Concrete Leveling in Baton Rouge, LA
Concrete leveling lifts sunken driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and steps back into place by filling the void underneath, usually for far less than tearing out and pouring new concrete. We level slabs across Baton Rouge, Inniswold, Broadmoor, Central, and St. George.
- Free written inspection report
- Permits through the Permit & Inspection Division of the Department of Development
- Plain answers on repair or monitor
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Please call us at (225) 396-8627.
Why Concrete Sinks
Outdoor slabs sit on soil that moves. Louisiana's clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry, so a driveway can settle as the ground below dries and shrinks, or as rainwater washes soil out from under an edge. Poorly compacted fill under a new subdivision driveway settles too. The result is trip hazards, water running toward the house, and gaps where a walk meets the steps.
Two Ways to Lift
Mudjacking
A cement-based slurry pumped under the slab through drilled holes.
Polyurethane Foam
A lightweight foam injected through small holes; sets fast.
Joint Sealing
Joints and cracks sealed after lifting to keep water out.
Drainage
Downspouts redirected so the void does not return.
Mudjacking or Polyurethane?
Mudjacking, sometimes called slab jacking, uses a heavy cement slurry and larger holes. It is economical and works well on thick slabs. Polyurethane foam is much lighter, uses holes about the size of a coin, cures in minutes, and adds little weight to soft soil, which can matter on clay. It usually costs more per job. We explain both and recommend the one that suits your slab and soil.
Neither method fixes a slab that is badly broken into many pieces; at that point replacement is the honest answer, and we will say so.
Slab lifting Versus Foundation Repair
Leveling outdoor flatwork is not the same as repairing a home's foundation. If the slab under the house has moved, the repair involves piers, as described on our foundation repair page. If floors inside a raised home are sagging, see house leveling. A sunken patio or walk next to the house can be a clue, though, so we look at the foundation while we are there.
The Process
How Leveling Goes
Assess
We check the slab, the void, and where water runs.
Drill
Small holes drilled in planned spots.
Lift
Material injected and the slab raised gradually.
Seal
Holes patched, joints sealed, drainage fixed.
Driveways, Walks, and Steps
Driveways often sink where they meet the garage or street. Sidewalks lift and drop at joints, creating trip edges. Patios tilt toward the house and send rain against the foundation, which is a real problem on clay soil. Front steps pull away from the porch. Most of these can be lifted in a few hours and used the same day with foam, or within a day with mudjacking.
Keeping It Level
The void under a slab usually came from water. After lifting, we seal joints and cracks, and we look at downspouts, grading, and sprinklers that may be washing soil away. In a city on bluffs above the Mississippi, with a levee system to the south with heavy seasonal rain, moving water away from slabs is what keeps them up. Large outdoor slab work generally does not need a permit, but if it ties into structural work we check with the Permit & Inspection Division of the Department of Development.
Safety and Value
A sunken sidewalk edge or a step that has dropped an inch is a trip hazard for family and visitors, and a driveway that tilts toward the garage can send rain inside. Lifting the slab removes the hazard without the cost, mess, and downtime of replacement. It also keeps the concrete you already paid for: a lifted slab looks the same as before, with a few small patched holes, rather than a new pour that does not match the rest of the driveway. Because clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry, we look at what caused the void so it does not return, and we tell you if a slab is too broken to lift well.
What to Expect on the Day
Most jobs take a few hours. We mark where holes go, drill, inject, and watch the slab rise with a level and string line so it comes up evenly. With foam, you can usually walk and drive on it the same day; with mudjacking, we suggest waiting a day before driving. Afterward we patch the holes, seal the joints, and point out downspouts or grading that should be changed to keep water from washing soil out again.
Common Questions
Slab lifting Questions
What is mudjacking?
Mudjacking pumps a cement-based slurry under a sunken slab through drilled holes to fill the void and lift it. It suits thick slabs. On clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry, lighter polyurethane foam is sometimes a better fit; we explain both options.
What is better, mudjacking or polyurethane?
Foam is lighter, uses smaller holes, and cures in minutes, but costs more. Mudjacking is economical and heavy. For soft clay or quick reuse, foam often wins; for thick slabs on firm ground, mudjacking works well.
How much does slab lifting cost?
It depends on slab size, the void, and the method. It is usually far less than replacing the concrete. We give a written price after looking at the slab, and note anything that would need the Permit & Inspection Division of the Department of Development.
Get Started
Tripping over a sunken walk? Book a free inspection or return to the home page.