Concrete Lifting Vs. Replacement: Making The Right Choice

If you are a home or business owner, you may have noticed your concrete sinking or becoming uneven. When looking at solutions, you’ve come across concrete lifting, and concrete replacement. Both are effective methods at getting your concrete back to new. But which is the better option for you?

We will get into the details of each to help you understand the best method for your concrete evening project.

What is Concrete Lifting?

Concrete lifting consists of raising sunken concrete back to its original level. Also known as slabjacking and polyurethane foam injection, this is an effective method for improving the look and feel of your concrete without full replacement.

There are two typical methods of concrete lifting: mudjacking and polyfoam. Mudjacking consists of pumping a mud mixture under sunken concrete to lift it up. However, it uses large holes, needs regular maintenance, and isn’t the most effective method; moisture can cause it to shift with the weather and the leftover effect can reduce curb appeal.

Polyfoam, on the other hand, is a long-lasting solution that will even your concrete without impacting curb appeal. This foam resin expands to fill gaps and is water impermeable, ensuring that it doesn’t shift or change when exposed to moisture. The polyurethane foam is effective enough that it is also used for filling leaks and cracks in other concrete.

Benefits

Cost-Effective: Concrete lifting tends to be 50-75% cheaper than full replacement, making this a more budget-friendly option.
Prevents Further Damage: Not only does lifting help bring the concrete back to its original layout, but it also helps to stabilize the soil underneath to prevent further sinking.
Durable & Long-Lasting: Rather than needing to be replaced every few years, polyfoam is water-resistant and durable.
Eco-Friendly: Opting for lifting the concrete helps reduce the production and use of unnecessary concrete, making it a more sustainable option.
Quick & Non-Invasive: The process only takes a few hours to complete and polyfoam allows for the concrete to have little evidence of the procedure.

Concrete lifting is an effective method for leveling your uneven concrete, ensuring you can fix your concrete with a cheap and durable method.

What is Concrete Replacement?

Concrete Lifting vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice

Concrete replacement is a common solution for uneven concrete or pavement. This method is exactly what it sounds like: fully replacing sections or the entirety of the concrete. Replacement is usually required if the concrete has severe enough damage to cause safety issues or impair the curb appeal, or when you’re wanting an updated look or functionality, like ramps.

Though concrete replacement will ensure a smooth and even surface, there are some downsides to opting for this method.

Downsides

Higher Cost: A full replacement for concrete or pavement can be quite expensive, sometimes costing upwards of $12-$18 per square foot. If you have a bigger project, the price can stack up.
Longer Downtime: New concrete will need to be monitored while it is drying for multiple days to ensure an even and durable curing.
Disruptive Process: Heavy machinery is often needed for pouring new concrete, which can take up a lot of space, lead to a lot of noise, and potentially cause damage to your property.
Potential Mismatch: Unless you are using the same company as before or are color-matching, your new concrete may end up being a different color than your original concrete, making it stand out.

Though there are benefits to fully replacing your concrete, there are some time, expense, and aesthetics related factors to consider.

When to Decide

If you are unsure about which method to use for your uneven concrete, here is a general guideline for when one is better than the other: