Frequently asked questions

Is concrete leveling the same as concrete lifting or polyjacking?

Yes. Concrete leveling, lifting, raising, slab jacking, polyjacking and foam jacking all describe raising an existing slab back into place. Polyjacking specifically means doing it with polyurethane foam, which is what we use. Mudjacking is the older method using a cement slurry.

How does polyurethane foam lift concrete?

Two liquid components are mixed at the gun and injected under the slab. The mix expands into a rigid foam that first fills the empty voids and then pushes up on the slab. We inject in short shots and watch a level or string line so the slab rises to the right height and stops.

How long does foam concrete leveling last?

The foam itself does not rot, wash out or break down in wet soil, so a lift typically lasts as long as the concrete does. What can cause new movement is the soil below the foam continuing to settle or water undermining the edges, which is why we seal joints and point out drainage problems.

Can concrete sink again after it's lifted?

It can, but it's uncommon when the cause is handled. Foam weighs only a few pounds per cubic foot, so it doesn't add load to weak soil the way a heavy slurry does. Sealing joints and moving downspouts away from slabs removes the most common cause of repeat settling.

How soon can I walk or drive on lifted concrete?

The foam reaches most of its strength within minutes. You can usually walk on the slab as soon as we pack up, and drive on it the same day once the hole patches have set.

How big are the holes and what do they look like after?

The holes are about 5/8 inch across, roughly the size of a penny. They're filled with cement grout and finished flush. On new concrete they blend in well; on weathered concrete the patches can be a shade lighter at first.

Can you lift cracked concrete?

Usually, yes. A slab cracked into a few large pieces can be lifted piece by piece and the cracks sealed afterward. A slab broken into many small pieces can't be raised as one surface and is better replaced.

How high can you lift a slab?

Most lifts are between one and four inches. Larger lifts are often possible when the slab is intact and there's room for it to move, and we judge those from your photos.

Is the foam safe for kids, pets and my lawn?

Once cured, the foam is an inert, rigid plastic that sits under the slab. During the injection we ask that kids and pets stay inside or away from the work area, and we clean up any overspray before we leave.

Do I need to be home during the work?

No. Our rig carries its own power and material, so we don't need to get into the house. We just need the concrete clear of cars and furniture and a way to reach it. We'll text when we start and when we're done.

Can you level concrete in the winter in Wisconsin?

We lift from the spring thaw until the ground freezes. Once the soil under the slab is frozen solid, lifting isn't reliable because the frozen ground moves again when it thaws. Photos sent in winter get a price and a spot on the spring schedule.

Can you level a driveway instead of replacing it?

Usually, yes. If the driveway slabs are still in one piece or a few large pieces and they sank rather than heaved, they can be lifted back to level with foam for a fraction of the cost of tearing out and pouring new concrete.

Why is water pooling on my driveway?

Pooling almost always means a section has sunk and now forms a low spot, or a slab has tipped so it drains the wrong way. Lifting that section back to its original pitch lets the water run off again.

Will lifting fix the cracks in my driveway?

Lifting closes up height differences at cracks and joints, but it doesn't erase the crack itself. After lifting we seal the cracks with a flexible sealant so water can't get under the slab through them.

Can you lift the driveway where it meets the street?

Usually. The approach at the curb is often in the public right-of-way, so city rules can apply. We check that first, then lift it like any other section.

Why is there a drop between my garage and driveway?

The garage floor rests on the foundation, but the driveway apron rests on backfill from when the house was built. That fill compacts and washes out over time, so the apron sinks while the garage floor stays where it is.

Can a sunken garage apron be raised?

Yes, as long as the apron slab is still in one piece or a few big pieces. Foam is injected under it to bring it back flush with the garage floor and pitched away from the door.

Will my garage door seal properly after the apron is lifted?

In most cases, yes. Once the apron is back up to the garage floor, the bottom seal of the door meets the concrete again. If the seal itself is worn, replacing it is a cheap fix we can point out.

How do I stop water from getting under my garage slab?

Keep the apron pitched away from the door, seal the joint between the apron and the garage floor, and make sure downspouts near the garage discharge away from the driveway.

Is a sunken sidewalk a trip hazard liability?

It can be. Uneven walks are one of the most common causes of trip-and-fall claims. For businesses, the ADA standards treat any change in level over 1/4 inch on an accessible route as something that needs to be addressed. Lifting the low section removes the hazard.

Who is responsible for fixing a public sidewalk in Green Bay?

Rules for sidewalks in the public right-of-way are set by each city, and responsibility can fall to the property owner. Check with your city's public works department; once it's approved, we can lift public sidewalk sections like any other.

Can you grind a trip edge instead of lifting the slab?

Grinding works for small lips on slabs that heaved up slightly. When a section sank, grinding the high side leaves the low slab holding water. Lifting fixes the cause and keeps the walk draining.

Why is my patio sloping toward my house?

