Simply put, concrete sinks as a result of water erosion, drought conditions, poorly compacted soils & fill and “natural settlement” of soils over time.  Most settlement occurs in the 5-7 years following construction or as soil conditions change.

Offsets or “tripping hazards” are created when concrete slabs sink.  In addition to safety concerns, a concrete slab may develop improper “pitch and slope” (the angle of water run-off).   Serious foundation and structural damage can result from improperly “pitched” concrete. 

The term Concrete Leveling has been used since the inception of the industry.  Concrete Leveling is the process by which concrete can be returned to its original position without the need for tear out and replacement.  The purpose of the process is to eliminate “offsets” or “tripping hazards” and/or to properly “pitch” (angle) the affected slabs. If concrete were actually level, water would not run off.  Many people have unnecessarily replaced slabs that are in perfect condition except for being tilted or sunken. Demolition and replacement of concrete is expensive, messy and time consuming.

The technology to lift concrete has been around for quite some time.  Concrete Leveling is a process that involves pumping a dense material, under pressure, underneath a sunken concrete block and raising it to its original position.

1. A series of small (1 inch) holes are precisely drilled through the affected concrete blocks.
2. 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 square inch of concrete that the pump produces. Thus, if the pump produces just 5 -10 pounds psi (per square inch) pressure, it can easily raise the slab.
3. 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, stoops, garage floors, and interior floors.  Concrete Leveling usually saves 50% vs. the cost of removal and replacement.

Accounts of raising large concrete slabs through the use of hydraulic pressure go back almost a century.  Mud jacking or Slab jacking has been in common use for about 50 years.  Most “mud-jackers” utilize a portable pump that is carried to the location of the block to be raised. A hole of up to 3 inches in diameter 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. 

Problems associated with Mud jacking involve: containment of the mess caused by excess mud or material in the area to be raised; drilling of large holes that can weaken the block, and allow material to flow too quickly causing cracking of the slabs.

A-1 has patented a far more modern and advanced technique for leveling concrete.  Our state of the art leveling techniques utilize smaller holes (1”) to avoid weakening the concrete slab, or raising the blocks too quickly.  A highly dense crushed limestone slurry is pumped slowly, under low pressure, through grout hoses that are directly connected to the pumping truck.  For certain applications, Portland cement can be added to the slurry for additional support or to add to the compressive strength of the repair. 

• The cost of Leveling usually represents a savings of 50% vs. replacement.
• The leveling process can be completed and ready for use the same day.
• 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 (in most cases).

Generally, Yes.  However when large areas have crumbled or deteriorated, replacing the concrete may be the only option.  

Keep in mind that a typical slab that appears to be “raised” on one end often indicates that the other end has dropped – an easy fix.  If this is not the case, adjacent slabs can be raised to “match” thereby eliminating “offsets” or tripping hazards.

Yes! In most cases we are able to lift the driveway or patio to allow the concrete to “pitch” away from the structure.  This method combined with caulking or sealing of cracks and joints often improves problems associated with water seepage.  Raising concrete will not completely solve water problems if footing drains have failed or other drainage problems exist.  

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 A-1 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 may not completely close during the leveling process. Most gaps can be sealed with polyurethane caulking to resist water penetration, and provide an acceptable appearance.

When one or more blocks have raised due to tree roots, the surrounding blocks can be raised to “even” the offsets. This technique results in a gradual slope that will eliminate the “trip hazards”. In some cases however, the tree roots lift the sidewalk too high to be properly evened.

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.

Although every situation is unique, when done properly, the leveled concrete should not re-settle. Concrete usually sinks because of water erosion, compaction of soil underneath the slab, or movement on an incline. A-1’s process of filling 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 broken expansion joints, leveling can last indefinitely.

Concrete Leveling usually saves 50% vs. 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” holes used to inject the material.

Some companies provide a “Grinding Service” for offsets or “trip hazards”. Grinding exposes the aggregate within the concrete and results in an extremely noticeable difference in color. A-1 does offer limited grinding services primarily for commercial applications. Grinding can provide a cost-effective option to leveling, if appearance is not a major concern.

It is virtually impossible to match the color of existing concrete. A-1 uses high quality non-shrink grout mixed with the drilling material that we save from your existing concrete. Over time, due to weathering, sun, and other environmental conditions, our grout will begin to blend with the existing concrete.

In most cases the costs for Concrete Leveling, Mud jacking and Slab jacking are comparable. Please bear in mind that:

• A-1 has Local Ownership with the support and expertise of a National Franchise.
• A-1 uses State-Of-The-Art Equipment and Technology.
• A-1 uses smaller holes resulting in a safer, cleaner process.
• A-1’s process exerts less stress on your concrete.
• A-1’s pumping compound is environmentally friendly.
• A-1’s process is safe for your landscape plantings, lawn & pets.
• A-1 is a fully insured contractor.
• A-1 has an exemplary record of honoring our warranties.

Most of our work is done from April 1st through the end of November. Since we use a material that is mixed with water and pumped through hoses, our equipment is vulnerable to problems associated with freezing conditions. Additionaly, leveling concrete during freezing conditions can cause damage to your concrete. We provide free estimates throughout the year.

A-1 has gained an excellent reputation for providing high-quality work. We do the work ourselves (no sub-contractors). Our reasonable cost and the non-invasive nature of our process has increased demand for our services. As a result, we have a 2-4 week backlog during most of the working season. Each customer receives the same level of attention and quality of repair. Please call us should you need “emergency services” - we will accommodate your request to the best of our ability.

Beware of any contractor who…

1. Pressures you to do work immediately or wants full payment in advance of work.
2. Does not put quotes in writing.
3. Does not have local references or will not provide proof of insurance upon request.