What cities, airports, and property managers need to know before choosing concrete replacement.
When concrete roads, airport runways, and expansive parking lots start to show their age with cracks, dips, and dangerous uneven surfaces, the cost of replacement can feel like a financial pothole.
But there’s a smarter, faster, and far less expensive way to get things back in line: concrete leveling.
TL;DR
Concrete road repair through leveling is a fast, cost-effective alternative to full replacement, using materials like stone slurry grout or foam to lift sunken slabs and restore safety and durability without major disruption. It’s ideal for roads, runways, and parking lots, and can last decades with proper maintenance.
In This Article
Why Do Concrete Roads Settle?
Even well-built roads aren’t immune to time, erosion, and terrain. Concrete settles due to:
- Poor drainage or water runoff
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Improper site preparation
The result? Voids and erosion beneath the slab. And when the slab has nothing left to support it, you get dips, cracks, and dangerous transitions.
What Is Concrete Leveling?
Rather than ripping out and replacing full slabs, concrete leveling (also known as slab jacking or concrete lifting) involves injecting a material beneath the surface to raise the sunken slab back into place. It’s especially effective for:
- Runways and taxiways
- Bus terminals and transit corridors
- Parking lots and multi-use surfaces
- High-volume warehouse roads
- Municipal sidewalks and curbs
Methods of Concrete Leveling
There are three concrete leveling methods used in commercial concrete road repair:
1. Stone Slurry Grout Leveling
This technique uses a mixture of crushed limestone and water to fill voids beneath slabs and lift them back into position. It’s:
- Strong enough for highways and runways
- Eco-friendly and locally sourced
- Ideal for deep or large-area voids
2. Foam (Polyurethane) Leveling
A quick-curing solution that uses expanding foam injected through small holes.
- Best for areas needing minimal downtime or sterile environments
- Less ideal for areas with heavy traffic or large voids
3. Mudjacking
An older technique that relies on a mixture of soil, water, and cement. Cost-effective, but:
- Provides less control during lift
- More prone to washout and future settling
When to Repair vs. Replace Concrete Roads
Concrete leveling works best when slabs are intact but uneven. It’s ideal if you’re dealing with:
- Settling without major surface cracks
- Uneven transitions at joints
- Drainage issues from poor slope
- Load-bearing needs with time constraints
Full replacement may be necessary if the slab is:
- Crumbling
- Severely cracked
- Lifted by tree roots
Related Resource: When to Replace vs. Repair Concrete
Benefits of Road-Leveling Over Replacement
- Fast turnaround – often same-day reusability
- Save up to 70% compared to slab replacement
- Minimal disruption to traffic or operations
- Cleaner process – less noise, mess, and waste
- Durability – well-leveled concrete can last the life of the concrete with proper care
Common Concrete Road Projects
Examples of work A-1 performs on concrete roads:
- Airport runways leveled overnight to avoid flight delays
- Parking deck slabs lifted before winter to fix water pooling
- Transit hub bus bays repaired with zero disruption to service
- Sidewalks near schools corrected within 24 hours for safety compliance
How to Maintain Concrete Leveling
To keep repairs working long-term, we recommend:
- Caulking cracks and joints after leveling
- Redirecting drainage away from slabs
- Monitoring soil for erosion or pest activity
Related Resource: How to Maintain Concrete Leveling Repairs
Concrete Road Repair FAQ
How long does concrete leveling last for roads?
With proper drainage and maintenance, concrete road leveling repairs can last for the life of the concrete slab itself.
Is concrete leveling strong enough for airport runways?
Yes, our stone slurry grout leveling system has been used under commercial taxiways and heavy-load areas without issue.
Will traffic need to stop during the repair?
Not always. In many cases, sections can be leveled during off-hours with minimal lane closures.
Request a Free Estimate from A-1 Today
Our local crews are trusted by municipalities, airport engineers, and facilities managers across the country. If your concrete road, runway, or parking lot is showing signs of failure, don’t jump to replacement, talk to A-1 first.
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