Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement - A Technical Comparison of Long-Term Performance

Friday, September 19th, 2025 by Ashley Herrera

The Problem: Sunken and Uneven Concrete

Driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, and patios are prone to sinking and cracking due to soil washout, erosion, and poor compaction. Uneven slabs are not only unsightly but also create trip hazards and potential drainage issues around the home.

Traditionally, property owners have considered full replacement the only option. However, modern repair technologies now offer cost-effective alternatives that restore safety and aesthetics without the expense of demolition.

Option 1: Mudjacking

Process: Pumping a slurry of cement, sand, and water beneath slabs to lift them.
Pros:

  • Less costly than replacement

  • Quick installation

Cons:

  • Heavy slurry can further stress weak soils

  • Prone to washout over time

  • Requires larger drill holes (detracts from aesthetics)

  • Typically a temporary solution

Option 2: Concrete Replacement

Process: Removing and pouring new concrete slabs.
Pros:

  • New surface with fresh finish

  • May be required if slabs are severely broken

Cons:

  • Most expensive option

  • Time-intensive (days or weeks of downtime)

  • Does not address weak soils beneath — new slab may settle again

  • High disruption and waste generation

Option 3: PolyLevel® Concrete Leveling

Process: Lightweight polyurethane foam is injected beneath slabs through small ports. The foam expands to lift and stabilize concrete while filling voids.
Pros:

  • Lightweight material that won’t stress soils

  • Small, nearly invisible injection holes

  • Quick curing — usable within 15 minutes

  • Long-lasting, engineered for stability

  • Cost-effective compared to replacement

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for slabs with severe surface damage (requires replacement in those cases)

Technical Comparison Table

Method Cost Durability Time to Use Soil Impact Aesthetics
Mudjacking $ Low 1–2 days Negative (adds weight) Large drill holes
Replacement $$$$$ Medium 1–2 weeks None (but doesn’t fix soils) New concrete finish
PolyLevel® DSS $$–$$$ High Same day Positive (lightweight, void-filling) Minimal, ⅝” holes

Conclusion

While mudjacking and replacement remain common practices, they often fail to deliver the long-term performance property owners expect. PolyLevel® concrete leveling combines the durability of engineered materials with the efficiency of modern installation, making it the preferred choice for most sunken slab scenarios.

For homeowners in Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas, Vesta Foundation Solutions provides fast, clean, and permanent concrete repair solutions tailored to local soil conditions.

📞 Contact us today for a free inspection and learn whether concrete leveling or replacement is right for your property.

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