You don’t need a degree in construction to know something’s off when your driveway tilts like a funhouse floor. That crooked patio or sinking sidewalk didn’t start out that way. Over time, soil shifts, water sneaks in, and gravity does the rest. If your concrete looks like it’s trying to dig its own tunnel, you might be dealing with a leveling issue—and we’re here to talk about how to fix it.
At Du-West Services, we help folks all across Texas stop fighting their cracked, sunken slabs and start walking on solid ground again. Concrete leveling is one of those services people don’t know they need until it’s staring them in the face. Let’s walk through what it is, how it works, and how to know if it’s the right fix for your situation.
So, What Is Concrete Leveling?
Concrete leveling is exactly what it sounds like: we lift sunken concrete slabs back to their original position. That applies to everything from sidewalks and patios to driveways, garage floors, and even pool decks.
Instead of breaking up and hauling away the slab, we inject material underneath it to raise it. It’s quicker, cleaner, and far less expensive than full replacement.
We use two main methods: mud jacking and polyurethane foam injection. Each has its place depending on the site, the soil, and the slab. The goal is always the same—stabilize and lift without major mess or interruption.
Signs Your Concrete Needs Leveling
You might be dealing with sunken concrete if you’ve noticed:
- A noticeable dip or slope in the concrete
- Cracks forming along seams or corners
- Gaps between the slab and adjacent structures (like your home’s foundation or porch)
- Standing water where it never pooled before
- Doors or gates dragging or not closing properly
If you’re doing that weird sidestep to avoid tripping over a raised sidewalk edge—or worse, catching your toe and nearly losing your coffee—it’s probably time to give us a call.
Why Concrete Sinks in the First Place
We’ve seen it all: poor backfill after construction, too much water washing away the soil, tree roots lifting slabs like they’re flipping pancakes. Sometimes it’s clay soil expanding and contracting with every season like a stubborn old accordion.
None of these problems get better on their own. And the longer you wait, the worse the slab tilts, sinks, and cracks.
Our Process, Step-by-Step
Here’s how we handle concrete leveling at Du-West Services:
1. Evaluation
We don’t just glance at the surface. We check everything—how far it’s sunk, what the underlying soil looks like, and how much weight the slab is supporting. Then we recommend the best lifting approach.
2. Drill Access Points
We drill small holes into the slab (typically about the size of a quarter). That’s where we’ll inject the lifting material.
3. Injection Time
Either a cement-based slurry (mud jacking) or a high-density polyurethane foam is injected through the holes. As it expands, the material fills the empty space beneath the slab and starts lifting.
4. Lift and Level
We control the lift carefully, monitoring it in real-time so the slab doesn’t overcorrect or tilt the other way. This part takes skill and a little patience.
5. Patch and Clean Up
Once the slab is in place, we patch the holes with matching material and clean the work area. You’re left with a level slab—and no debris to deal with.
When to Call for Professional Help
You don’t need to wait for a sidewalk to cave in to reach out. Here are some good reasons to get us on the line:
- Trip hazards are becoming a daily concern
- You’re planning to sell your home and want to fix cosmetic issues
- Cracks are widening faster than your weekend honey-do list
- Rainwater’s pooling near your foundation
- You see a clear tilt in a slab connected to your house
If you ever think, “That doesn’t look right,” trust your gut. Most folks wait longer than they should, thinking it’s just a cosmetic issue. But sunken concrete can point to bigger structural problems.
Why Folks Choose Concrete Leveling
Here’s why our customers go with leveling over replacement:
- It saves money. Leveling can cost half (or even less) than full replacement.
- It’s fast. Most jobs wrap up in a single day.
- Less mess. No demolition. No piles of broken concrete. No heavy machinery tearing up your lawn.
- Same-day use. In many cases, you can walk or drive on the slab within hours.
- Long-term stability. When done right, it holds up for years.
If you’re looking for something that actually fixes the problem without setting fire to your weekend or your wallet, concrete leveling checks the box.
FAQ: Concrete Leveling
Is mud jacking better than foam?
Depends on the job. Mud jacking is great for larger slabs that need strong support, like driveways. Polyurethane foam is lightweight, expands quickly, and works well in areas with moisture concerns. We’ll help you choose.
Will the patch spots be visible?
The holes are small and patched to blend with your slab. While you might notice them up close, they’re far less obvious than cracks or trip hazards.
How long does it last?
Done right, concrete leveling can last as long as the slab itself. Soil movement and water issues can still cause future settling, but we’ll talk through preventive measures.
Can you level indoor concrete too?
Absolutely. We’ve leveled garage floors, basement slabs, and even warehouse interiors.
Let’s Get You Back on Solid Ground
There’s something satisfying about walking across your front porch or driveway without stumbling over a tilted slab. At Du-West Services, we’ve helped families all over Texas straighten out their concrete problems with speed, care, and honesty.
When you want the best, call Du-West. We don’t just fix slabs—we help you feel steady, safe, and back in control of your space.
Don’t wait for that little crack to grow teeth. Let us take a look. We’ll talk you through your options, answer your questions, and get your concrete back to doing its job: staying where it’s supposed to. Solid.
