years.
Can you level concrete in winter in Bismarck?
Foam can often be installed in colder weather than slurry, but frozen ground limits what can be done. Many contractors schedule leveling from spring through fall.
Related services
- Sidewalk repair and city notices
- Driveway and garage apron repair
- Steps, stoops and patios
- Joint sealing and crack repair
More background: Bismarck concrete repair guide.
Got a slab that's sinking or a sidewalk notice from the city?
Call now and a local concrete contractor will look at it and quote the repair.