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What Is Concrete Leveling and Is It Worth It?

Scientists recently discovered that Roman concrete had “self-healing” properties, which has allowed it to stand the test of time. Unfortunately, modern concrete is not so durable, leading to roads littered with potholes and sidewalks with cracks. 

Homeowners are often alarmed to learn that sidewalk repair is not covered in their home insurance or by many home warranties. Concrete replacement is not only costly but also disruptive and time-consuming. 

Fortunately, there’s an efficient and cost-effective solution: concrete leveling.

What is Concrete Leveling?

Concrete leveling, also referred to as slab jacking or concrete lifting, is a process that raises your sunken concrete back to its original position. This technique involves injecting a specially formulated polyurethane mixture beneath the concrete slab. As the mixture expands, it lifts the concrete, restoring it to its original, level state. This method is quicker, less disruptive, and more affordable than full concrete replacement.

The process begins by drilling small holes into the sunken concrete slab. These holes serve as entry points for the polyurethane foam, similar to the way injection foam is installed. Once the holes are drilled, the foam is injected under the slab. 

As the foam expands, it fills the voids beneath the slab and lifts it back to its original position. The foam then hardens, providing a stable base for the concrete. The drilled holes are then filled and sealed, leaving you with a smooth, level concrete surface.

One of the main advantages of concrete leveling over other methods is the speed of the operation. Most concrete lifting jobs can be completed in a matter of hours, with the concrete being ready for use almost immediately after the procedure.

Homeowners are often alarmed to learn that sidewalk repair is not covered in their home insurance or by many home warranties. Concrete replacement is not only costly but also disruptive and time-consuming. 

Fortunately, there’s an efficient and cost-effective solution: concrete leveling.

Unraveling the Concrete Problem: How Does Concrete Become Uneven?

As many people in Pennsylvania can attest, road salt wreaks havoc on our roads and sidewalks. Due to the changing freezing point of water caused by road salt, this forces water to freeze and expand at lower temperature leading to more freeze-thaw cycles and more cracks. Over time, this can weaken concrete slabs and cause parts to break or sink. 

Concrete surfaces can also become uneven for several other reasons, including the natural settling of the ground beneath the concrete, soil erosion, extreme weather conditions, or even poor initial installation. 

Whatever the cause, uneven concrete can lead to many problems, including tripping hazards, water pooling, and  decreased property value.

So is concrete leveling the most reliable solution for your concrete woes? Let’s explore the benefits of concrete leveling.

The Benefits: Why Choose Concrete Leveling?

1. Cost-Effective

Replacing an entire slab of concrete is expensive, not to mention disruptive. Concrete leveling, on the other hand, is typically about half the replacement cost, making it a budget-friendly solution.

2. Time-Saving

Concrete replacement can take several days to complete and cure. With concrete leveling, your concrete surface can be restored and ready for use in a matter of hours.

3. Long-Lasting

Polyurethane holds up well under intense pressure and temperatures, providing a long-lasting solution that may even last longer than your new slab.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Concrete leveling reuses your existing concrete slab rather than producing waste by removing and replacing it. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option.

5. Less Intrusive

Concrete leveling is less disruptive to your landscape than full concrete replacement. The machinery used is less heavy-duty, and the process doesn’t require the demolition of existing concrete.

The Cost: Investing in Concrete Leveling in Northeast Pennsylvania

You might be wondering how much this innovative solution will set you back. The good news is that concrete leveling is significantly more cost-effective than complete concrete replacement. While costs can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the area to be leveled, you’ll typically find that concrete lifting is about half the cost of replacing the entire slab.
Repair MethodCost per square foot
Polyurethane Leveling $5 to $7 per square foot*
Concrete Replacement$6.50 to $16.50 per square foot

*Costs vary by size, depth, and other factors.
Costs Calculated By Angi

Remember that beyond the monetary aspect, investing in concrete leveling also saves you significant time and disruption. No more weeks of construction downtime or navigating around orange cones; our concrete lifting service can restore your concrete surfaces quickly and efficiently.

Concrete leveling can be a beneficial service for a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial and municipal settings. Whether you’re dealing with an uneven driveway at your home, a factory floor at your business, or a road in your community, concrete leveling offers a quick, cost-effective, and lasting solution.

Choosing a trusted, experienced concrete leveling service is crucial to ensuring the job is done right. At EnergySmart, we have a team of professionals with a combined 30 years of experience in the field. We pride ourselves on providing top-quality concrete lifting services, tailored to meet your specific needs.

We are equipped to handle various concrete leveling projects, from residential driveways and sidewalks to commercial factory floors and apartment complexes. Our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and environmentally friendly practices set us apart from the competition.

As we navigate through life, uneven paths are inevitable. But when it comes to concrete, there’s no need to accept a bumpy, unsafe, or unsightly surface. With concrete leveling, you can restore safety, appeal, and function to your concrete surfaces quickly and affordably.

For all your concrete leveling needs in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and other Northeastern Pennsylvania areas, turn to the experts at EnergySmart. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can enhance your property!

FAQs

What is concrete leveling?

Concrete leveling, also known as slab jacking or concrete lifting, is a process that raises sunken concrete by injecting a polyurethane mixture beneath the slab, restoring it to its original level position.

What are the benefits of concrete leveling?

The benefits of concrete leveling include cost-effectiveness (about half the cost of concrete replacement), time-saving (completed in hours), long-lasting results, environmental friendliness, and being less intrusive to the landscape.

How much does concrete leveling cost in Northeast Pennsylvania?

The cost of concrete leveling typically ranges from $5 to $7 per square foot, depending on factors such as size, depth, and extent of damage.

Why should I choose concrete leveling over concrete replacement?

Concrete leveling is a more cost-effective and time-saving solution compared to concrete replacement. It also offers long-lasting results, is environmentally friendly by reusing existing concrete, and is less disruptive to the landscape.

Where can I find a trusted concrete leveling service in Northeast Pennsylvania?

EnergySmart offers professional concrete leveling services in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and other Northeastern Pennsylvania areas. They have a team with 30 years of experience and provide top-quality services tailored to your needs.