Sunken or uneven concrete is a common issue for homeowners, business owners, and municipalities across Wisconsin. Whether it’s a sidewalk in Milwaukee, a driveway in Green Bay, or a commercial walkway in Appleton, sinking slabs can create safety hazards, drainage issues, and liability concerns. When this happens, property owners are typically faced with two choices: polyurethane concrete lifting or full concrete replacement.
While replacement has its place, most slabs can be restored to a safe and level position more efficiently and affordably through concrete lifting. Below is a clear comparison to help you choose the best solution for your property.
What Causes Concrete to Sink in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s freeze–thaw cycles, shifting soils, and moisture changes commonly cause voids beneath concrete. Over time, slabs lose support and settle. This often affects:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks and walkways
- Garage floors
- Patios and pool decks
- Municipal and commercial surfaces
Concrete Lifting: A Faster, Cleaner, and More Cost-Effective Solution
Polyurethane concrete lifting restores sunken slabs by injecting expanding foam beneath the surface. As the foam fills voids and stabilizes the soil, it lifts the concrete back into place without demolition or downtime. For most Wisconsin properties, this method delivers the best overall value.
Property owners choose concrete lifting because it is:
- More affordable, often costing 50–75 percent less than replacement
- Fast and convenient, with most projects completed in 1–2 hours
- Ready for use the same day, including driveways and garage slabs
- Long-lasting, as the foam will not wash out, break down, or shrink
This approach solves the problem at its source by addressing unstable soil and provides a precise lift with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Concrete Replacement: When Is It Necessary?
Concrete replacement involves removing the slab, repouring, and allowing it to cure. Although this can be the right approach in cases of severe damage, it requires a larger budget and significantly more downtime.
Replacement is generally best when:
- Concrete is severely cracked or deteriorated
- Multiple pieces are broken or missing
- Structural integrity can’t be restored through lifting
Even then, it’s important to note that replacement does not correct soil conditions beneath the slab. Without proper soil stabilization, newly poured concrete may settle again over time.
Which Option Is Best for Wisconsin Properties?
For most settled slabs in Wisconsin, polyurethane concrete lifting is the preferred long-term solution. It is more cost-effective, less invasive, and better at preventing future settlement. Replacement should be reserved for only the most severely damaged concrete.
Why Wisconsin Property Owners Choose RaiseRite
RaiseRite has helped thousands of residential, commercial, and municipal clients throughout Wisconsin restore safe, level concrete. Our team uses industry-leading polyurethane technology designed for Midwest soil and weather conditions, delivering durable results with minimal interruption.
Request a Concrete Lifting Estimate
If you’re dealing with sunken or uneven concrete on your residential, commercial, or municipal property, RaiseRite can provide a fast, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution. We proudly serve Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Waukesha, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and surrounding Wisconsin communities. Contact us today!
