Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for Your Atlanta Home?

Your driveway has sunk. Your patio has a lip that catches every shoe. Your sidewalk has become a trip hazard. The question isn’t whether to fix it—it’s how. Concrete leveling can save you 50–70% over replacement, but it’s not always the right call. Here’s how to decide.

How Concrete Leveling Works

Concrete leveling raises sunken slabs back to their original position without tearing anything out. The most common method in Atlanta is polyurethane foam injection (often called polyjacking or foam lifting). A technician drills small, penny-sized holes in the sunken slab, then injects expanding polyurethane foam underneath. The foam fills the void beneath the slab, expands, and lifts the concrete back into position. The holes are patched, cracks are sealed, and the surface is usable within hours. The entire process typically takes 2–4 hours for most residential jobs.

Mudjacking is an older method that pumps a cement and sand slurry under the slab. It’s cheaper per square foot but the heavier material can contribute to re-settling, especially on Atlanta’s expansive clay soil. For this reason, most contractors in Metro Atlanta now prefer foam injection for longer-lasting results.

How Concrete Replacement Works

Replacement means demolishing the existing slab, removing the debris, preparing the sub-base, and pouring new concrete. A typical residential replacement involves breaking up and hauling away the old slab, grading and compacting the sub-base, setting forms, pouring new concrete (usually 4 inches thick for residential), and curing time of 24–48 hours before light use, with full curing taking up to 28 days. The process takes 2–5 days depending on the scope and requires heavy equipment access to your property.

Cost Comparison

The cost difference is significant. Concrete leveling typically costs $500 to $3,000 for most residential jobs—roughly $5 to $25 per square foot depending on the method. Concrete replacement runs $8 to $18 per square foot when you factor in demolition, disposal, grading, and pouring. For a 500-square-foot driveway section, that’s roughly $1,500 to $3,000 for leveling vs. $4,000 to $9,000 for replacement. Leveling consistently saves 50–70% over full replacement.

When Leveling Is the Right Choice

Concrete leveling is the better option in most cases where the slab itself is still in good condition. Choose leveling when the concrete has settled unevenly but isn’t badly fractured—meaning the slab has sunk but is still in large, connected pieces. It’s ideal when settlement is less than 4–6 inches, when the surface is still structurally sound without major crumbling or spalling, and when you need the repair done quickly with minimal disruption. Leveling also makes sense when the concrete is near your foundation and you need to restore proper water drainage away from your home.

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Sometimes leveling can’t do the job. Replacement is the better investment when the concrete is broken into small, disconnected pieces (generally smaller than 3 feet square—once slabs fragment this much, there’s nothing stable to lift). You should also replace when the surface is severely deteriorated with deep spalling, crumbling, or exposed aggregate, when the concrete has settled more than 6 inches, when the slab is structurally compromised by extensive rebar corrosion or subgrade failure, or when the concrete is old enough (30+ years) that it’s showing multiple failure modes simultaneously.

Why Atlanta’s Clay Soil Matters for This Decision

Georgia’s red clay soil is the reason most concrete sinks in the first place. Clay expands when it absorbs water and contracts when it dries. This constant swelling and shrinking cycle creates voids under concrete slabs. During heavy rain, water can also physically wash out soil from beneath slabs, especially if drainage directs water along the concrete edge. This means two things for your repair decision. First, if you level the concrete without addressing the drainage issue, the slab may settle again. A good contractor will identify why the soil moved and recommend drainage corrections alongside the leveling. Second, the heavier weight of mudjacking material can accelerate re-settling on clay soil, which is why foam injection is generally preferred in Metro Atlanta.

Concrete Problems That Signal Foundation Issues

Sometimes sunken concrete is telling you something bigger is happening. If your garage floor has settled and pulled away from the walls, if the concrete slab directly against your foundation has dropped and is directing water toward your home, or if you’re seeing settlement in multiple areas around the house simultaneously, these patterns can indicate foundation movement—not just isolated concrete settling. In these cases, a foundation inspection should happen alongside any concrete repair evaluation.

Making the Right Decision

The only way to know whether your concrete needs leveling or replacement is an in-person inspection. A qualified contractor will assess the slab condition, measure the settlement, evaluate the soil and drainage, and recommend the most cost-effective solution. At Reliable Solutions Atlanta, we provide free concrete inspections and honest assessments. If leveling will solve the problem, we’ll say so—it saves you money and saves us time. If replacement is the right call, we’ll explain why. We also offer financing through GreenSky® to help manage the cost of larger projects. Call 770-895-2039 to schedule your free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does concrete leveling last?

Polyurethane foam leveling typically lasts 10–15 years or longer when combined with proper drainage. The foam itself doesn’t degrade, but if the underlying soil continues to wash out due to unresolved drainage issues, settling can recur. Addressing the root cause is key to a lasting repair.

Can you level concrete in cold weather?

Yes. Polyurethane foam cures through a chemical reaction, not air temperature, so leveling can be done year-round. New concrete pouring, however, should generally be avoided when temperatures drop below 40°F. Atlanta’s mild winters make both options viable most of the year.

Will leveled concrete match the surrounding surface?

Leveling restores the slab’s position but doesn’t change the surface appearance. The drill holes are small (about the size of a penny) and are patched after injection. Any existing cracks are sealed but will still be visible. If aesthetics are a priority and the surface is heavily worn, replacement may be worth considering for appearance alone.