Uneven Concrete? Don’t Replace It—Lift It
When your sidewalk, driveway, or patio starts to sink, it’s easy to think you need a full replacement. But that’s messy, expensive, and takes time. The good news? Concrete leveling & lifting is a faster, cleaner way to fix the problem.
Using modern methods like polyurethane concrete lifting, we can raise sunken slabs in minutes—with no tear-out needed. Ogburn’s PolyLevel® system delivers a lasting solution to fix uneven concrete and restore your home’s safety and curb appeal.
Keep reading below to learn more.
Why Do Concrete Slabs Sink In The First Place?
Concrete might look solid and strong—but it’s only as stable as the soil beneath it. When that supporting ground shifts, settles or erodes, the slab on top starts to move. That’s when concrete lifting becomes necessary.
There are several common reasons this happens:
- Poor soil compaction during construction leaves empty pockets that can eventually collapse under the weight of the concrete.
- Heavy rainfall or erosion can wash soil away, creating voids that lead to sinking.
- Decaying tree roots leave empty spaces underground, which results in uneven support.
- Freeze-thaw cycles during winter cause the soil to expand and contract, slowly shifting the slab.
This kind of movement doesn’t just make your surfaces look bad—it creates real hazards. You might see trip points, pooling water, or general sagging that ruins your curb appeal. That’s when concrete slab leveling becomes essential to restore safety and appearance.
How PolyLevel® Foam Works
At Ogburn, we use PolyLevel®—a high-density, expanding polyurethane foam revolutionizing concrete leveling. This isn’t your average patch job. Instead of replacing the slab, we drill tiny holes (smaller than a penny) and inject the foam beneath the surface.
As the foam expands, it fills empty spaces in the soil and gently lifts the slab back into position. This precise method of foam concrete lifting gives you long-lasting results with minimal disruption.
Why homeowners prefer PolyLevel® for slab leveling:
- Drill holes are small and discreet
- No demolition or messy construction
- Walk or drive on it just 15 minutes after installation
- Strong enough to lift to 4,800 lbs per square foot
- Water-resistant and built to last in any climate
It’s the go-to solution for sidewalk leveling, driveway leveling, patio concrete leveling, and other areas where fast, permanent results are necessary.
Signs You Might Need Concrete Leveling
Take a walk around your home—do any concrete areas feel off? If something seems uneven, there’s a good chance your slab is starting to settle. It might not look like a big deal now, but small issues can become major hazards. Here’s what to watch for:
- Sections of your driveway or patio appear sunken or uneven
- Cracks are showing between slabs or along control joints
- You notice pooling water near your home’s foundation or front steps
- Trip hazards are forming where one slab sits higher than another
These signs don’t just hurt your curb appeal—they can be dangerous. A sunken step or cracked patio can cause someone to fall or let water seep under your home. If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, it’s probably time to look into slab raising. You don’t have to wait for a major sunken concrete repair—let’s fix it while it’s still simple.
PolyLevel Vs. Mudjacking or Replacement
If you’re researching ways to fix uneven concrete, you’ve probably come across terms like mudjacking, concrete replacement, or polyjacking. While they aim to correct sunken slabs, not all methods are equal.
Let’s break it down:
Method | Mess? | Cure Time | Longevity |
Mudjacking | Yes – slurry mix can crack again | 1–2 days | Medium |
Replacement | Yes – demolition and pour new slab | 7–10 days | High (but costly upfront) |
PolyLevel | No – clean and precise | 15 minutes | High (Up to 1,000 years) |
PolyLevel is cleaner, faster, and less invasive—you can use your concrete on the same day.
What Is PolyLevel® and Why It Works Better Than Traditional Methods
When it comes to concrete leveling & lifting, not all methods are created equal. Traditional fixes like mudjacking or slab replacement have been used for years, but they come with downsides—heavy equipment, large holes, messy materials, and long wait times.
PolyLevel® changes the game.
This high-density, expanding foam is engineered for precision and durability. Injected through tiny holes in the slab, it expands to fill voids and gently lifts the concrete back into place. Compared to mudjacking, which uses a much heavier slurry, PolyLevel is lighter, faster, and more reliable.
Here’s why polyurethane concrete lifting with PolyLevel stands out:
- Super Lightweight: It weighs just 4–6 lbs per cubic foot (compared to 100-120 lbs with mud jacking), so it won’t worsen soil problems.
- Powerful Lifting Strength: Can lift to 4,800 lbs per square foot.
- Fast Cure Time: Most surfaces—walkways, driveways, even factory floors — are ready to use within 15 minutes.
- Waterproof and Stable: It won’t wash out, shrink, or change with the weather and doesn’t absorb water.
- Soil-Strengthening Benefits: The Polylevel foam doesn’t just lift—it fills in loose soils underneath, helping prevent future settling.
