Concrete Leveling & Lifting in Mobile, AL
Quality Repairs for Sunken Driveways, Sidewalks & Foundations
If you have a sinking or settling concrete slab on your property, you can rely on the concrete leveling and lifting experts at Ox Foundation Solutions to help you make the necessary repairs. We offer concrete repair services for sidewalks, pool decks, patios, porches, and driveways in Mobile and throughout Alabama. Our professional concrete repair contractors can help you restore your concrete and improve its function and appearance in no time.
To request an in-person estimate, contact Ox Foundation Solutions today!
What Causes Concrete to Sink or Settle?
There are several factors that can cause a concrete slab to sink or settle. The most common cause is soil erosion beneath the slab. This can occur when soil becomes too saturated with water, causing it to shift and settle. Over time, the slab will begin to sink into the void left behind. Another common cause of concrete settlement is poor compaction. If the soil beneath the slab was not properly compacted during the construction process, it will be more susceptible to settling. Other factors that may contribute to concrete settlement include the presence of underground utilities, poor soil conditions, and tree root growth.
Signs You Need Concrete Leveling & Lifting
Concrete leveling and lifting are essential maintenance procedures that help restore the structural integrity and safety of concrete surfaces. Here are some key signs indicating that your concrete may need leveling and lifting:
1. Uneven or Sunken Concrete
One of the most obvious signs is when sections of your concrete surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, or patios, appear uneven or have sunk lower than the surrounding areas. This can create tripping hazards and reduce the aesthetic appeal of your property.
2. Cracks in the Concrete
Cracks often indicate underlying issues with the soil or the concrete itself. While minor cracks can be normal, larger or growing cracks may suggest that the concrete is settling unevenly and requires leveling.
3. Water Pooling
If you notice water pooling in certain areas after rain, it could be a sign that the concrete has settled unevenly. Properly leveled concrete should allow water to drain away efficiently, preventing standing water that can lead to further damage.
4. Gaps Under Concrete Slabs
Visible gaps between the concrete slab and the ground beneath it indicate that the soil has settled or eroded away. These gaps can compromise the stability of the concrete and should be addressed promptly.
5. Doors and Windows Sticking
If doors and windows in structures built on concrete slabs begin to stick or become difficult to open and close, it might be due to the settling of the concrete foundation. Leveling and lifting can help realign the structure.
6. Tilting or Leaning Structures
Any tilting or leaning of structures such as steps, retaining walls, or other concrete elements can signal that the foundation has shifted. This can pose serious safety risks and should be corrected through leveling and lifting.
7. Sinking Driveways or Walkways
Driveways or walkways that sink over time can become hazardous for vehicles and pedestrians. If you notice that these surfaces are no longer level, it’s a clear sign that concrete leveling and lifting are needed.
8. Foundation Settling
Signs of foundation settling, such as cracks in walls or floors inside your home, can be linked to uneven concrete. Addressing the concrete issues through leveling and lifting can help stabilize the foundation.
9. Misaligned Joints
Expansion joints in concrete surfaces that appear misaligned or have widened significantly suggest movement of the slabs. Proper leveling can restore the alignment and prevent further damage.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards. At Ox Foundation Solutions, we specialize in professional concrete leveling and lifting services in Mobile. Our experienced technicians use advanced techniques and equipment to ensure your concrete surfaces are restored to their original condition.
What Is Concrete Leveling, And How Does It Differ From Concrete Lifting?
What is Concrete Leveling?
Concrete leveling is a repair process that raises sunken or uneven concrete slabs by injecting a specialized material—such as polyurethane foam or a cement-based slurry—beneath the concrete. This material fills the empty spaces and voids below the slab, gradually lifting it back to its original, level position. This method is often used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other concrete surfaces that have shifted due to soil settling, erosion, or other factors.
How is Concrete Lifting Different?
While “concrete leveling” and “concrete lifting” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are slight differences. Both methods aim to restore concrete surfaces to their original height, but they may use different materials or techniques. Concrete lifting, often known as “slab jacking” or “mudjacking,” typically uses a cement-based slurry that’s injected under the slab to raise it.
