What is Slabjacking?
Originally posted 6/20/2018, updated 1/14/2021
If you have a cracked or uneven section of concrete, it’s probably a source of aggravation. It might have also caused you some pain, if you’ve stubbed your toe or tripped over the edge. But you probably don’t want to deal with the additional frustration and expense of replacing it. This is understandable; concrete demolition is noisy and messy, the equipment takes up space in your drive or yard, and then there’s the delay while you wait for the new concrete to cure.
At the risk of sounding like one of those infomercial hosts… What if you didn’t have to deal with all that hassle? What if there was a quick, easy, efficient way to return the slab to its original position? Now there is! It’s called slabjacking.
While I may have a bad sense of humor, I am proud to be part of the Acculevel team. Founded in 1996, Acculevel is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in concrete leveling. We provide exceptional foundation repairs for Indiana and parts of the surrounding states, and slabjacking is one of our most notable services.
We know that there are a lot of concrete repair methods out there, and you may be confused by the options. In this article, we’re going to give you a step-by-step detailed explanation of how slabjacking works. We’ll also provide you with additional resources, so that you can determine which repair option is the best fit for your home.
What is Slabjacking?
Slabjacking is a type of concrete leveling, which is also sometimes called concrete lifting. Concrete lifting requires small holes to be drilled through the affected slab, then a substance is injected below the slab to lift it back to its original position. We inject a two part polyurethane foam; as the chemicals interact, they create a foam rapidly sets up and hardens.
This foam is safe for use in residential areas, does not cause any harm to people or pets, and is environmentally friendly. It sets up almost immediately, allowing you to walk on it within minutes or drive on it within hours.
Slabjacking, One Step at a Time
- Discreet holes are drilled through the sunken concrete. These holes are ⅜” inch in diameter (about the size of a pen or pencil).
- Stabilizing foam is injected below the concrete, raising it to the desired height
- Holes are patched with concrete. If there are cracks, these are sealed.
Pros & Cons of Slabjacking
There are many benefits to slabjacking, especially when compared to having a new slab installed. It’s less expensive, is completed and available for use within hours, and causes minimal damage to your property. Acculevel’s slabjacking equipment has a 250 foot injection hose, which means we rarely need to drive across your lawn to access the job site.
However, there are instances when slabjacking will not be an effective repair. If the slab is not solid concrete, or has spiderweb-style cracks, you’ll probably need to have it replaced. We have an illustrated guide that explains this in greater detail.
Valuable Service for both Residential & Commercial Properties
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Additional Resources
Want to know more about why your concrete slab is sinking? We discuss causes in this article.
We break down the costs of slabjacking and how it compares to other methods in this blog.
If you have specific questions about how slabjacking works while repairing garages, this article is for you.
Do you have a cracked or sloping floor and a slab foundation? Slabjacking can also work inside your home.
Would You Like an Estimate on Repairing Your Concrete Slab?
Your first step will be to find an experienced specialty company that provides the service you prefer, and make an appointment. Before you sign a contract for any service, you should always verify the company is reputable, insured, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
If you live in Indiana or the surrounding states, contact Acculevel. Established in 1996, we specialize in foundation repairs. If you have noticed sinking or cracking on any of your concrete slabs, you can request a free estimate. An experienced project manager will evaluate the sections of concern and recommend the best course of action for you, to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.
Not sure how to hire a contractor, or what types of questions to ask? We encourage you to use our guide, Questions to Ask a Contractor. The article explains why we recommend these questions, provides Acculevel’s answers, and comes with a downloadable version you can use to interview any contractor.
