You walk out to grab the mail and trip on a crack in your driveway. Again. That sunken slab has been staring you down for months, and now you’re wondering: Is it time to fix it—or just rip the whole thing out?
You’re not alone.
Across Alabama, homeowners are dealing with uneven driveways, cracks, and sunken concrete. But here’s the thing: just because your driveway looks rough doesn’t mean you need a full-blown replacement. Sometimes, the smarter (and cheaper) option is driveway leveling.
So let’s break it down. Plain talk. No fluff.
What Causes an Uneven or Sunken Driveway Anyway?
Concrete’s tough—but it’s not invincible. Over time, Mother Nature has her way with it. Here’s what you’re really fighting:
- Erosion and Washout – Water sneaks under your slab, washes away soil, and leaves a hollow space.
- Clay Soil Shifting – In Alabama, we’ve got lots of expansive soil. When it gets wet, it swells. When it dries, it shrinks. That up-down movement? It’s murder on concrete.
- Heavy Loads – Trucks, trailers, boats—you name it. They weigh down the slab unevenly.
- Poor Installation – If your driveway wasn’t poured right to begin with, you’re going to see problems faster than you’d like.
What Is Driveway Leveling? (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)
Driveway leveling, sometimes called concrete lifting, is the process of raising sunken slabs back to their original position. Think of it like this: your driveway hasn’t failed—it’s just sunk into a problem you can fix.
At APS, we use a method called polyjacking. (You might hear it called foam jacking, but don’t confuse it with older techniques like mudjacking—more on that in a bit.)
Here’s how it works:
- Tiny holes are drilled into your sunken concrete.
- A lightweight polyurethane foam is injected underneath.
- That foam expands, filling voids and lifting the slab.
- In just minutes, the foam cures, and your driveway is ready to use the same day.
Yep, that fast. No demolition. No hauling off debris. No muddy mess.
The Case for Driveway Replacement
Now, there are times when lifting just won’t cut it.
You might need a driveway replacement if:
- The concrete is crumbling or severely cracked.
- You’ve got extensive surface damage—like pitting, flaking, or spalling.
- The slab was poured poorly and is too thin to be salvaged.
In those cases, ripping it out and starting fresh might be the best call. But just remember: replacement takes more time, more money, and more mess. You’ll be without a driveway for several days, sometimes even weeks.
Mudjacking vs. Polyjacking: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear the air on these two leveling options.
| Mudjacking | Polyjacking (What APS Uses) |
| Heavy cement slurry | Lightweight polyurethane foam |
| Larger drill holes | Smaller drill holes (size of a penny) |
| Can shrink or wash out | Waterproof and won’t shrink |
| Longer cure time | Ready to drive on in minutes |
| Outdated | Modern and long-lasting |
If someone offers you mudjacking today, it’s like someone offering you a VHS tape when you’ve got Netflix.
Cost: Driveway Leveling vs. Driveway Replacement
Let’s talk dollars and cents.
| Service | Average Cost |
| Driveway Leveling (Polyjacking) | $500–$2,500 depending on size & severity |
| Driveway Replacement | $4,000–$10,000 or more |
That’s a big difference—and the best part? Leveling isn’t just cheaper—it’s faster, cleaner, and less disruptive to your life.
How Do You Know Which One You Need?
That’s where APS comes in. Our pros don’t just guess. We inspect, assess, and explain your options—no pressure, no nonsense.
We’ll check:
- How deep the sinking is
- The shape and condition of your slab
- The cause of the problem (because we don’t just fix the symptom—we solve the issue)
If we can save your driveway with leveling, we will. If it needs replacing, we’ll walk you through that too.
Why Homeowners Trust APS for Concrete Repair
We’ve been doing this since 1977. That’s over four decades of solving problems the right way—for the long haul.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Polyjacking Pros – We use proven foam injection methods for fast, permanent results.
- No Mess, No Stress – Minimal disruption, no heavy demo, no long waits.
- Warranty-Backed Work – Our work is covered, so you can rest easy.
- Local Know-How – We understand Alabama’s tough soil and climate, and we design solutions that last in it.
Your driveway deserves more than a quick patch—it deserves a professional fix from folks who treat your home like their own.
Real Talk: When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out
A sunken driveway isn’t just ugly. It’s a tripping hazard, it can damage your car’s suspension, and it’s one of those red flags home inspectors love to find when it’s time to sell.
So whether you’ve got a:
- Tilted driveway
- Spiderweb of driveway cracks
- Dips you can feel when you back out of the garage
It’s time to take action.
The Bottom Line: Leveling vs. Replacement
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Got sinking? Level it.
- Got crumbling? Replace it.
- Not sure? Call APS.
We’ll give you the straight answer. No upsells, no scare tactics. Just honest work from folks who believe in doing the job right.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse.
Driveway leveling can restore your concrete without the cost and hassle of a full replacement. If your concrete’s looking worse for wear, schedule a free inspection with APS today.
