Concrete Leveling & Lifting in Central and Southwest Florida
The concrete you see is only half the problem. What happens underneath determines how it’s repaired.
A driveway sinking near the garage, an uneven sidewalk creating a trip hazard, or a pool deck separating from the pool may look like a concrete problem. But often, the trouble starts beneath the surface, where soil has settled, shifted, or washed away.
The same conditions can affect patios, garage floors, entryways, and concrete walkways near seawalls. Even a slab that hasn’t visibly sunk may have empty spaces underneath it.
At Environmental Foam Solutions (EFS), high-density polyurethane foam injection is used to lift, level, and stabilize existing concrete. This process, also known as foam jacking, polyjacking, or polyurethane concrete lifting, can correct many settlement problems without removing and replacing the original slab.
EFS also specializes in underground void filling and soil stabilization, addressing the loss of support that often contributes to concrete settlement.
Before tearing out concrete that’s still in good condition, find out whether it can be saved.
Schedule Your Free Concrete Leveling Inspection →Concrete raising, driveway leveling, sidewalk leveling, and concrete slab leveling for settled concrete in Central and Southwest Florida.
Why Concrete Sinks and How Foam Jacking Works
Concrete slabs depend on the soil and base material beneath them for support. When that material settles, compresses, or washes away, sections of concrete may sink, tilt, or crack.
Sometimes the support disappears before any movement is visible. A driveway or pool deck may still be held up along its edges while a hidden void develops underneath.
Polyurethane foam jacking addresses these conditions by injecting a two-part, high-density material beneath the concrete through small drilled holes.
As the material reacts, it expands into available spaces. Once the expanding foam encounters enough resistance, it can generate the force needed to raise the slab.
The process restores support beneath suitable concrete while bringing the surface toward its intended elevation.
An actual EFS project: settled sidewalk joint, loss of support beneath the slab, and finished leveling repair.
Why Florida’s Soil and Terrain Matter
Florida’s sandy soils, heavy rain, drainage runoff, and coastal conditions can cause soil to settle or wash away beneath concrete. That loss of support often shows up as a sinking driveway, uneven sidewalk, settling pool deck, or patio trip hazard.
In Central Florida, changing terrain and sandy fill can affect driveways and walkways. In Southwest Florida, shallow groundwater, canals, and seawall areas can create additional concerns. EFS evaluates the conditions at each property rather than assuming every slab needs the same repair.
Explore Central Florida services →Explore Southwest Florida services →
How We Lift Concrete Without Rushing the Process
Concrete lifting requires patience, careful measurements, and controlled injection.
Small holes, typically approximately 5/8 to 3/4 inch in diameter, are drilled at selected locations in the slab.
High-density polyurethane is injected beneath the concrete in controlled amounts. As it expands, the concrete’s movement is monitored and the injection locations and material delivery are adjusted.
A rotating laser level helps track the concrete’s elevation throughout the process.
Once concrete is lifted too high, there isn’t a simple way to lower it back into position. Overlifting can create new uneven transitions, interfere with drainage, or place unwanted pressure on nearby structures.
Some slabs begin moving quickly. Others respond more slowly because of their weight, the condition of the soil, existing cracks, or surrounding restrictions.
EFS watches how the entire slab moves, not just the area above the injection point.
When the appropriate correction has been reached, the injection equipment is removed and the holes are patched.
Many concrete lifting projects can be completed in a day, and the fast-curing foam generally allows the surface to return to service quickly.
Preparing a pool deck for foam injection.
Watch concrete move during lifting
Actual EFS video showing the digital laser receiver reading changing as the concrete rises.
Before recommending concrete raising or slab leveling, EFS checks the slab’s condition, drainage, surrounding structures, and the support underneath. Some concrete needs void filling without lifting; other areas may be better suited to grinding or replacement.
Whether you call it concrete jacking, sinking concrete repair, or foam jacking, the goal is to restore support and correct uneven concrete where lifting is appropriate.
“We can take it up, but we can’t take it back down.”
Shawn’s approach to careful, controlled concrete lifting.
Over 40 Years of Combined Industry Experience
Environmental Foam Solutions is a husband-and-wife team with over 40 years of combined hands-on experience in concrete lifting, leveling, and soil stabilization. Shawn and Jessica work together in the field, bringing decades of practical knowledge to every project. When you schedule an inspection, you’re working directly with the people who perform the repairs.