- Environmentally Friendly: PolyLevel® is a closed-cell, non-toxic foam that won’t leach harmful chemicals into the soil. Once cured, it’s completely inert and safe for your property.
Whether you need driveway leveling, sidewalk leveling, or even large-scale commercial slab repair, PolyLevel delivers lasting results without the mess. It’s trusted for everything from patios to airport runways because this method works better when lifting sunken concrete.
What About the Cost of Concrete Lifting?
One of the biggest questions we hear is, “How much does it cost to fix uneven concrete?” The good news is that using PolyLevel® for concrete raising is often far more affordable—and far less disruptive—than replacing the entire slab.
But, like most home improvement projects, the price can vary depending on several factors:
- The size and thickness of the slab being lifted
- How many slabs or areas need repair (e.g., sidewalk leveling vs. full patio concrete leveling)
- The depth of the void or how much the concrete has settled
- How easy it is to access the area (tight spots may need special tools)
Because every property is different, Ogburn Construction provides free, on-site inspections to assess your specific needs. You’ll get a clear, custom quote immediately—no guesswork or pressure. And if you’re ready to move forward during your appointment, we even offer a 5% discount for same-day commitment.
So whether you’re dealing with garage floor leveling or looking to raise several slabs around your home, you’ll know exactly what to expect—no surprises.
A Local Team You Can Trust
Choosing the right crew for concrete slab leveling isn’t just about the tools—it’s about trust. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Ogburn Construction has become Richmond’s trusted name in concrete lifting.
We’re not a big-box contractor. We’re your neighbors, and we treat every property like ours. Whether you’re dealing with a sunken garage floor, an uneven sidewalk, or a front step starting to sink, we’re here to lift, level, and protect your investment.
Why homeowners rely on Ogburn for polyjacking:
- PolyLevel foam cures in just 15 minutes—fast enough to walk or drive on the same day
- No need for demolition, mixing trucks, or messy construction zones
- Every job is backed by a 10-year warranty against resettlement
Ogburn Concrete Leveling & Resurfacing proudly offers top-tier concrete leveling and resurfacing services throughout a wide range of service areas, including the Greater Richmond area, Tuckahoe, Wyndham, Mechanicsville, Short Pump, Fredericksburg, Midlothian, Chester, Petersburg, Innsbrook, Bon Air, Brandermill, New Kent, and Glen Allen. With a strong reputation for quality and reliability, the company ensures durable and cost-effective solutions for uneven or aging concrete surfaces across both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re located in the heart of Richmond or in its surrounding communities, you can count on Ogburn as Richmond’s local concrete leveling expert for professional results and exceptional customer service.
When you’re ready to stop worrying about trip hazards, cracks, and puddles, we’re here with the right fix—and real peace of mind.
How to Get Started?
Fixing sunken concrete doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Ogburn Construction, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free—because that’s how it should be.
Here’s how you get started:
Step 1: Book Your Free Inspection
We’ll come out, check your concrete slab, and explain what’s beneath the surface. Whether it’s driveway leveling, patio concrete leveling, or anything in between, we’ll identify the root cause.
Step 2: Receive a Custom Repair Plan
You’ll receive a clear explanation of how we’ll lift and stabilize your slab using our proven polyurethane concrete lifting system. We’ll then provide a quote right then and there—no waiting, no surprises.
Step 3: Get It Fixed in One Visit
No jackhammers, no torn-up yard. Our team uses clean, compact equipment to perform concrete leveling and lifting in just hours. We’ll lift, seal, and protect your slab, then walk you through the finished work.
Common Questions About Concrete Leveling
Is concrete leveling permanent?
When done with PolyLevel® foam, concrete leveling and lifting are designed to last up to 1,000 years. The foam is waterproof, won’t break down over time, and resists movement from freeze-thaw cycles. We even back it with a 10-year warranty against resettlement—so yes, it’s built to last.
How long does concrete leveling last?
Unlike temporary fixes or older methods like mud jacking, our polyurethane concrete lifting system holds up for decades. When installed properly and combined with joint sealing to keep water out, most projects last well beyond 10 years.
How do I make sure my concrete slab is level?
The best way is to have a professional inspection. Ogburn’s team uses precision tools to assess your slab leveling needs. We’ll show you exactly where the issues are and how we can lift and protect your slab correctly.
Schedule Your Concrete Leveling Estimate Today
Don’t wait for small cracks to turn into big headaches. Whether it’s a sunken driveway, a tilted patio, or uneven walkways, our expert concrete lifting team can restore your surface—quickly, cleanly, and permanently.
With Ogburn’s trusted poly jacking system, there’s no need for demolition, downtime, or mess. Just a smooth, safe, and level slab—ready to use the same day. Take the first step toward a safer, more attractive home. Schedule your free inspection today.
Still have questions? Contact us or read our Concrete Repair Guide!