Frequently Asked Questions

What is Concrete Leveling?
Many people have replaced slabs that are in perfect condition only tilted or sunken. Demolition and replacement of concrete is expensive, messy and time consuming.  The term Concrete Leveling has been used since the inception of the industry.  Industrial terminology can be confusing.  The purpose of the process is to eliminate “offsets” or “tripping hazards”, or to properly “pitch” (angle) the affected slabs.  If concrete were actually level, water would not run off.   A more accurate term would be, “Concrete Raising”. 
 

Why does concrete sink?
Offsets or “tripping hazards” are created when concrete slabs sink.  In addition to personal or business safety concerns, a concrete slab may develop improper “pitch” or the angle of water run-off.   Serious foundation and structural damage can result from improperly “pitched” concrete.
Concrete slabs are often installed on poorly compacted fill dirt. Sub-surface erosion and shrinking soil, such as the clay found in Manitoba are also contributing factors. Fill dirt is almost always placed closest to the sides of a new house and garage, after the foundation work is completed. Time constraints and completion deadlines make it difficult for a builder to take the time to properly compact this dirt. Natural settling often takes seven years or more in areas of clay soil. 
 

How does Concrete Leveling work?
Concrete Leveling is a process that involves pumping a dense material, under pressure, underneath a sunken concrete block, raising it into its original position.

• A small (1.5 inch) hole is precisely drilled through the affected concrete block. 
• A highly dense, finely crushed limestone, is mixed with water in a “slurry” consistency and pumped into the holes.  The material fills any “void” areas that have been created by water erosion or compaction.  As it begins to flow under the slab, it exerts an equal pressure on every sq. inch of concrete that the pump produces. Thus, if the pump produces just 5 -10 pounds per square inch pressure, it can easily raise the slab.
• Once the voids have been filled, the block will be pressurized and begin to rise.  Through precise placement of the holes, and control of the amounts of material injected, the block will be carefully moved into the correct position.  Common applications for Residential Concrete Leveling include: sidewalks, steps, patios, driveways, swimming pools, garage floors, and interior slabs. Concrete Leveling usually saves 50% to 75% over the cost of removal and replacement.

 
How long has Concrete Leveling been in existence?
Accounts of raising large cement slabs through the use of hydraulic pressure go back almost a century.  Concrete leveling has been in common use for about 50 years.  Generally in concrete leveling, a portable pump with an assembled extension hose is carried to the location of the block to be raised. A 1.25 inch diameter hole is drilled into the block.  Varying combinations of soil, sand, cement, or other materials, are mixed and then injected under the sunken concrete block, causing it to rise. 
 

 What are the benefits of Concrete Leveling over replacement?

•        The cost of leveling usually represents a savings of at least 50% to 75% over replacement.
•        The leveling process can be completed and ready for use in a matter of hours.
•        Landscaping and adjacent areas are usually unaffected by our process.
•        Injection of our materials help to fill voids and stabilize low-density soils.
•        Leveling maintains the uniform color of your concrete slabs.
•        Concrete leveling reduces job time, energy utilization, and environmental problems associated with concrete demolition, and disposal. 
•        No Municipal Building Permits required.

 

 My front steps have sunken and there is a gap at the top.  Can they be raised?
Generally yes.  There are some isolated circumstances where steps cannot be raised. If the steps are made of materials other than solid concrete or they are in a deteriorated condition, they may not be able to be raised.  It is best to have your PC Leveling representative examine the steps to provide you with a free quote or help advise you about your options for repair. It is important to note that the gap at the top and sides of the steps will usually not close.  Most gaps can be sealed with polyurethane caulking to resist water penetration, and provide an acceptable appearance. 
 

Tree roots have lifted my sidewalk.  Can it be leveled?
When one or more blocks have raised, the surrounding blocks can be raised to “even” the offsets.  This technique results in a gradual slope that will eliminate the “trip hazards”. 
 

Our concrete appears to have "raised up".  Can concrete slabs be lowered?
Generally, no.  However adjacent slabs can be raised to “match and even” thereby eliminating “offsets” or tripping hazards. 
 

 Our driveway is leaning toward the house, water has appeared on our basement wall and is starting to leak into our basement.  Can our concrete be raised to direct water away from the house?
In most cases we are able to lift the driveway or patio blocks to allow the blocks to “pitch” away from the structure.  This method combined with caulking or sealing of cracks and joints often improves problems associated with water seepage.
 

 What is a "void"?
Voids are "pockets" of air or water beneath the concrete.  They are created by erosion, poor compaction, or normal settling of clay or organic soils.  These types of soils can cause big problems for buildings and concrete slabs. Concentrated loads, such as buildings or slabs can literally squeeze air and water from soils. When this happens, the soil sinks and the buildings or slabs follow closely behind.  Since voids cannot be seen, filling them is often quoted on an hourly  (Time and Materials) basis.
 

 How long will Concrete Leveling last?
Although every situation is unique, concrete usually sinks because of water erosion, compaction of soil underneath the slab, or movement on an incline.  Precision Concrete Leveling’s process of filling voids with an extremely dense material dramatically improves the compaction of the underlying soil, however, some soils i.e. peat contain high levels of organic material and may be difficult to stabilize for long periods of time.  Water erosion is probably the most critical issue.  Improper drainage, broken or misaligned pipes or utilities, or surface cracks may allow water to “undermine” the soil under the slab. With proper drainage and sealing of cracks and missing expansion joints*, leveling can last indefinitely. 
*Polyurethane caulking is highly recommended for most concrete applications.  
 

 Will the holes used in the leveling process be a different color than our existing concrete?
It is virtually impossible to match the color of existing concrete.  PC Leveling uses high quality cement mixed with the drilling material that we save from your existing concrete. Over time, due to weathering, sun and other environmental discolorations, our mixture will blend with the existing concrete.   
 

 How does Concrete Leveling compare in cost to other repair or replacement options?
Concrete Leveling usually saves our customers 50% to 75% over the cost of removal and replacement.Please bear in mind that if a partial replacement is done there will be a variation in color between the new and old pours.  With concrete leveling, the continuity of color is maintained with the exception of the small 1.25” holes used to inject the material.
 

 How do the costs of Concrete Leveling companies compare?
In most cases the costs for Concrete Leveling, Mudjacking and Slabjacking are comparable. Our goal is to quote a fair price for excellent work and customer satisfaction.   Please bear in mind that:      

• Precision Concrete Leveling has Local Ownership with the expertise of a Certified Engineering Technologist.
• Precision Concrete Leveling uses 1.50” holes resulting in a safer, cleaner process.
• Precision Concrete Leveling has an exemplary record of honoring our warranties.
• Precision Concrete Leveling is a fully insured contractor.

 

 Is Concrete Leveling a seasonal business?
Most of our work is done from April through the end of October.  Since we use a material that is mixed with water and pumped through hoses, our equipment is vulnerable to problems associated with freezing conditions.  We do provide free estimates and early booking bonuses throughout the Low Season months of the year.
 

 Why does Precision Concrete Leveling have a waiting list of one (1) to three (3) weeks?
Precision Concrete Leveling has gained an excellent reputation for providing high-quality work, and honoring our warranty. Our reasonable cost and the non-invasive nature of our process, has increased demand for our services.  As a result, we do have a 5-day to 3 week wait during most of the working season.   

 
 What is Precision Concrete Leveling's warranty?
Precision Concrete Leveling provides a two (2) year warranty for all our work.  Our guarantee that the concrete leveling material that we provide will not settle more than one (1) inch over two (2) years.  In the event that the structure drops in excess of the said amount, we will provide a free re-leveling at our own expense.