Straight talk from the crew who makes sunken slabs rise again.
Basement floors take a lot of abuse. They’re the workhorses of the house, supporting everything from laundry machines to storage bins to weekend workout gear. And yet, they’re also some of the most commonly ignored concrete surfaces… until there’s a problem.
That tiny dip you noticed near the washer? That hairline crack creeping across the room? Or maybe you felt an odd slope walking from one corner to the other? That’s your basement trying to get your attention.
At Ogburn Concrete Leveling & Resurfacing, we’ve spent over 30 years answering that call. Let’s talk about the real, professional ways to level a basement floor, without replacing it, and without tearing apart your home.
Why Basement Floors Settle and Sink
Let’s start with what’s going on under your slab. Concrete is heavy. And it’s only as stable as the soil underneath. Over time, that soil can shift, settle, or wash away completely, leaving your basement floor unsupported and prone to problems.
Here’s what usually causes that:
- Poor compaction during construction
- Water intrusion or high moisture content
- Soil shrinkage from dry spells
- Voids created by erosion or organic decay
Once a void forms, gravity takes over. The slab starts to settle. Cracks appear. And over time, you’re left with a basement that’s not just uneven, it’s unsafe and unsightly.
Method 1: PolyLevel® Foam Injection (a.k.a. Foam Jacking)
If you only remember one thing from this article, make it this: Foam lifting is the modern solution for sunken basement floors.
At Ogburn, we use a product called PolyLevel®, a two-part polyurethane foam that we inject beneath the concrete slab. As it expands, it fills the gaps and gently lifts the slab back into place.
No jackhammers. No mud. No mess.
Here’s why PolyLevel works so well:
- Lifts up to 4,800 lbs per square foot
- Cures in just 15 minutes
- Works in both dry and wet conditions
- Won’t break down or wash away
- Minimally invasive. Only a few small holes needed
Perfect for: Sunken, uneven, or sloped concrete basement floors that are still largely intact but need a structural lift.
Method 2: Self-Leveling Concrete Overlays
Let’s say your floor isn’t sinking, but it has minor dips, flaking, or surface irregularities. In that case, you might not need lifting, you need smoothing.
That’s where self-leveling overlays come in. These are fast-spreading, polymer-modified concrete mixtures that settle evenly across the floor, creating a smooth, level finish.
Think of this as concrete resurfacing…like giving your slab a fresh topcoat.
Benefits:
- Smooths minor imperfections
- Prepares the surface for flooring (vinyl, tile, etc.)
- Can cover cosmetic flaws and light surface cracking
But be warned: This isn’t a structural solution. If there are voids beneath your slab or active settling, overlaying without lifting first is like putting a fresh coat of paint on a rotten wall.
At Ogburn, we often combine PolyLevel for lifting with overlay products for finish. That way, you get stability and style.
Method 3: Crack and Joint Sealing with NexusPro®
Cracks in your basement floor are more than just an eyesore, they’re a welcome mat for water and humidity. And if you don’t seal them, they can widen and worsen over time.
That’s why we use NexusPro®, a high-performance silicone sealant specially designed for concrete repair.
Why NexusPro beats hardware-store caulk:
- Stays flexible, even in extreme temperatures
- UV-resistant—won’t dry out or crack
- Cures in 60 minutes (not 2 days!)
- Blends in for a clean, uniform look
We prep each crack by cleaning, filling with a backer rod, and applying NexusPro sealant. It’s the kind of detail work that keeps your concrete protected for years to come.
Pro tip: We recommend sealing after lifting. Once the slab is stable, sealing keeps it that way.
What We DON’T Recommend: DIY Basement Leveling
We get it. The hardware store sells 50-pound bags of “self-leveler” for $30, and YouTube makes it look easy.
But here’s what those videos don’t show:
- Slabs that keep sinking after you pour a new layer
- Uneven results due to hidden voids
- Materials cracking because the cause wasn’t addressed
The truth is, DIY fixes mask the symptoms, they don’t solve the cause. If your basement floor is sinking, you need to stabilize it from underneath. That’s not something a bag of concrete can do.
When you call Ogburn, we don’t guess. We inspect the slab, identify what’s happening under the surface, and apply the right fix in the right order.
What About Walkways, Driveways, or Garage Floors?
Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize: If your exterior concrete is sinking, there’s a good chance your basement could be next.
That uneven walkway? The step that feels higher than it used to? That’s soil movement in action. And it often shows up outside before it becomes a problem inside.
We use the same PolyLevel system to lift sidewalks, driveways, patios, and garage floors. It’s fast, clean, and done in a single visit. Plus, we can seal those joints with NexusPro to stop water from making things worse.
Our 3-Step Basement Leveling Plan
We don’t do complicated. Just proven.
Step 1: Free Concrete Inspection
Our team visits your home to assess the floor’s condition. We use laser leveling tools, inspect for voids, and identify what’s really going on.
Step 2: Custom Repair Plan
You’ll get clear recommendations: foam lifting, sealing, resurfacing, or all of the above. We explain everything and back it with a warranty.
Step 3: Repair and Walkthrough
Most jobs are done in hours, not days. We clean up, walk through the work with you, and make sure you’re satisfied before we roll out.
When to Act
If your basement floor is:
- Uneven or sloping
- Cracked or chipped
- Pooling water near the edges
- Separating from the walls
- Or just feeling off…
Don’t wait. Problems under concrete don’t go away. They get worse, and more expensive to fix later.
With Ogburn, you get:
- Same-day lift results with PolyLevel
- Long-lasting crack protection with NexusPro
- Local, experienced crews
- A 10-year warranty on PolyLevel foam
So, ready to stop living with that lopsided basement? Let’s get your slab back to level and keep it there.Schedule your free inspection today. It only takes a few minutes to book, and it could save you years of future headaches.