Frequently Asked Questions

Concrete lifting is a repair method that raises sunken or settled concrete slabs back to their original position. We inject expanding polyurethane foam beneath the slab through small holes. The foam expands, filling voids and lifting the concrete. It is faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective than replacing concrete.

We drill penny-sized holes in the sunken concrete slab, then inject high-density polyurethane foam through those holes. The foam expands rapidly beneath the slab, filling voids and raising the concrete to the correct level. The foam cures in 15 minutes and the holes are patched with concrete, leaving only small, barely visible marks. The entire process typically takes 2-4 hours depending on the size of the area.

Concrete sinks when the soil beneath it erodes, compacts, or washes away. Common causes include poor soil compaction during construction, water erosion from rain or plumbing leaks, tree roots displacing soil, freeze-thaw cycles, and natural soil settling over time. Alabama clay-heavy soil is particularly prone to expansion and contraction, making concrete settlement very common in our region.

We can lift virtually any concrete slab including: driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, garage floors, basement floors, warehouse floors, steps and porches, foundation slabs, and commercial parking lots. If it is a concrete slab that has settled, we can likely lift it back to level.

Most residential concrete lifting projects range from $800 to $3,500 depending on the size and condition of the area. We charge by the amount of foam needed, not by the hour. Polyurethane foam lifting typically costs 50-70% less than concrete replacement. We provide free onsite estimates with upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.

Yes, significantly! Concrete lifting costs 50-70% less than removal and replacement. Replacing a 20x20 driveway can cost $5,000-$8,000 and take 3-7 days. Lifting the same driveway costs $1,500-$2,800 and is usually done in 2-4 hours. Plus, you avoid demolition costs, disposal fees, landscaping damage, and lost use of the area for days.

Yes! We offer flexible financing options to make concrete repair affordable for every budget. We work with reputable lenders to provide competitive rates and convenient payment plans. Contact us for details about current financing offers and to see if you qualify.

It depends on the cause of settlement. If the damage is due to a covered peril like a plumbing leak or sudden ground collapse, your homeowner insurance may cover it. However, normal settling due to soil conditions is typically not covered. We can provide detailed documentation and photos for your insurance claim if needed.

Most residential jobs are completed in 2-4 hours from start to finish. Small projects like a few sidewalk panels can take as little as 30-45 minutes. Larger projects like driveways or patios may take 4-6 hours. The foam cures in just 15 minutes, so you can use the surface right away with no waiting days like with concrete replacement.

Immediately! The polyurethane foam cures in 15 minutes, so you can walk, drive, or park on the lifted concrete right away. This is a huge advantage over concrete replacement, which requires 7-14 days of curing before you can use it. Most customers are amazed they can park in their driveway the same day we lift it.

Here is our typical process: (1) We assess the area and mark injection points. (2) Using advanced equipment, we drill tiny 3/8" holes—nearly 40% smaller than the industry standard 5/8"—through the concrete. (3) Polyurethane foam is injected beneath the slab. (4) The concrete rises in real-time as we monitor the level. (5) Injection holes are filled and patched to match existing concrete. (6) The area is cleaned and ready for immediate use. You can watch the entire transformation happen!

Not at all! Unlike concrete replacement (which involves jackhammers, dump trucks, and days of construction chaos), foam lifting is clean and minimally disruptive. We do not tear out landscaping, damage sprinkler systems, or leave a construction mess. The small injection holes leave minimal residue. Most customers say their neighbors do not even know work is being done.

Yes! We can perform concrete lifting year-round in most conditions. Light rain does not affect the process. We only reschedule in cases of heavy rain or freezing temperatures that would prevent proper foam curing. Our foam is not affected by cold weather once cured, making us available when other contractors are off-season.

When properly installed, polyurethane foam lifting lasts indefinitely. The foam is waterproof, will not erode or wash away, and is resistant to chemicals and root penetration. Unlike mudjacking slurry (which can erode over time), our foam maintains its strength and structure permanently. Most of our work from 10+ years ago still looks great today.

Yes! We provide a 5-year warranty on all concrete lifting work. If the lifted area settles within 5 years, we will return and re-lift it at no charge. This warranty covers both materials and workmanship. We stand behind our work because we use premium materials and proven techniques.

Our skilled technicians monitor the lift carefully to avoid over-lifting or stressing the concrete. However, if your concrete already has existing cracks, lifting may cause them to spread slightly - this is normal. Severely damaged or deteriorated concrete may not be a good candidate for lifting. During our free inspection, we will assess your concrete condition and recommend the best solution.

Yes! Our polyurethane foam is environmentally friendly and non-toxic once cured. It contains no harmful chemicals, will not leach into soil or groundwater, and is approved for residential use. The foam is also lightweight (only 4 lbs per cubic foot), which means it will not add stress to the soil beneath your concrete like heavy mudjacking slurry does.

