Concrete Leveling in Minnesota
Sinking concrete is a common issue for homeowners across Minnesota. Driveways, patios, sidewalks, and garage floors often shift or settle due to unstable soil conditions beneath the slab. As the ground erodes or compacts from moisture, poor drainage, or backfilled soil, the unsupported concrete begins to sink. This creates uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, and long-term structural damage.
At SafeBasements, we restore concrete surfaces with professional leveling solutions designed for Midwest homes. Our polyjacking method lifts and stabilizes the slab by injecting high-density polyurethane foam into the voids below. This process is fast, non-invasive, and built to last, helping you avoid the cost and disruption of full slab replacement.
What Causes Concrete to Sink?
Concrete slabs rely on compact, stable soil to stay level. But in Minnesota, where moisture, freezing temperatures, and poor drainage are common, that soil can shift—causing sidewalks, driveways, patios, and other slabs to sink, crack, or tilt.
Here are some of the most common reasons this happens:
Expansive soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry
Minnesota soils, especially clay-heavy ones, expand as they absorb water and contract when they dry out. This repeated swelling and shrinking creates movement beneath the concrete, leading to cracks, voids, and sinking over time.
Improper compaction during construction
If the soil wasn’t compacted properly before the concrete was poured, especially in backfilled areas like around a home’s foundation, it may settle unevenly under the weight of the slab. That settlement creates gaps that lead to cracking and shifting.
Water intrusion from rainfall, poor drainage, or plumbing leaks
Excess water from downspouts, gutter overflow, or leaky outdoor pipes can saturate the soil, making it soft or washing it away entirely. As the support beneath the slab erodes, the concrete begins to sink and break apart.
Soil erosion around driveways, patios, and walkways
Without proper grading or drainage, water runs along or beneath concrete surfaces, slowly washing away the supporting soil. Erosion leaves empty spaces that weaken the slab, causing sagging or uneven surfaces.
Freeze-thaw cycles that shift the ground repeatedly
Minnesota winters create a unique challenge. As water in the ground freezes and thaws, it causes the soil to expand and contract. This constant movement pushes and pulls the concrete, eventually leaving it uneven or cracked.
Over time, these causes can combine and accelerate damage. Addressing them early with a lasting repair method like polyjacking helps restore your concrete and prevent bigger issues in the future.
Warning Signs That You Need Concrete Lifting
Sinking or damaged concrete isn’t just cosmetic; it can signal deeper soil instability and create safety risks around your property. Watch for these signs that may indicate a need for concrete leveling:
Cracks in the concrete surface
Whether on your driveway, patio, or sidewalk, visible cracks can mean the soil beneath the slab is settling unevenly or washing away. Left untreated, these cracks can spread and worsen over time.
Uneven or sloping concrete
If parts of the slab feel slanted, sit lower than the rest, or rock when stepped on, that’s a clear sign the ground underneath has shifted. Uneven slabs can pose trip hazards and make the space difficult to use.
Chipping or flaking concrete edges
When a slab loses support beneath it, stress builds at the surface. This can cause corners or edges to chip, crack, or crumble, especially in high-traffic areas or during freeze-thaw cycles.
Gaps between slabs or steps
Noticeable gaps between sections of concrete or between your steps and foundation can mean sections have settled at different rates. These voids often collect water, leading to further erosion below the surface.
Water pooling on or around the slab
If water consistently collects in one area after rain, it may be due to a sunken section or poor grading caused by settlement. Pooling water also accelerates soil erosion and slab movement.
These issues tend to worsen over time. Identifying them early allows for safer, more affordable repairs before the damage spreads.
Our Concrete Lifting And Leveling Services in Minnesota Include
We proudly offer industry-leading concrete lifting and leveling services in Minnesota. Here are some of the methods that we use during our concrete lifting process:
Concrete Leveling
If your patio or porch has been saggy lately, it’s probably because of the concrete surface below. To restore its appearance, we offer a concrete leveling service in which we use a super-strong structural polymer. Rather than having to replace the entire slab, it allows you to build up the sinking portion of your concrete surface. In our concrete leveling service, we offer different benefits, such as:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Level a driveway or sidewalk within a day
- Elevate your home’s curb appeal
- Minimal disturbances during repair work
Void Filling with Polyjacking
We use the polyjacking (also known as foam jacking) method to lift the sunken concrete slabs more efficiently. In this repair, we drill tiny holes into the concrete slab and inject polyurethane foam. This process is called a “Jetsons” approach. We have also developed and tested a polyurethane solution to maximize foam effectiveness. When the foam is spread underneath the slab, it solidifies in a short amount of time and lifts the concrete. This process is not only time-saving but also affordable.
