No one wants to deal with the risks and drawbacks of having settled concrete slabs on their property. Uneven concrete can cause trip hazards, water drainage issues, poor aesthetics, and more.
Professional concrete leveling services are a fast and hassle-free way to lift settled slabs back up into a safe, even position without the need for tearing out and replacing the existing concrete.
Foam injection concrete leveling is one way to go about lifting sunken concrete, but stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking are also available options.
Over the last 30 years here at A-1 Concrete Leveling, we’ve helped countless customers lift and level their sinking concrete, utilizing both foam injection and stone slurry grout concrete leveling methods, depending on the unique needs of each repair.
This article will walk you through all you need to know about foam injection concrete leveling so that you can decide whether or not it’s an option you’d like to explore for your sinking concrete slabs.
What Is Foam Injection Concrete Leveling?
During the foam injection concrete lifting/leveling process, liquid polyurethane foam is injected under the settled concrete slab in order to lift it back up.
The process is also referred to as “polyjacking”, “foam leveling”, “poly leveling”, or "polyurethane foam concrete lifting/leveling".
Stone slurry grout leveling and mudjacking are two alternative methods used by professional concrete levelers to lift settled concrete.
How Does Foam Injection Concrete Lifting Work?
The foam injection concrete leveling process follows these three steps:
- Small holes (~⅝ inches in diameter) are drilled through the affected slabs in strategic locations.
- High-density liquid foam is pumped through the holes and under the slab. It fills voids and undergoes a chemical reaction that causes it to expand and apply pressure to the slab, lifting it back into place.
- The foam hardens and the drill holes are sealed off.
How Much Does Foam Injection Concrete Leveling Cost?
Generally, it is much less expensive to lift and repair a concrete slab with foam injection concrete leveling than it would be to tear it out and pour new concrete.
While this is true, the cost of materials for foam injection concrete leveling is higher than for stone slurry grout leveling or mudjacking. This makes foam injection more expensive than these alternatives.
Related Resource: What Influences the Cost of Concrete Leveling?
Best Uses for Foam Injection Concrete Lifting
Due to its higher cost and the additional downsides that come with it, foam injection concrete leveling is not recommended for every concrete lifting job. However, the following are some situations where it’s a good idea to consider foam injection concrete lifting:
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Areas Where Cleanliness Is Important
Fewer and smaller drill holes mean that minimal dust is created in preparing the surface. A mechanical connection between the injection equipment and the slab means that minimal foam is exposed to the surface or surroundings.
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Sensitive or Decorative Surfaces
Smaller drill holes are better for settled slabs that have decorative coatings, surface treatments, or brick/stone overlays.
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Hard-to-Reach Work Sites
Portable foam injection equipment can be transported to work sites that are inaccessible to stone slurry grout or mudjacking trucks.
Related Resource: The Pros & Cons of Foam Concrete Leveling
Now What?
Now that you know a little more about foam injection concrete lifting, you’re one step closer to deciding whether or not this concrete repair method is right for your settling slabs.
Interested in learning even more? Check out the following content from A-1’s online resource hub, Concrete Academy, to get more information about professional concrete leveling:
- How Long Does Concrete Leveling Actually Last?
- Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Leveling: The Pros & Cons
- Mudjacking: The Pros & Cons
- 3 Mudjacking Alternatives to Revive Your Sinking Concrete
Ready to see what A-1 can do for your settling concrete? Click the link below to request a free onsite estimate with a member of the A-1 team!
