Concrete Leveling in Montgomery, AL

Concrete leveling restores sunken driveways, patios, garage floors, and walkways to their

original position. In Montgomery, Alabama, concrete slabs often settle because the clay soil

beneath them shrinks during dry periods or washes away through erosion. Professional

concrete leveling is far less expensive than replacement and can be completed in a single day.

Why Concrete Slabs Settle in Montgomery

Concrete slabs around your home are typically poured directly on the soil with little or no

reinforcement. Over time, several processes cause settlement. First, the expansive clay

beneath the slab shrinks during Montgomery’s hot, dry summers, creating voids. Second,

water from rain or irrigation can wash fine soil particles away (a process called soil erosion or

“piping”). Third, tree roots can extract moisture from the soil, causing localized shrinkage.

Fourth, heavy loads (vehicles, RVs, boats) can compact the soil beyond its capacity. The result

is a slab that is lower on one side than the other, creating a tripping hazard and directing water

toward your foundation.

Polyurethane Foam Leveling

The modern standard for concrete leveling is polyurethane foam injection. Montgomery

Foundation Repair Co drills small 5/8‑inch holes through the sunken slab and injects a two‑part

expanding foam. The foam fills voids and lifts the slab as it expands. Unlike mudjacking (which

uses a heavy cement slurry), polyurethane foam is lightweight (2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot)

and will not add extra weight to already stressed soil. The foam cures in 15 minutes, and the

slab can be used immediately. Polyurethane also resists water and does not shrink over time.

This method is ideal for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks.

Mudjacking (Slurry Grout Leveling)

Mudjacking has been used for decades to lift concrete. A mixture of cement, soil, and water

(slurry) is pumped under the slab, filling voids and raising the concrete. Mudjacking is less

expensive per square foot than polyurethane, but it has several drawbacks. The slurry is heavy

(about 100 pounds per cubic foot), which can cause additional settlement if the soil is weak.

The material can wash out over time if water flows through the slab. And the drying process

takes 24 to 48 hours before the slab can bear traffic. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co offers

mudjacking for large, non‑critical areas where cost is the primary concern, but we generally

recommend polyurethane for long‑term results.

When Replacement Is Better Than Leveling

Concrete leveling is not always the answer. If your slab is cracked into multiple pieces, has

extensive spalling (surface flaking), or has sunk more than 3 inches, removal and replacement

may be more cost‑effective. Leveling also cannot repair badly settled slabs that have broken

reinforcing bars or mesh. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co will honestly assess your

concrete and tell you whether leveling or replacement is the better investment. In many cases,

we can level a slab for 30 to 50 percent of the replacement cost, with no demolition mess.

Frequently Asked Questions