Concrete Lifting & Raising
Raise Sunken Concrete Slabs Without Automatically Replacing Them
Get a repair-first evaluation of the damage, the surrounding concrete, and the conditions that may be causing it.
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You don't need to know the repair method before you call. Show us what changed and we'll evaluate the condition.
Concrete can remain strong enough to use even after the slab has settled.
A driveway panel may drop.
A sidewalk section may sink.
A patio may tilt.
A walkway may become uneven.
A slab near a garage may settle below the surrounding concrete.
When the concrete itself is still worth saving, concrete lifting and raising may provide a way to move the slab back toward a more useful elevation without automatically removing and replacing it.
Concrete Repair Pros provides concrete lifting and raising in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities, helping homeowners and property owners determine whether settled concrete can be raised and what lifting method makes sense for the condition.
The most important question is not simply:
Can we lift it?
It is:
Is the slab suitable for lifting, what caused it to sink, and how much correction makes sense?
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting is the process of raising a settled concrete slab by introducing material beneath it or otherwise restoring support below the slab.
The goal is to move the slab upward toward a better elevation.
Concrete lifting may help improve:
- Slab alignment
- Walking transitions
- Vehicle transitions
- Drainage
- Low spots
- Uneven joints
- Water collection
- Settlement-related height differences
Concrete lifting is often part of a broader concrete-leveling project.
Concrete Raising
Concrete raising is another common term for lifting sunken concrete.
Homeowners may search for:
- Concrete raising
- Slab raising
- Raise concrete slab
- Raise sunken concrete
- Concrete raising near me
- Concrete raising company
These terms describe the same general goal:
Moving a settled slab upward without automatically replacing it.
Why Concrete Slabs Sink
Concrete slabs usually sink because support beneath them has changed.
Soil Settlement
Soil can compress over time.
If the base beneath a slab settles, the slab may drop with it.
Poor Compaction
If fill material was not compacted sufficiently before concrete placement, the base may continue settling after construction.
Erosion
Water can carry soil away from beneath a slab.
That can create voids and reduce support.
Drainage Problems
Poor drainage may repeatedly saturate, wash, or soften soil around concrete.
Possible sources include:
- Downspouts
- Runoff
- Poor grading
- Standing water
- Water entering joints
Utility Trenches & Disturbed Soil
Previously excavated areas may settle over time as backfilled soil compresses.
This can affect concrete near:
- Utility lines
- Sewer work
- Water lines
- Drainage systems
- Additions
- Garage construction
Freeze-Thaw Conditions
Iowa's seasonal temperature swings can contribute to soil and slab movement.
Moisture in the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly.
Over time, those changes can affect support beneath exterior concrete.
Signs Concrete May Need Lifting
Concrete lifting may be worth evaluating when you notice:
- A slab sitting lower than adjacent concrete
- Uneven transitions
- A sunken driveway panel
- A low sidewalk slab
- A patio sloping incorrectly
- Water collecting in a low area
- A garage approach sinking
- Gaps beneath slab edges
- Settlement-related cracks
- One corner dropping
The concrete itself should still have enough integrity to make lifting worthwhile.
What Types of Concrete Can Be Lifted?
Concrete lifting may be used on several types of flatwork.
Driveways
Driveway slabs may sink near:
- Garages
- Sidewalk crossings
- Joints
- Drainage areas
- Edges
Driveway-specific settlement intent remains with our Sunken & Uneven Driveway Repair page.
Sidewalks
Sunken sidewalk sections may sometimes be raised to improve transitions and reduce elevation differences.
Patios
A settled patio slab may create:
- Water pooling
- Poor drainage
- Uneven furniture areas
- Slope toward the house
Walkways
Residential walkways may be candidates for lifting when the concrete remains serviceable.
Garage Approaches
Concrete near garage entries can settle differently than the garage floor.
Lifting may improve the transition.
Exterior Slabs
Other exterior slabs may also be candidates depending on:
- Concrete condition
- Slab size
- Settlement
- Access
- Underlying support
Concrete Lifting vs. Concrete Leveling
The terms are closely related.