We Lift and Level All Types of Concrete Surfaces in Minnesota
SafeBasements provides expert concrete leveling for a wide range of residential surfaces across Minnesota. If you’re dealing with sinking slabs, cracking, or uneven walkways, our concrete leveling process can restore stability and improve safety without the mess or cost of replacement.
Sidewalks
Lift uneven or sunken sidewalk panels to eliminate trip hazards and restore safe, walkable paths.
Driveways
Fix sloped, cracked, or settled driveways for better curb appeal and long-term durability.
Garage Floors
Correct sinking garage floors that collect water or feel uneven underfoot, making them functional again.
Porches and Patios
Raise sunken patios and porches to improve outdoor living areas and reduce the risk of injuries.
Curbs
Realign settled curbs to preserve your property’s edge definition and stormwater flow.
Gutter Aprons
Level the concrete around your gutters and downspouts to prevent standing water and erosion near your foundation.
How Does Concrete Lifting Work?
The concrete lifting process starts by cleaning the slab’s surface and preparing the area for repair. Once clean, we drill a series of small holes through the concrete and inject a specialized polyurethane foam beneath the slab. As the foam expands, it fills voids and gently raises the concrete back into position—restoring level, stable support.
After lifting is complete, we seal the injection sites and clean the work area. Most projects are finished in just a few hours, and the surface is ready to walk or drive on the same day.
This method is faster, cleaner, and longer-lasting than traditional mudjacking, which relies on heavier materials and larger drill holes. By using lightweight, high-strength foam, we avoid adding stress to unstable soil and achieve a longer-lasting result.
How Much Does Concrete Lifting Cost in Minnesota?
Depending on the size of the job, concrete lifting in Minnesota can cost anywhere from $800 to $2500. In comparison to concrete replacement, concrete leveling costs 50% to 70% less. On top of that, concrete lifting lasts 10 to 20 years!
Why Choose SafeBasements For Concrete Repair and Lifting in Minnesota?
We are committed to excellence, affordability, and customer satisfaction. Our team uses state-of-the-art equipment and eco-friendly materials to deliver top-notch, permanent results.
With SafeBasements, you can expect:
- Trusted and professional service
- Cost-effective lifting and leveling solutions
- Quick project turnaround times
- Highly skilled and experienced technicians
- Industry-leading warranties
At SafeBasements, we believe that concrete lifting and leveling should be accessible to all property owners who require foundation repair. We offer competitive pricing for our concrete repair and lifting services, ensuring you receive the best value for your money.
Consult The Best Concrete Lifting Specialists in Minnesota
Don’t let uneven or sinking concrete become a safety hazard or drag down your home’s appearance. Our proven lifting and leveling solutions restore stability, value, and peace of mind. Restore your concrete without the mess or cost of replacement.
Schedule your FREE on-site evaluation today and take the first step toward safer, stronger concrete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! Concrete lifting is absolutely worth it as it helps to save you money, time, and hassle. Additionally, concrete lifting can last 20+ years or even longer, and the process is minimally invasive. It takes only a few hours.
Here’s how we level a concrete garage floor:
- First, we clean the damaged concrete.
- Then, we drill tiny holes into the concrete’s surface and inject the polyurethane foam materials.
- The foam will fill up the entire void beneath the concrete and make the surface level.
- Finally, we fill and patch the holes that we drilled into the concrete.
Concrete lifting lasts for 20+ years! At SafeBasements, we use the polyjacking (foam concrete leveling) method because it lasts for decades, is minimally invasive, and is affordable. Concrete lifting will only fail in scenarios like:
- Uncontrollable natural settling
- Excessive water flow washing the important sub-material
- Improper void fill
- Animals burrowing in the soil underneath the concrete
Yes, we provide a lifetime transferrable warranty on our concrete lifting service. Our concrete lifting involves injecting polyurethane foam to lift the sunken concrete slabs more efficiently.
Yes, concrete lifting is a permanent solution for the concrete raising issue. Concrete lifting methods like polyjacking are known for their long-term effectiveness, durability, and moisture resistance. It helps to keep the concrete intact and lifted in its position for a long time.
