Concrete Lifting Vs. Concrete Replacement

Uneven, sunken, or cracked concrete slabs are more than just an eyesore—they’re a safety hazard and a threat to your home’s value. Whether it’s your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or pool deck, you typically have two options: full concrete replacement or modern polyurethane concrete lifting (also known as foam injection).

At DESKA, we specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions. Here’s a side-by-side look at the causes, repair methods, costs, timelines, and cleanup differences to help you decide which solution is right for your property.

Why Concrete Settles in Northern Virginia

In Alexandria and surrounding areas, our climate and soil conditions are tough on concrete. Common causes of settlement include:

Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water seeps into small cracks and freezes in winter, expanding and pushing the slab apart.
Heavy Rains & Poor Drainage: Saturated soil can wash away the ground supporting your concrete.
Droughts & Soil Shrinkage: Dry weather causes expansive clay soils to contract, creating air pockets under your slabs.
Improper Backfill: If soil wasn’t properly compacted during construction, voids form over time and cause sinking.

Option 1: Full Concrete Replacement

Full replacement is a traditional approach but comes with hidden time, cost, and property impacts.

The Process:

Demolish and remove old concrete
Re-grade and compact the soil
Pour new concrete and finish
Allow time for curing and hardening

What It Really Costs:

Labor-intensive: Multiple workers over several days
Disposal: Hauling broken concrete can run $200–$500
Permits: Required in most jurisdictions ($50–$150+)
Landscaping: Expect disruption to grass, flowerbeds, or walkways

Option 2: Polyurethane Concrete Lifting (Foam Injection)

Polyurethane concrete lifting—offered by DESKA—is a modern, minimally invasive solution that raises and stabilizes your sunken slabs in as little as one day.

The Process:

Drill ¾” injection ports in sunken areas
Inject high-density polyurethane foam
Foam expands to fill voids and lift the slab
Patch the injection holes and clean the surface

Performance & Durability:

Cures in 2-4 hours
Supports over 8,000 psi—equal to or greater than poured concrete
Waterproof and erosion-resistant
Minimal mess and zero heavy equipment required

Cost Comparison: Concrete Lifting vs. Replacement

On average, concrete lifting saves 20–40% compared to replacement.

Method	Cost per sq ft	Total for 200 sq ft
Full Replacement	$8–$15*	$1,600–$3,000
Foam Concrete Raising	$5–$7*	$1,000–$1,400

*Pricing estimates for concrete leveling and traditional concrete replacement are based on an average project. Your project may vary. Free consultations and estimates are available from DESKA before any work is done.

Time & Traffic Comparison

Foam concrete lifting restores your surface in a single day; replacement takes up to a week.

Method	Cost per sq ft	Total for 200 sq ft	Total Duration	Foot Traffic	Vehicles
Full Replacement	$8–$15	$1,600–$3,000	3–7 days	24–72 hours	5–7 days
Foam Concrete Raising	$5–$7	$1,000–$1,400	1 day	15–20 minutes	1–2 hours

Cleanup: How Messy Is It?

Replacement:

Broken concrete debris
Dust, dirt, and heavy machinery
Potential damage to landscaping, irrigation lines, and nearby surfaces