You know that spot. The one on your front walk that makes the mailman trip and the dog hesitate. Uneven sidewalks are not just an eyesore. They are a safety hazard, and eventually, a liability.
The key question: do you fix it, or tear it out and start fresh? We are APS Foundation Repair, and we have been dealing with this kind of concrete problem since 1977. Let us break it down.
Why Sidewalks Sink, Crack, and Shift
- Poor Soil SupportAlabama's expansive clay swells when wet and shrinks when dry, causing heaving and dropping
- Washouts and ErosionWater sneaks under the slab and washes away the soil, leaving concrete unsupported
- Tree RootsRoots lift slabs from below over time
- Freeze and Thaw CyclesMoisture gets in the cracks, freezes, expands, and damages the slab
- Age and WearEven the best poured concrete can get tired over time
What Is Sidewalk Leveling?
Sidewalk leveling is the process of lifting and stabilizing sunken concrete slabs instead of replacing them. The most advanced approach is polyjacking. Here is how it works at APS:
- We drill a few small holes (about the size of a nickel) in the slab
- We inject high density polyurethane foam underneath
- The foam expands, fills empty spaces, and lifts the slab
- It hardens in minutes, giving you a safe, walkable surface the same day
Polyjacking vs. Older Slurry Methods
| Characteristic | Older Slurry Method | Polyjacking (APS Method) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Heavy cement slurry | Lightweight expanding foam |
| Holes drilled | Larger | Small and unobtrusive |
| Cure time | Hours | Minutes |
| Durability | Can wash out | Waterproof and long lasting |
| Weight on soil | Adds significant weight | Lightweight, does not cause re sinking |
When Is Sidewalk Replacement the Right Choice?
Leveling is not always the best option. We will always be honest with you. You may need a full replacement if:
- The slab is crumbled or flaking apart
- There are deep, multiple cracks running the full length of the sidewalk
- Sections are tilted beyond safe lifting limits
- You want to change the layout or widen the walk
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Average Cost Per Section |
|---|---|
| Sidewalk Leveling (Polyjacking) | $300 to $800 |
| Sidewalk Replacement | $1,000 to $2,500+ |
Leveling is often less than half the cost of replacement. And with polyjacking, you are getting a long term fix, not just a temporary patch.
Why Fix That Sidewalk?
- Safety:Uneven sidewalks create tripping hazards for family, visitors, and delivery drivers. If someone falls on your property, you are liable.
- Curb Appeal:First impressions matter. A cracked, uneven sidewalk sends the wrong message before someone even rings your doorbell.
- environmentally responsible:Reuses existing concrete rather than sending it to a landfill.
- Warranty backed:Our industry standard warranty gives you confidence in the repair.