Polyurethane Foam Lifting Versus Full Slab Replacement

Which Solution Is Right for You?

At Metro Concrete Lifting, we know how frustrating it can be to stare at cracked, sinking concrete every day — whether it's your driveway at home or the walkway leading to your business. Not only does it make your property look neglected, but it also creates a serious trip hazard for your family, guests, or customers.

If you're dealing with uneven concrete, you're probably wondering:

Should I repair it with polyurethane foam lifting, or tear it out and replace the slab entirely?

Let’s walk through your options so you can make the right choice — without the stress or guesswork.

What’s Causing the Problem?

Concrete settles for a few key reasons:

Soil erosion under the slab
Poor compaction during the original pour
Water intrusion and drainage issues
Freeze/thaw cycles in the Northeast climate

When the ground shifts, the concrete above it sinks — leading to cracks, dips, and uneven surfaces. This can happen around your home’s sidewalks, driveways, patios, basement floors, and garage slabs, or in commercial spaces like parking lots and walkways.

Option 1: Polyurethane Foam Lifting (Concrete Leveling)

Polyurethane foam lifting is a modern, efficient method that raises your existing concrete by injecting high-density foam beneath the surface. As the foam expands, it lifts the slab back to its original height.

Benefits of Polyurethane Foam Lifting

Fast & non-invasive – Most jobs are done in a few hours
No demolition – We work with your existing slab
Small injection holes – Less mess, better aesthetics
Cures in 15 minutes – You can walk or drive on it the same day
Water-resistant foam – Prevents future erosion
Affordable – Costs significantly less than full slab replacement

Foam lifting is ideal for both residential and commercial concrete repairs, especially in high-traffic areas like driveways, walkways, pool decks, loading zones, or storefronts.

Before After

Option 2: Full Concrete Slab Replacement

Full replacement involves tearing out the damaged concrete, removing debris, preparing the base again, and pouring a brand-new slab.

Drawbacks of Replacement

More expensive – Material and labor costs add up quickly
Time-consuming – May take several days to complete
Disruptive – Noise, dust, and downtime
Not always necessary – If your slab is structurally sound, replacement may be overkill

While full replacement is sometimes necessary for severely broken or crumbling slabs, in most cases, polyurethane foam lifting does the job better and faster — with far less hassle.

Which One Is Right for You?

Ask yourself:

Is your concrete mostly intact but uneven?
Are you seeing minor-to-moderate settling or sloping?
Do you want a fast fix that avoids the mess of demolition?
Is the area used often by kids, guests, employees, or customers?

If the answer is yes, polyurethane foam lifting is likely your best option.

Serving New Jersey, Westchester & The Lower Hudson Valley

We’re a local, family-run company, not a franchise — and we take pride in treating every customer like a neighbor. From sidewalks and pool decks to commercial parking lots and warehouse floors, we’ve helped countless property owners restore safety and curb appeal without the cost or chaos of full replacement.

Don’t Wait for Someone to Trip — Let’s Lift It!

If you're tired of looking at uneven concrete or worried someone might fall, we can help. Let’s bring your surfaces back to life — quickly, cleanly, and affordably. Call (845) 445-8255 to schedule and estimate at your home or business.