The soil along a foundation is backfill that settles for years after construction, and roof water keeps it wet. The patio edge resting on it sinks, which tips the whole slab toward the house.

Can water from a sunken patio cause basement leaks?

It can contribute. A patio pitched toward the house collects rain and snowmelt against the foundation, which raises the water pressure on the wall. Restoring the slope away from the house is one of the cheapest drainage fixes there is.

Can you lift a patio with a hot tub or pavers on it?

A hot tub needs to be drained and usually moved before lifting, because it adds too much weight and could crack the slab as it rises. Pavers are a different system; foam lifting is for poured concrete slabs.

Can you lift front steps that pulled away from the house?

Often, yes. If the stoop is solid concrete in one piece, foam can raise its outer edge and bring it back against the wall, and then the gap is sealed. We confirm it from photos first.

Is my stoop sinking or is my house settling?

Almost always the stoop. Houses sit on footings below the frost line; stoops sit on shallow backfill. If the gap at the wall is wider at the bottom or the top step tips outward, the stoop has moved, not the house.

What if my steps are hollow?

Hollow stoops can sometimes be filled with foam and lifted, and sometimes the shell is too thin or cracked to lift safely. Send a photo of the side and any cracks and we'll tell you which it is.

Can you level a cracked or sunken garage floor?

If the floor slab is intact or cracked into a few large pieces and it sank rather than heaved, yes. Foam lifts the low panels back in line with the rest of the floor, and cracks are repaired before any coating goes on.

Can you lift a garage floor and then coat it?

Yes, and that's the best order. We lift first, then grind, repair cracks and joints, and install the coating. The small injection holes are patched and covered by the coating.

How long does concrete lifting take?

Most residential jobs take a few hours from setup to cleanup. A single walkway section can take under an hour, while a full driveway with sealing can take most of a day.

Is concrete lifting messy?

Not very. The holes are small, the dust is vacuumed up, and the material goes under the slab. We clean the surface and haul away our debris before we leave.

Will lifting crack my concrete?

Lifting slowly from several holes keeps stress low, but a slab that is already weak can crack further as it moves. We point out risky slabs from the photos before we start.

Which lasts longer, foam or mudjacking?

Foam generally lasts longer. Polyurethane doesn't absorb water or wash out, and it adds very little weight to the soil. Mudjacking slurry is heavy and can erode where water flows under the slab, which is why mudjacked slabs sometimes settle again.

Which costs less, foam or mudjacking?

Mudjacking is usually cheaper upfront because the material is inexpensive. Foam costs more per job but tends to last longer and needs smaller holes, so the cost over the life of the slab is often similar or lower.

Why are foam holes smaller than mudjacking holes?

Foam goes in as a thin liquid and expands after it's under the slab, so it fits through a 5/8-inch port. Mudjacking slurry is thick and has to be pumped through holes around 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide.

Does mudjacking wash out?

It can. Slurry is cement mixed with sand or soil, and where water runs under the slab it can erode over time. That's one of the common reasons mudjacked slabs drop again.

When is concrete too far gone to lift?

When it's broken into many small pieces, when it has heaved up instead of sinking, or when the surface is crumbling badly enough that you'd want new concrete anyway. Otherwise, lifting is usually the better value.

How cracked is too cracked to lift?

A slab with a crack or two, cracked into a few large pieces, can be lifted piece by piece and sealed. A slab shattered into many small pieces can't be raised as one surface and should be replaced.

Is lifting concrete worth it if I'm selling my house?

Often, yes. Uneven walks, trip hazards and a patio pitched toward the house are easy things for a buyer's inspector to flag. Lifting fixes them in a few hours for much less than replacement.

How much does replacement cost compared to lifting?

Replacement includes demolition, hauling, base work, new concrete and finishing, so it typically costs several times more than lifting the same area. A lift is usually one short visit; replacement is several days.

How long until I can walk and park on a coated garage floor?

It depends on the system and the temperature. Most professional flake systems allow foot traffic within hours, and parking typically after about a day. We give you exact times for your floor before we start.

Is a flake garage floor slippery when wet or snowy?

Less than you'd think. The flake and topcoat create a textured surface, and the topcoat texture can be adjusted. Any smooth floor gets slicker with ice or oil on it, so we set the texture for a Wisconsin garage.

Will road salt and hot tires damage a coated floor?

A properly bonded professional coating resists road salt, brine and hot-tire pickup. Hot-tire peeling is mostly a problem with thin, roll-on epoxy over a poorly prepared floor.

Can you coat a floor that has cracks or an old coating?

Yes. Cracks are filled and repaired as part of prep. An old coating that's peeling has to be ground off first, because a new coating is only as strong as the one under it.

How long does a garage floor coating last?

A professionally installed, diamond-ground system typically lasts many years in a residential garage, far longer than a DIY kit. Wear depends on traffic and care.

Can garage floors be coated in cold weather?

