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 are wondering: is it time to fix it, or just rip the whole thing out?
Across Alabama, homeowners are dealing with uneven driveways, cracks, and sunken concrete. But just because your driveway looks rough does not mean you need a full replacement. Sometimes, the smarter and cheaper option is driveway leveling.
What Causes an Uneven or Sunken Driveway?
- Erosion and WashoutWater sneaks under your slab, washes away soil, and leaves a hollow space beneath
- Clay Soil ShiftingAlabama's expansive soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, creating constant movement that stresses the concrete
- Heavy LoadsTrucks, trailers, and boats weigh down the slab unevenly over time
- Poor Original InstallationIf your driveway was not poured correctly to begin with, problems will show up faster
What Is Driveway Leveling and Why It Works
At APS, we use a method called polyjacking. Here is how it works:
- Tiny holes are drilled into your sunken concrete
- Lightweight polyurethane foam is injected underneath
- The foam expands, fills voids, and lifts the slab
- In minutes, the foam cures and your driveway is ready to use the same day
No demolition. No hauling off debris. No muddy mess.
When Does Your Driveway Need Replacement?
There are times when leveling will not cut it. You may need a full replacement if:
- The concrete is crumbling or severely cracked throughout
- You have extensive surface damage like pitting, flaking, or spalling
- The slab was poured too thin to be safely salvaged
In those cases, starting fresh is the right call. But replacement takes more time, more money, and more disruption.
Polyjacking vs. Older Leveling Methods
| Characteristic | Traditional Slurry Method | Polyjacking (APS Method) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Heavy cement slurry | Lightweight polyurethane foam |
| Drill holes | Larger | Small (size of a penny) |
| Durability | Can shrink or wash out | Waterproof, long lasting |
| Ready to use | Long cure time | Ready to drive on in minutes |
Cost: Driveway Leveling vs. Replacement
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway Leveling (Polyjacking) | $500 to $2,500 depending on size and severity |
| Driveway Replacement | $4,000 to $10,000 or more |
Leveling is not just cheaper. It is faster, cleaner, and less disruptive to your daily life.
The Simple Breakdown
- Got sinking?Level it.
- Got crumbling?Replace it.
- Not sure?Call APS.
We will give you the straight answer with no upsells and no scare tactics.