Which is Right for Your Project?
Both methods effectively restore stability to concrete surfaces, but the choice of technique and materials can depend on factors like the slab’s condition, location, and underlying soil type.
Our team can assess your concrete needs and recommend the best solution for your property. Reach out to us for a professional evaluation! (205) 839-7950
Frequently Asked Questions
Is concrete leveling better than replacing the entire concrete slab?
Concrete leveling is often a better solution than replacement, especially if the concrete is structurally sound with only slight sinking or unevenness. Leveling is faster, more affordable, and less disruptive than replacing an entire slab. It’s a great choice for sidewalks, driveways, and patios, as it restores the concrete’s stability without requiring removal or extensive labor.
Will concrete lifting or leveling damage my landscaping or property?
Concrete lifting or leveling is minimally invasive and designed to have little to no impact on surrounding landscaping. Small holes are drilled in the concrete to inject the leveling material, and they’re patched afterward. Unlike full slab replacement, which can disturb nearby landscaping and require heavy equipment, lifting or leveling is precise and causes minimal disruption to your property.
How long does the concrete leveling process take, and when can I use the area again?
Concrete leveling is a relatively quick process. In most cases, it can be completed in just a few hours, depending on the size and condition of the area. After the leveling material is injected, it typically takes 15 minutes to an hour to set, so you can use the leveled surface almost immediately. With polyurethane foam leveling, the curing time is very fast, often allowing for same-day use.
How can I maintain my concrete surfaces after leveling to prevent future sinking?
To help prevent future sinking, it’s important to address any drainage issues around the leveled concrete. Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the area, as water pooling near concrete can cause soil erosion and settling. Regularly inspect the area for cracks or slight shifts, and consider sealing your concrete to protect it from moisture. If you notice any new unevenness, contact a professional early to avoid more extensive repairs.
Schedule an Inspection Today!
At Ox Foundation Solutions, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you with all of your concrete repair needs. As a locally owned and operated company, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service. We offer free estimates on all of our services, so you know what to expect before any work begins.
If you have sunken or settled concrete on your Mobile, AL property, don’t wait to have it repaired. Call us today at (205) 839-7950 to learn more about our concrete leveling and lifting services and to schedule your free estimate!
What Clients Think About Us
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Thank you Jackson for being so thorough and detailed with my yearly service and leveling out one of the units and the extra detail to replacing/cleaning the drain lines.
- CD Jr. -
A sweet lady at Ox even called me every morning to tell me the crew on the way and when to expect them, that was really nice.
- George F. -
This was the best decision we could have made. We got the house, that we loved, and Ox took us through each phase of the repair.
- Al C. -
I am very pleased with the work that all of the Ox Foundation Crews did.
- Matt C. -
Choosing the right company to do our work was a tedious process, but we could not be happier with our choice.
- Jim B. -
Ox Foundations strives for excellence, and it is shown in their work and employees!
- Shannon N. -
They were courteous and professional and their work was excellent.
- Alan T. -
He explained how the maintenance program would work and got us taken care of quickly.
- Evan M.
The Ox Foundation Solutions Difference
We know there are a lot of companies claiming to be foundation and waterproofing specialists, but we're confident we offer superior service with work you can trust. We work with our clients to help you get the repairs you need to feel safe and healthy in your home.
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Are you unsure if you need foundation work or just need to find out how much it will cost? We offer free, in-person, no-obligation inspections for any of our foundation, waterproofing, sump pump, or other services. Call us now to book an appointment and get a free estimate.
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Most people have other things they want and need to spend their money on besides foundation work, waterproofing, and crawl spaces, but putting this off can jeopardize the safety of your home. We've partnered with a finance company to offer low-interest and no-interest finance options.
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We stand behind the work we do. That is why we offer full, life-of-the-structure warranties that are transferable should you sell your home. We've been in business for several decades so we're not a fly-by-night company. We stand behind our work and will be there should you ever need us again.