Coatings have minimum temperatures for the air and the slab. An attached garage can often be coated into late fall, sometimes with heat; a cold detached garage may need to wait for spring. We check temperatures before scheduling.

What flake colors do you offer?

Dozens of blends, from light grays to dark mixes with accents. Lighter blends hide dust, darker ones hide tire marks. We bring physical samples so you see the real color.

Which is better for a Wisconsin garage, epoxy or polyaspartic?

For a garage that sees road salt, hot tires and cold winters, a system with a polyaspartic topcoat is usually the better choice because it resists UV, cures in cooler temperatures and holds up to hot tires. The base coat and prep matter as much as the topcoat.

Is polyurea the same as polyaspartic?

Polyaspartic is a type of aliphatic polyurea. In the coatings trade the terms often overlap; both describe fast-curing, UV-stable coatings commonly used for garage floors.

Does epoxy turn yellow?

Most epoxies amber or yellow with sun exposure. That's why epoxy is often used as a base coat and covered with a UV-stable topcoat.

Why did my garage floor epoxy peel?

Usually because it never bonded well: the floor was etched instead of ground, oil or a sealer was in the way, moisture pushed up through the slab, or a thin coat softened under hot tires and lifted with them.

Diamond grinding vs. acid etching: what's the difference?

Acid etching chemically roughens the surface a little and can leave residue. Diamond grinding mechanically removes the weak top layer and leaves a consistent profile, which gives a coating a much stronger bond.

Can you coat over an old peeling coating?

No. A new coating can only be as strong as what's under it. The old coating is ground off first, then the floor is prepped and coated.

How long does joint sealant last?

Several years in most cases, depending on how much the slabs move and how much sun the joints get. We recommend a quick look every few years and touching up any section that has pulled away.

Can you seal cracks as well as joints?

Yes. Cracks get cleaned out and filled with the same flexible sealant, so water can't get under the slab through them.

Do I need sealing if I'm getting my concrete lifted?

We recommend it. Lifting fixes the result of water getting under the slab; sealing stops the cause. Together they keep the concrete level far longer.

Can you give me a price from photos?

Yes, for most jobs. Send a wide photo, a close-up with a tape measure showing how far the slab dropped, and a shot along the slab. You'll get a firm price by text within 24 hours. We only visit when the photos can't answer something.

Do you offer financing?

Ask when you request your price. Most leveling jobs are small enough that people pay on completion, and we'll tell you the payment options with your quote.

Can I save by bundling with neighbors?

Yes. Travel and setup are a big part of a small job's price. When two or more neighbors book together, we do them in one trip and share the savings.

How much does concrete leveling cost in Green Bay?

It depends on the number of sections, how far they dropped, access and sealing. Every job has a minimum for travel and setup. Send three photos and a tape-measure shot and you'll get a firm price by text, usually within 24 hours.

Is there a minimum charge for concrete leveling, and why?

Yes, like almost every lifting company. Travel, setup, cleanup and the material in the hoses cost the same for one small section as for several, so a minimum keeps small jobs worth doing.

Do you charge per slab, per inch or per pound of foam?

We price by the job, based on the sections and how far they need to come up. You get one price before we start, not a bill by the pound afterward.

What's included in the price, and what's extra?

Lifting, hole patching, cleanup and photos are included. Joint and crack sealing is listed as its own line on the quote so you can choose it. Moving heavy items off the slab is up to you.

How much does it cost to coat a two-car garage?

A two-car garage is usually 400 to 500 square feet, and the price is per square foot plus any repairs the floor needs. Send a photo of the floor and its size for a firm price by text, usually within 24 hours.

Why are professional garage floor coatings more expensive than DIY kits?

Diamond grinding, crack repair and a thicker multi-layer system cost more than an etch-and-roll kit. Those are exactly what keep a coating from peeling under hot tires and road salt.

Does the price include moving everything out of the garage?

The floor has to be completely empty. Most people move their own things; if you'd rather we handle it, ask and we'll quote it.

How long does a business entrance need to be closed for lifting?

Usually only while we're working on it, often an hour or two per area. The foam sets in minutes and hole patches set quickly, so the area can reopen the same day.

Do you provide documentation for insurance or HOA records?

Yes. Every location gets before-and-after photos and the measured change, so you have a record that the hazard was found and fixed.

Can you handle multiple properties?

Yes. Send a list of addresses and problem areas, or we walk them, and you get one priced list by location to approve.

Is sinking concrete a sign of a foundation problem?

Usually not. Driveways, walks and patios sit on shallow soil, while your house sits on footings below the frost line. A sunken slab next to the house is almost always settled backfill, not foundation movement. Cracks in the foundation walls themselves are a different question for a foundation specialist.

Why does new concrete sink?

Newer homes often have driveway aprons, walks and stoops sitting on backfill from the basement dig. That fill settles for several years after construction, and the concrete on top settles with it.