Concrete leveling describes the objective.
The objective is to create a better slab elevation.
Concrete lifting describes the physical action used to raise a low slab.
A lifting project may produce a leveled surface.
This page owns the lifting and raising terminology.
Concrete Lifting vs. Mudjacking
Mudjacking is one method of lifting concrete.
It typically involves introducing a cementitious or slurry-type material beneath the slab.
That material fills voids and creates upward pressure.
Mudjacking may be appropriate for some slabs.
Concrete Lifting vs. Polyjacking
Polyjacking uses expanding polyurethane foam beneath a slab.
As the material expands, it can fill voids and lift the concrete.
Polyjacking is another lifting method.
Can Cracked Concrete Be Lifted?
Sometimes.
A cracked slab is not automatically unsuitable for lifting.
The condition depends on:
- Number of cracks
- Width of cracks
- Whether pieces move independently
- Slab integrity
- Settlement pattern
- Surface deterioration
A slab with limited cracking may still lift successfully.
A badly fragmented slab may not.
Can a Broken Slab Be Raised?
It depends on how broken it is.
A slab divided into several unstable pieces may not behave as one unit during lifting.
In that situation, replacement may provide a better result.
The slab should be evaluated before deciding whether raising makes sense.
How Concrete Lifting Works
The exact process depends on the lifting method.
In general, the process includes:
1. Evaluating slab condition
2. Identifying settlement
3. Determining the desired elevation
4. Selecting a lifting method
5. Introducing material beneath the slab
6. Raising the slab gradually
7. Checking alignment, slope, and drainage
The movement should be controlled.
The goal is not simply to push the slab as high as possible.
How High Can Concrete Be Lifted?
There is no universal maximum.
The practical amount of lift depends on:
- Slab size
- Slab condition
- Amount of settlement
- Crack pattern
- Adjacent concrete
- Drainage
- Support beneath the slab
- Lifting method
A slab may not need to return to its exact original elevation to create a major improvement.
Can Concrete Be Lifted Too Far?
Yes.
Overlifting can create new problems.
Potential issues include:
- Poor drainage
- High transitions
- New stress on the slab
- Cracking
- Misalignment with adjacent surfaces
The goal is appropriate correction, not maximum movement.
Concrete Lifting for Drainage Problems
Settlement can change the slope of concrete.
That may cause water to collect or flow in the wrong direction.
Lifting may help improve drainage when the low slab caused the problem.
Examples include:
- Driveway puddles
- Water near garage doors
- Sidewalk low spots
- Patio drainage toward the house
- Water collecting at slab joints
Drainage should be considered before the slab is raised.
Concrete Lifting Near Foundations
Concrete near a foundation requires careful attention to slope.
The repaired slab should not direct water toward the building.
If settled concrete is sloping toward the foundation, lifting may help improve drainage when conditions allow.
Concrete Lifting Around Steps
A settled slab near steps can change step height.
Lifting may help restore a more consistent transition.
The steps, slab, porch, and adjacent concrete should be evaluated together.
Concrete Lifting Around Tree Roots
Tree roots can make lifting more complicated.
One slab may appear low only because another slab has been pushed upward.
Before raising concrete near trees, it is important to determine:
- Which slab moved
- Where roots are located
- Whether movement is active
- Whether lifting would improve the transition
Diagnosis matters.
Why Concrete Lifting Sometimes Fails
Lifting a slab does not automatically eliminate the cause of settlement.
A repair may fail when:
Soil Keeps Settling
The base may continue compressing.
Water Keeps Eroding Soil
Ongoing washout can remove support again.
Drainage Remains Poor
Repeated water exposure may continue changing the base.
Concrete Is Too Damaged
Fragmented slabs may not lift evenly.
Tree Roots Keep Moving
Active roots can continue changing slab position.
The Wrong Slab Was Raised
An incorrect diagnosis can create a new elevation problem.
Is Concrete Lifting Permanent?
