Slab lifting is often worth it for a garage floor that has sunk or tilted, because it raises the existing slab back toward level instead of tearing it out. Whether it fits your garage depends on why the slab sank and the condition of the concrete, which a free inspection shows.
If your garage floor looks uneven or cracked, one side has dropped, or water will not drain, you are not alone. This guide covers what slab lifting is, how it works, what affects the cost and whether it is right for your home.
What Is Garage Floor Leveling?
Garage floor leveling means raising low or uneven spots in a concrete floor. Over time, concrete can sink or settle because of soil movement, water or poor construction. Slab lifting, also called concrete lifting, raises the sunken concrete back toward its original position.
It addresses an uneven garage floor without replacing the slab. Instead of tearing out the floor, slab lifting fills the gaps under the concrete and lifts it back into place.
Why Do Garage Floors Sink?
A garage floor can sink for several reasons. The soil under the concrete can shift as its moisture changes, heavy rain or poor drainage can wash soil away, and sometimes the soil was not compacted well when the slab was poured. In the Carolina Piedmont, clay soil that shrinks in dry weather is a common cause; on the coast, sandy soil that washes out is more common.
When the ground under a garage floor is not stable, the concrete above can sink, crack and dip.
What Are the Signs You Need Garage Floor Repair?
You may notice cracks across the garage floor, gaps between the floor and the walls, or water that pools in one spot and will not drain. These can all mean the floor is no longer level.
A floor that has dropped on one side can also put stress on the garage walls, so garage floor repair can be about more than looks.
How Does Slab Lifting Work?
Our garage floor leveling uses polyurethane foam injection. Small holes are drilled in the sunken areas, and polyurethane foam is injected under the slab. The foam fills the gaps and lifts the concrete back toward level.
The holes are then patched and the area is cleaned up. How long the work takes depends on the size of the area and the soil, and the inspector explains it with your estimate.
Why Is Garage Floor Leveling Worth It?
An uneven garage floor is not only about looks. Cracks and low spots can be a tripping hazard and can let water collect. Lifting the slab helps make the garage safer and helps protect the concrete you already have.
Because slab lifting raises the existing slab, it avoids tearing out and replacing the floor.
How Much Does Garage Floor Leveling Cost?
The garage floor leveling cost depends on how much of the floor needs lifting, how far the slab has sunk and what is under it. Your free inspection gives you a written estimate, and our cost calculator gives a ballpark figure first.
Can You Level a Garage Floor Yourself?
Hardware stores sell self leveling mixes for garage floors, but slab lifting itself takes equipment most homeowners do not have.
A DIY topping covers the surface only. It does not fill the gaps under the concrete, so the slab can keep sinking.
A professional team can lift the slab and look for the cause of the settling at the same time.
How Do You Level Uneven Concrete Slabs Safely?
Leveling an uneven slab starts with an inspection. The inspector looks at the whole area, checks for signs of soil movement and recommends the lifting approach that fits. After the work, the garage is ready for use again once the crew says the patched holes have set.
What About Garage Floor Crack Repair?
Cracks are often the first sign of a sinking slab, so crack repair often goes with slab lifting. After the slab is lifted, cracks and joints can be sealed to help keep out water and debris.
Common Questions About Garage Floor Leveling
How Much Does Garage Floor Leveling Cost?
It depends on how much of the floor needs lifting, how far it has sunk and what is under it. Your free inspection gives you a written estimate.
What Material Does HydroHelp911 Use to Lift a Garage Floor?
We lift concrete with polyurethane foam injected through small holes in the slab. The foam fills the gaps under the slab and raises it.
Does Garage Floor Leveling Come With a Warranty?
Our polyurethane slab lifting carries a warranty with conditions, such as the owner maintaining the grade and sealing the joints. The terms are on our warranties page.
Get Help With Your Garage Floor
Whether the problem is cracks, sinking or drainage, we can help. Schedule a free inspection to find out whether slab lifting is right for your garage. Our inspector will explain what is happening under the floor and give you a plan to fix it.
Next Step
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Call or fill out our quick online form. We'll book a convenient time to assess your home at no cost.
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Written by
Cory Parks
Owner & President, HydroHelp911
Cory Parks founded HydroHelp911 and leads its structural and moisture repair work for homeowners across North and South Carolina, from the clay soils of the Piedmont to the saturated, sandy ground along the coast.
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