Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement in Columbus: Which Is Right for You?

Understanding the Basics: Leveling vs. Replacement

To make an informed decision, it helps to know exactly what each service entails:

• Concrete Leveling (also known as slabjacking or polyjacking): This is a modern, efficient method of raising sunken concrete slabs by injecting a specialized lifting material underneath. At SmartLevel, we use PolyLevel®, a high-density polyurethane foam. This foam expands, precisely lifting and stabilizing the slab, filling any voids, and restoring it to its original, level position.
• Concrete Replacement: This involves the complete demolition and removal of your existing concrete. Once the old slab is gone, a new one is poured from scratch. While sometimes necessary, it’s a much more involved process.

Cost Comparison: Leveling vs. Replacing Your Concrete

When it comes to your wallet, the difference is significant. Concrete leveling is almost always the more budget-friendly choice:

• Concrete Leveling: Generally 30% to 50% less expensive than replacement. This is because it avoids the hefty costs associated with demolition, debris removal, extensive labor for pouring new concrete, and the need for large quantities of new materials.
• Concrete Replacement: The cost includes numerous factors: demolition, hauling away old concrete, forming new molds, purchasing new concrete materials, significant labor, and a lengthy cure time.

If your concrete is structurally sound but has merely sunk or shifted due to soil issues, leveling provides a remarkably cost-effective alternative that restores safety and appearance without breaking the bank.

Time, Disruption, and Environmental Impact

Beyond cost, consider the impact on your daily life and the environment:

Time & Disruption:

• Leveling with PolyLevel®: Our process is typically completed in just a few hours. The impact on your daily routine is minimal, and most slabs can be walked or driven on within 15 minutes of completion.
• Replacement: This can take several days to weeks, depending on the size of the project, weather conditions, and concrete curing times. You’ll need to wait days, sometimes even a week or more, before you can use the surface again.

Environmental Impact:

• Leveling: This method uses less material and significantly reduces waste, as it avoids the need to demolish and dispose of large concrete slabs in landfills. It has a much smaller carbon footprint.
• Replacement: This process generates a considerable amount of concrete debris, requiring disposal, and the production of new concrete is resource-intensive.

For Columbus homeowners, choosing concrete leveling means less downtime, less mess, and a quicker return to normal use of your driveways, sidewalks, and patios.

SmartLevel’s Concrete Leveling Process: What to Expect

At SmartLevel Concrete, we follow a specialized, precise process to ensure long-lasting results and your complete satisfaction:

1. Assessment: We start by thoroughly inspecting the affected area. Our experts identify the precise cause of the sinking, assess the concrete’s condition, and determine the best approach.
2. Preparation: Small, nearly dime-sized holes (typically around 5/8-inch) are strategically drilled into the sunken concrete slab.
3. Injection: Our PolyLevel® foam is then injected beneath the slab. As the foam expands, it fills any voids, gently lifts the concrete, and compacts the soil underneath, providing lasting stability.
4. Finishing: Once the concrete is perfectly level, the small drilled holes are patched and smoothed to seamlessly blend with your existing concrete, minimizing any visual disruption.

Learn more about our concrete leveling solution and see it in action!

When Is Replacement the Better Option?

While concrete leveling is ideal for most situations involving sunken or uneven slabs, concrete replacement may be necessary if:

• The slab is severely crumbling, disintegrating, or has significant spalling across its surface.
• There are extensive deep, wide cracks that indicate widespread structural failure of the concrete itself, rather than just settling.
• You are actively redesigning or regrading your landscape, and the existing concrete simply doesn’t fit the new plan.

Our experienced team will always provide a thorough assessment and recommend the most cost-effective and appropriate solution for your property. We’re here to help you save money where we can—and replace only when truly needed.

FAQ: Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement

Q: How long does concrete leveling last? A: When done with high-quality materials like PolyLevel® and performed by experienced professionals like SmartLevel, concrete leveling can last for decades. It provides long-term stability by addressing the underlying soil issues.

Q: Will I see visible patches after leveling? A: SmartLevel technicians are meticulous. We carefully patch and blend the small drilled holes to match your existing concrete’s color and texture, minimizing any visual disruption.

Q: Is concrete leveling safe for driveways and sidewalks? A: Absolutely. PolyLevel® is incredibly strong and durable, more than capable of supporting the weight of vehicles. It’s an ideal solution for driveways, sidewalks, steps, patios, and even garage floors.

Q: What areas do you serve? A: We proudly serve homeowners throughout Columbus and many nearby communities across Central Ohio. Contact us to find out if we serve your specific area!

Don’t Overpay to Tear Out and Replace Your Concrete

Most uneven concrete slabs in Columbus don’t need to be demolished and rebuilt. Instead, SmartLevel Concrete can lift and restore your existing surface in a single visit, saving you time, money, and hassle.

Schedule your free professional assessment today and let us help you make the smartest, most cost-effective choice for your home.