Concrete lifting can provide long-lasting results, but no responsible repair should be described as permanent without qualification.
Long-term performance depends on:
- Slab condition
- Soil stability
- Drainage
- Lifting method
- Amount of settlement
- Cause of movement
- Ongoing site conditions
If the underlying soil continues changing, the slab can move again.
Does Concrete Lifting Fix Cracks?
Not automatically.
Lifting may improve slab position, but existing cracks usually remain.
Some cracks may:
- Close somewhat
- Change appearance
- Remain unchanged
- Require separate repair
Crack repair and concrete lifting are separate repair decisions.
Does Concrete Lifting Fill Voids?
Some lifting methods introduce material beneath the slab that can fill empty spaces as part of the process.
Void filling can help restore support.
However, the amount and location of voids should be considered during evaluation.
Concrete Lifting vs. Replacement
Lifting may make sense when:
- The concrete remains serviceable
- Settlement is the main problem
- Cracking is manageable
- Surface deterioration is limited
- Slab elevation can reasonably be corrected
- Repair provides good long-term value
Replacement becomes more likely when:
- Concrete is badly broken
- The slab is heavily deteriorated
- Movement is extreme
- Lifting would not create a useful result
- The slab has little service life remaining
- Previous repairs have repeatedly failed
Lifting is valuable because it may preserve existing concrete, but only when that concrete is worth preserving.
Is Concrete Lifting Cheaper Than Replacement?
It often can be.
Removing and replacing concrete typically involves:
- Demolition
- Hauling
- Base preparation
- Forming
- New concrete
- Curing time
- Restoration around the work area
Lifting may avoid much of that when the slab remains usable.
However, detailed pricing belongs to our Concrete Repair Cost Guide.
Concrete Lifting in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Concrete Repair Pros provides concrete lifting in Cedar Rapids, IA, for settled and uneven concrete around homes and properties.
Common lifting applications include:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Walkways
- Patios
- Garage approaches
- Exterior slabs
Cedar Rapids concrete can be affected by:
- Freeze-thaw conditions
- Soil settlement
- Drainage
- Erosion
- Moisture
- Disturbed fill
If you are searching for a concrete lifting company in Cedar Rapids or concrete raising in Cedar Rapids, we evaluate the slab and underlying conditions before recommending a method.
Concrete Lifting in Iowa City, Iowa
We also provide concrete lifting in Iowa City, IA, and surrounding communities.
Concrete settlement around Iowa City may be influenced by:
- Soil movement
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Drainage
- Tree roots
- Utility work
- Erosion
- Moisture changes
Potential lifting applications include driveways, sidewalks, patios, walkways, garage approaches, and other exterior slabs.
Residential Concrete Lifting
Residential concrete lifting commonly involves:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Front walks
- Patios
- Garage approaches
- Entry slabs
The goal is to preserve useful concrete when settlement—not severe concrete deterioration—is the primary problem.
Commercial Concrete Lifting
Commercial properties may also develop settled concrete.
Potential locations include:
- Storefront sidewalks
- Apartment walkways
- Office entrances
- Parking-lot sidewalks
- Common areas
- Loading-area slabs
Commercial projects may involve:
- Higher pedestrian traffic
- Access requirements
- Scheduling
- Property-management coordination
Previously Lifted Concrete
Some slabs show evidence of previous lifting.
You may notice:
- Drilled holes
- Patches
- Filled cracks
- Repaired joints
- Previous lifting material
If the slab has settled again, that can indicate:
- Ongoing soil settlement
- Drainage problems
- Erosion
- Continued movement
Previous repair history should be considered before repeating the same process.
Signs Concrete Lifting May Be Worth Considering
Have settled concrete evaluated when you notice:
- Low slabs
- Uneven transitions
- Water pooling
- Slabs dropping near garages
- Sidewalk elevation differences
- Patio sections tilting
- Gaps beneath slab edges
- Settlement-related cracking
- Changes in slope
- Movement getting worse
The sooner the condition is evaluated, the more likely the concrete may still be worth saving.
