Why Concrete Raising Is Worth Every Penny
If you’ve ever tripped on a sunken sidewalk slab, noticed a sloping driveway, or seen uneven concrete around your property, you’re not alone. In places like Red Deer, where the changing seasons impact ground stability, concrete settlement is common. The good news? You don’t have to rip everything out and start from scratch. Enter concrete raising, a fast, affordable, and effective way to restore your surfaces—without the mess and expense of full replacement.
Let’s dive into how it works, why homeowners and businesses are turning to it, and most importantly, what to know about the concrete raising cost.
What Is Concrete Raising?
Concrete raising—also known as mudjacking or slabjacking—is the process of lifting sunken concrete back to its original position. This is achieved by injecting a specialized material (often polyurethane foam or a mud-based slurry) underneath the slab, which fills the voids and pushes the slab up evenly.
This technique is ideal for:
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Sidewalks
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Driveways
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Garage floors
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Patios
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Basement floors
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Steps and porches
It’s especially useful in areas like Red Deer, where soil erosion and freeze-thaw cycles lead to gradual sinking and shifting.
Why Concrete Sinks in the First Place
Understanding why your concrete has settled can help you make the right repair decision. In many cases, the soil beneath the slab has compacted or eroded over time, creating air pockets that cause the concrete to drop.
Some common causes include:
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Poor initial compaction during construction
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Water erosion from downspouts or poor drainage
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Repeated freezing and thawing
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Tree root interference
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Heavy vehicle or equipment traffic
The result? Unsightly cracks, tripping hazards, pooling water, and even structural damage over time.
Comparing Concrete Raising to Full Replacement
When facing uneven or sunken concrete, you typically have two options: raise it or replace it.
Concrete Replacement
This involves demolishing the old slab, hauling away debris, preparing the base, pouring new concrete, and waiting days for it to cure. It’s effective but expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive.
Concrete Raising
This non-invasive method can often be done in a single afternoon, with the area ready for use within hours. It’s much more economical—and better for the environment, too.
So, what makes raising such a smart choice? Let’s break it down.
Concrete Raising Cost: What Should You Expect?
Now, the big question: what does concrete raising cost?
The truth is, prices vary depending on a few key factors:
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Size of the Area – Larger slabs will cost more than smaller repairs.
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Severity of the Settlement – Deep or uneven settling may require more material and time.
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Material Used – Polyurethane foam is often more expensive than traditional mudjacking material but offers superior results.
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Accessibility – Areas that are hard to reach may involve additional labor or equipment.
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Location – Regional pricing and demand can impact final costs.
Typical Price Range in Red Deer
In Red Deer, homeowners can generally expect to pay between $5 to $25 per square foot for concrete lifting, depending on the complexity of the job. That’s still significantly less than the $50 to $100 per square foot you might spend for full concrete replacement.
For example, lifting a typical 10x10 foot patio slab could cost around $1,000 to $2,000, compared to $4,000 to $7,000 for full replacement. Not only is that a substantial cost savings, but the work can often be completed in just a few hours.
The Long-Term Value of Raising Concrete
One of the best things about concrete raising is that it offers long-lasting results. Modern materials—particularly polyurethane foam—are lightweight, water-resistant, and durable. Many repairs can last 10–15 years or more with proper care.
Plus, raising your concrete helps avoid future issues like:
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Water pooling near your foundation
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Foundation shifting
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Continued slab cracking
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Safety liabilities from tripping hazards
Considering these benefits, the concrete raising cost becomes more of an investment than an expense.
Signs You Need Concrete Raising
Not sure if you need this service? Here are a few signs that your concrete could benefit from being raised:
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Uneven steps or porches
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Cracks forming in the concrete
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Water draining toward your home
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Visible gaps between slabs
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A noticeable slope in your driveway or floor
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s wise to get a professional assessment. In many cases, early intervention prevents more expensive damage down the road.
Why Choose Local Experts in Red Deer?
Working with a local team that understands Red Deer’s soil and weather patterns makes a big difference. Companies like Red Deer Concrete Lifting bring years of experience, modern equipment, and top-tier materials to every job.
Their process typically involves:
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Inspecting the issue and providing a free estimate
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Drilling small holes in the affected concrete
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Injecting the raising material beneath the slab
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Monitoring the lift until the concrete returns to level
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Sealing the holes and cleaning up the site
It’s fast, clean, and often done the same day.
Final Thoughts: Concrete Raising Is the Clear Choice
Concrete problems don’t have to break the bank—or your back. With concrete raising, you get a fast, reliable, and cost-effective solution that restores your surfaces and extends their lifespan.
The concrete raising cost is a fraction of what you’d pay for full replacement, and the results are impressive. Especially in a climate like Red Deer’s, taking proactive steps to maintain your property pays off.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, don’t wait for cracks to grow. Raise your concrete, raise your curb appeal—and raise your peace of mind.
