The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Repair in Michigan

Written By Leah LeitowPublished on 03/28/2024Updated on 04/1/2025

Concrete, with its renowned durability, serves as the foundation for our exterior sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and patios. Despite its strength, concrete can suffer from wear and tear over time, leading to cracks in concrete and uneven surfaces.

Concrete leveling emerges as the best repair strategy for addressing issues related to uneven or sinking concrete slabs and helping prevent further cracks in concrete. This guide is designed to demystify concrete leveling and explain to home or business owners why this is the best solution for long-term concrete repair.

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Delving into Concrete Leveling

What is Concrete Leveling?

Concrete lifting in process on a driveay

Concrete leveling is a sophisticated repair method aimed at repairing uneven or sinking concrete surfaces. It strategically raises and aligns the concrete to its original location, ending the risk of tripping.

This repair process not only enhances safety and functionality but also elevates the aesthetic appeal of the concrete area.

Concrete leveling is also commonly referred to as:

Concrete Repair
Concrete Lifting
Concrete Raising
Slabjacking
Slab Lifting
Concrete Jacking
Cement Jacking

While these terms generally mean the same thing, there are specific methods that have specific names:

PolyRenewal™ (FSM’s proprietary method), also referred to as Polylifting, Polyjacking, or Polyurethane Foam Leveling
Mudjacking
Stone Grout Slurry Leveling or Cement Slurry Leveling
Self-Leveling Concrete

Each name represents a unique approach aiming to achieve the goal of a level and safe concrete surface.

Types of Concrete Damage

Hairline cracks: Small, surface-level cracks that may expand over time.
Settlement cracks: Wider cracks caused by shifting or sinking soil.
Structural cracks: Deep, serious cracks that affect the integrity of the concrete.
Spalling: Surface flaking or crumbling due to freeze-thaw cycles or improper installation.

What Causes Cracks in Concrete?

Understanding why concrete cracks can help you prevent further damage. Here are the most common causes in Michigan:

Freeze-thaw Cycles: Michigan’s extreme temperature swings cause water to expand in cracks, worsening damage.
Poor Soil Conditions: Expansive or weak soil can lead to settlement and cracking.
Heavy Loads: Driveways and garages experience constant stress from vehicles, leading to fractures.
Improper Installation: Poorly mixed or cured concrete can crack prematurely.
Moisture Infiltration: Water weakens concrete over time, leading to surface damage and deeper cracks.

DIY Inspection & Prevention Tips

Check your home’s concrete surfaces for visible cracks, uneven areas, or discoloration. Hairline cracks may be minor, but widening fractures, shifting slabs, or pooling water near cracks could signal deeper structural concerns.

For small surface cracks, homeowners can use concrete crack sealants to prevent moisture intrusion. Flexible sealants help protect against further deterioration while resurfacing products can restore worn surfaces. However, if cracks continue to widen or allow water in, it’s time for a professional evaluation.

Professional Concrete Repair Solutions

If your DIY inspection reveals more serious damage, professional repair is the best option. Here are the solutions available in Michigan.

Polyurethane Foam Injections

This modern concrete lifting technique involves injecting an expanding polyurethane foam beneath sunken or uneven slabs.

The foam quickly fills gaps, raises the slab, and hardens within 15 minutes, creating a durable, waterproof base. Unlike traditional methods, polyurethane foam is lightweight and minimizes further soil compression. Its quick curing time allows you to use your repaired surface the same day.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking, or slabjacking, uses a cement-based slurry to lift and stabilize concrete.

While effective in some cases, mudjacking is heavier than polyurethane foam and can lead to future settlement. It also requires larger drill holes and has a longer curing time, making it a less convenient option for homeowners looking for a fast, lasting solution.

Resurfacing & Overlaying

Applying a fresh layer of concrete or a polymer-modified overlay can improve the appearance of worn concrete. While resurfacing restores curb appeal, it does not address underlying settlement or structural issues, meaning cracks can reappear if the root cause isn’t fixed.

Complete Concrete Replacement

Full replacement may be necessary for severely damaged or structurally compromised concrete. This involves removing the existing slab, preparing a stable base, and pouring new concrete. While it provides a fresh start, replacement is labor-intensive, costly, and requires significant curing time, making it less practical unless necessary.

The Cost of Concrete Leveling

Due to its complexity, determining the cost of a concrete leveling project often raises questions. The challenge lies in the numerous factors that influence the final price, which can make it hard to pinpoint an exact figure without a thorough assessment.

Key factors include:

Severity of the damage
Area size needing repair
Selected method of repair
Volume of materials needed
Costs of labor, materials, and any necessary permits

To get an accurate cost for your concrete leveling needs, it’s best to reach out to local specialists who offer a free inspection and a quote without any commitment. This ensures you receive a tailored estimate that accurately reflects your project’s specific requirements.

Concrete Leveling versus Replacement: A Financial Analysis

When it comes to fixing up your concrete, you’ve got two paths: leveling it or going for a full-on replacement. Let’s talk costs.

Catching that concrete trouble early and leveling it—with PolyRenewal™—can save you a bundle. This method is not just swift but also easy on the wallet.

Now, if we’re looking at concrete that’s seen better days, your best bet is probably a replacement. Tearing out the old and pouring new concrete isn’t just disruptive timewise, but it’s also going to sit heavy on your pocketbook. And let’s not forget, that fresh slab is going to sink eventually, too since the root cause hasn’t been repaired.

Replacing concrete can hit you with a bill of $5,000 or more. Though, if you catch things early, proactive repairs average about $1,000.

So, what’s the cost of leveling?

Driveways: Driveways take a beating from cars day in and day out. Fixing them up can cost you anywhere from $800 to $4,000.
Patios: These smaller spots deal with people traffic rather than cars, but the cost to lift them isn’t much less, usually falling between $800 and $3,000. Porches, on the other hand, might go beyond $5,000 if they need more intensive work like piering.
Walkways: Essential for entering your home, these paths see a ton of foot action. Leveling them can set you back about $500 to $2,000.

Bottom line: If you can level it, it’s generally the way to go for both your schedule and your wallet.

Next Steps: Get a Free Expert Evaluation

If you’re unsure about the extent of your concrete damage, don’t wait until the problem worsens. A professional inspection from Foundation Systems of Michigan can help determine the best solution before small cracks turn into costly repairs.

Most concrete issues can be resolved quickly and affordably when caught early. Whether it’s minor crack repair or major settlement correction, taking action now can save you from bigger problems down the road.

Trust Groundworks for Expert Concrete Repair in Michigan

Cracks in your concrete don’t have to be a long-term problem. With the right solutions, you can restore and protect your home’s concrete surfaces before damage spreads.

Contact the experts at Foundation Systems of Michigan today to keep your concrete strong and stable. Get started with a free inspection and no-obligation repair estimate!

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Systems of Michigan does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make any and/or every square inch of your concrete perfectly level.

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FAQs

Is concrete leveling a long-term solution?

Yes, when done correctly, concrete leveling can provide a long-term solution to uneven or sunken slabs. The durability of the repair often depends on the cause of the sinking, the material used for lifting, and proper maintenance.

Can all concrete slabs be lifted?

Most sunken or uneven concrete slabs can be lifted, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks. However, severely damaged slabs that are cracked or crumbling may require replacement instead.

Will there be any visible signs of repair after concrete lifting?

The repair process requires drilling small holes in the concrete, which are then filled and sealed after lifting. These patches may be visible but can often be made to blend with the existing concrete over time.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Systems of Michigan does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}