Our Concrete Lifting Process
1. Inspect the Slab
We evaluate:
- Cracks
- Surface condition
- Slab integrity
- Edges
- Previous repairs
2. Measure the Settlement
We look at:
- Low points
- Adjacent elevations
- Slope
- Transitions
- Drainage
3. Identify the Likely Cause
Potential causes include:
- Soil settlement
- Poor compaction
- Erosion
- Drainage
- Disturbed soil
- Freeze-thaw movement
4. Decide Whether the Slab Can Be Lifted
The concrete must remain suitable for repair.
If it is too broken or deteriorated, replacement may be the better option.
5. Select the Lifting Method
The method depends on:
- Slab condition
- Amount of settlement
- Access
- Underlying support
- Desired correction
6. Raise the Slab Gradually
The slab is moved toward a more useful elevation.
Controlled movement helps reduce unnecessary stress.
7. Check Final Alignment
We evaluate:
- Elevation
- Adjacent slabs
- Drainage
- Walking transitions
- Vehicle transitions
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Lifting
What is concrete lifting?
Concrete lifting is the process of raising a settled slab toward a better elevation.
What is concrete raising?
Concrete raising is another term commonly used for lifting sunken concrete.
Can sunken concrete be raised?
Often, yes. Suitable slabs may be raised when settlement is the primary problem.
Is concrete lifting the same as leveling?
Not exactly. Lifting describes raising the slab. Leveling describes the goal of creating a better elevation.
Is concrete lifting the same as mudjacking?
No. Mudjacking is one method used to lift concrete.
Is polyjacking concrete lifting?
Yes. Polyjacking is a method of lifting concrete using expanding polyurethane foam.
Can cracked concrete be lifted?
Sometimes. The crack pattern and overall slab condition determine whether lifting is practical.
Can broken concrete be raised?
Minor cracking may still allow lifting. Heavily fragmented slabs may be poor candidates.
Does concrete lifting fix cracks?
Not automatically. Crack repair may still be needed after the slab is raised.
Can concrete lifting improve drainage?
Yes, when settlement caused the incorrect slope or low area.
Can concrete be lifted too high?
Yes. Overlifting can create drainage, alignment, and cracking problems.
How long does concrete lifting last?
Longevity depends on soil stability, drainage, slab condition, lifting method, and whether settlement continues.
Is concrete lifting permanent?
Not necessarily. Continued soil or drainage problems can cause future movement.
How much does concrete lifting cost?
Cost depends on slab size, amount of settlement, repair method, access, slab condition, and number of areas being raised. Detailed cost intent belongs to our Concrete Repair Cost Guide.
Do you provide concrete lifting in Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Concrete Repair Pros provides concrete lifting and raising in Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities.
Do you provide concrete lifting in Iowa City?
Yes. We provide concrete lifting and raising in Iowa City and surrounding communities.
If your concrete has sunk, settled, dropped, tilted, or become uneven, you may not need to remove and replace the slab.
Show us what is happening.
We can evaluate the concrete, amount of settlement, drainage, soil support, adjacent surfaces, and overall slab condition to determine whether lifting or raising makes sense.
Concrete Repair Pros provides professional concrete lifting and raising throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and surrounding communities.
Don't Replace Good Concrete Just Because One Area Failed.
A damaged slab does not automatically need demolition. We look at how much sound concrete remains, whether movement is active, the depth of deterioration, drainage and the surrounding conditions.
If repair is still practical, the goal is simple: save what is worth saving.
BEFOREAFTERFrom Damage to a Clear Repair Plan.
Tell us what you're seeing and upload project photos.
We look at damage, movement, drainage and surrounding concrete.
We explain whether repair makes sense and what approach fits.
Approved work is completed for the actual condition—not a generic fix.
Send the Damage. We'll Help Determine the Next Step.
Include your address, a short description and up to six photos. That's enough to start the conversation.
Repair It Before Replacement Becomes the Only Option.
Cedar Rapids · Iowa City · surrounding Eastern Iowa communities