Owner-operated means hands-on. The people evaluating the project are the people responsible for the work.
See examples of EFS projects or learn more about Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and Tampa Bay service coverage.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking: What’s the Difference?
Both methods are used to lift settled concrete without removing the existing slab.
Traditional mudjacking pumps a heavier mixture of cement, sand, and water underneath the concrete. Polyjacking uses an expanding polyurethane foam to fill spaces and raise the slab.
Lightweight expanding foam
Heavier cement, sand, and water mixture
Generally smaller drilled holes
Generally larger drilled holes
Fast curing
May require longer curing
Controlled lifting of settled concrete
Heavy material is pumped beneath the slab
Water-resistant cured material
Material properties vary by mixture
Real EFS repair site showing the different sizes of old mudjacking and polyurethane injection patches.
EFS specializes in polyurethane lifting because of its low added weight, fast curing, and ability to make careful adjustments throughout the process.
For a more detailed comparison, see the Poly Jacking vs. Mudjacking page.
Concrete Leveling Cost vs. Concrete Replacement
One of the biggest advantages of concrete lifting is the possibility of keeping your existing slab rather than paying to remove and replace it.
When the concrete is still suitable for repair, foam jacking can be considerably less expensive than replacement.
Approximate Concrete Repair Costs in Florida
| Concrete Surface | EFS Leveling Cost | Approx. Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sidewalk | $500–$2,500+ | $1,500–$5,000+ |
| Driveway | $1,000–$5,000+ | $5,000–$10,000+ |
| Pool deck | $1,500–$6,000+ | $11,000–$17,000+ |
| Commercial & HOA Concrete | Custom project quote | Varies by scope |
These are general project ranges, not quotes for identical job sizes. Actual pricing depends on the amount of settlement, void conditions, material requirements, accessibility, demolition, finishes, and other project factors.
Commercial Concrete Leveling & HOA Sidewalk Repairs
EFS works with businesses, HOAs, property managers, and municipalities to correct uneven sidewalks, ADA trip hazards, settled walkways, entryways, and other concrete surfaces. Larger projects are evaluated individually, with pricing based on the number of affected areas, settlement conditions, accessibility, and the repairs needed.
Why Lifting Can Cost Less
Polyurethane lifting works with the existing slab, avoiding much of that additional work when the concrete can be safely repaired.
EFS provides free on-site inspections and clear, upfront pricing before work begins.
Common Questions About Foam Jacking and Concrete Leveling
Can you raise a sinking concrete driveway?
Often, yes. If the driveway slab is in suitable condition, polyurethane injection may raise the settled section and improve the transition near the garage, sidewalk, or adjoining concrete.
Can foam jacking fix a sinking pool deck?
In many cases, yes. Polyurethane can lift suitable settled pool deck sections and fill voids beneath them. The condition of the pool structure, coping, nearby plumbing, and drainage must also be considered.
How long does polyjacking last?
The cured polyurethane is designed for long-term support. The performance of the overall repair also depends on the concrete, material placement, soil conditions, and whether new erosion or settlement develops nearby.
Does concrete have to be perfectly level?
No. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, and pool decks often require a planned slope for drainage. Correcting settlement doesn’t mean making every slab perfectly horizontal.
Can you lift cracked concrete?
Sometimes. Limited cracking doesn’t automatically rule out lifting. However, extensive fractures or deterioration may make replacement more appropriate. Existing cracks generally remain visible after the repair.
Is foam jacking the same as foundation repair?
No. EFS specializes in concrete slab lifting, void filling, and soil stabilization. EFS does not install foundation piers or perform structural foundation underpinning. Significant structural foundation movement should be evaluated by an independent, licensed structural engineer who is not affiliated with a foundation repair company.
Will my concrete look brand new afterward?
Concrete lifting corrects suitable settlement problems, but it doesn’t erase existing stains, cracks, or surface wear. The small injection holes are patched and may remain slightly visible.
Explore EFS Concrete Repair Services
DON’T REPLACE IT. RE-LEVEL IT.
Before spending thousands of dollars replacing a sinking driveway, uneven sidewalk, settling pool deck, patio, or walkway, find out whether the concrete you already have can be saved.
Environmental Foam Solutions provides polyurethane concrete lifting, leveling, foam jacking, void filling, and soil stabilization throughout Central Florida, Southwest Florida, and Tampa Bay.