Mudjacking (also called slabjacking) uses a heavy cement-based slurry pumped beneath concrete. Polyurethane foam is a modern improvement: it is 100x lighter (will not add soil stress), waterproof (will not erode), cures in minutes (vs hours), requires smaller injection holes, and lasts longer. Foam is more expensive per job but provides superior, permanent results. We exclusively use foam because it is the best long-term solution.

If your concrete is structurally sound (not severely cracked or crumbling), lifting is almost always the better choice. It saves 50-70% on costs, takes hours instead of days, and avoids demolition mess. Replace concrete only if it is severely damaged, has deep structural cracks, or is cosmetically unacceptable. We will give you an honest assessment during your free inspection.

Polyurethane foam offers multiple advantages: (1) Lightweight - will not burden weak soil, (2) Waterproof - will not wash away or erode, (3) Fast cure time - 15 minutes vs 24 hours, (4) Precision - we can lift in 1/8 inch increments, (5) Cleaner process - smaller holes, less mess, (6) Longer lasting - permanent solution, (7) Environmentally safe - non-toxic and eco-friendly. It is simply the best technology available today.

Yes! Pool deck lifting is one of our specialties. Our polyurethane foam injection process is extremely precise and non-invasive. We work carefully around pool edges, plumbing, and equipment without causing damage. The foam is waterproof and UV-resistant, making it perfect for pool environments. We can eliminate dangerous trip hazards and fix sloped decks that cause water to pool against your home.

Absolutely! Settling garage floors are a common problem that causes doors to stick, water to seep in, and creates unsightly gaps. Our foam lifting raises the slab back to its original level, eliminating these issues. The process takes just a few hours and your garage is ready to use immediately—no need to move your car for days like with replacement.

Foundation stabilization uses polyurethane foam to fill voids beneath your foundation slab and strengthen the soil. If you notice cracks in interior walls, doors that stick, or uneven floors, you may have foundation settlement. Our void-filling technique stops further movement by densifying loose soil and providing permanent support. It is much less invasive and expensive than traditional foundation repair methods like piers or underpinning.

Yes! We specialize in ADA-compliant sidewalk leveling for commercial properties, municipalities, and HOAs. Our precision foam injection can eliminate trip hazards and create proper slopes that meet accessibility standards. This helps you avoid costly lawsuits while keeping pedestrians safe. We work with property managers and cities throughout Alabama to maintain compliant walkways.

Absolutely! We handle commercial and industrial projects of all sizes including warehouse floors, loading docks, parking lots, and manufacturing facilities. Our polyurethane foam cures in 15 minutes, minimizing business downtime. We can work during off-hours or weekends to avoid disrupting your operations. Fully insured and experienced with large-scale commercial concrete lifting.

We proudly serve all 67 counties across Alabama—from Birmingham and Huntsville to Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Dothan, and everywhere in between. Whether you are in a major city or rural community, our expert concrete lifting team brings professional polyurethane foam injection services to your location. View our complete service area map with all cities and counties at alpolylift.com/service_areas.

Scheduling is easy! Call us or fill out the quote request form on our website. We will schedule a convenient time to visit your property (usually within 2-3 business days). Our technician will assess the problem, explain your options, and provide an upfront written quote with no obligation.

We offer flexible scheduling and can often start work within 3-5 business days of approval. For urgent situations (safety hazards, water pooling issues, etc.), we offer priority scheduling and can sometimes accommodate same-week or even next-day service. Your project timeline depends on our current schedule and weather conditions.

Absolutely! We handle both residential and commercial concrete lifting projects. We have worked on warehouse floors, parking lots, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and industrial facilities throughout Alabama. We can schedule work during off-hours to minimize disruption to your business operations.

Our 5-year warranty covers re-settling. If it happens, we will return and re-lift at no charge. However, if the underlying soil issue is not addressed, concrete can settle again. We often recommend void filling (soil stabilization) to prevent future settlement. This proactive approach fills voids beneath stable concrete to prevent future problems.

While we specialize in lifting settled concrete, we can seal cracks to prevent water infiltration and further damage. For cosmetic crack repair or severely damaged concrete, we may recommend concrete resurfacing or replacement. We will advise you honestly on the best solution during your free inspection.

Voids form when soil beneath concrete is displaced, eroded, or washes away. Common causes include water erosion from poor drainage, plumbing leaks, tree roots, soil shrinkage during droughts, poorly compacted fill soil during construction, and burrowing animals. Alabama expansive clay soil is particularly problematic as it swells when wet and shrinks when dry, creating gaps beneath slabs.

No! Unlike concrete replacement (which requires excavation and heavy equipment), foam lifting is minimally invasive. We work from the surface with portable equipment and do not dig around the slab. Your landscaping, sprinkler lines, and surrounding hardscaping remain intact. This is another major advantage of foam lifting over replacement.