Foam Concrete Lifting for Driveways, Sidewalks, Basements & More
Foam concrete lifting is a fast, long-lasting way to raise and level sunken concrete without replacement.
Foam concrete lifting (also called polyurethane concrete raising) uses expanding foam to lift settled slabs back into place. It’s commonly used to fix driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, and basement slabs that have sunk due to soil movement, erosion, or freeze-thaw cycles.
For homeowners in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, foam lifting is often the most cost-effective alternative to tearing out and replacing concrete.
What is foam concrete lifting?
Foam concrete lifting is a repair process where high-density polyurethane foam is injected beneath sunken concrete. As the foam expands, it fills empty voids in the soil and gently raises the slab back to a level position.
Unlike mudjacking, polyurethane foam is:
Lightweight
Waterproof
Fast-curing
Resistant to washout
This makes it especially effective in Minnesota’s freeze–thaw climate.
How foam concrete lifting works
Foam concrete lifting follows a simple, controlled process:
Inspection – The settled areas and underlying soil conditions are evaluated.
Small injection holes – Small holes (about 5/8") are drilled into the slab.
Foam injection – Expanding polyurethane foam is injected beneath the concrete.
Lifting & leveling – The foam expands, filling voids and lifting the slab precisely.
Patch & clean up – Holes are sealed and the area is ready for use, often the same day.
Most projects are completed in a few hours with minimal disruption.
Where foam concrete lifting is commonly used
Driveways
Sunken driveway slabs can cause:
Water pooling
Cracking
Trip hazards
Uneven transitions at the garage
Foam lifting restores a smooth, level surface without removing existing concrete.
Sidewalks & walkways
Uneven sidewalks are one of the most common trip hazards around a home. Foam lifting:
Levels slabs quickly
Reduces liability risk
Avoids full sidewalk replacement
This is one of the most requested concrete repairs in the Twin Cities.
Garage floors & basement slabs
Garage and basement floors can settle due to soil compression or poor compaction. Foam concrete lifting can:
Re-level interior slabs
Stabilize the base beneath the concrete
Avoid demolition or long cure times
The foam used is odorless, inert, and safe for indoor applications.
Patios, steps & pool decks
Outdoor concrete is heavily affected by moisture and temperature swings. Foam lifting:
Corrects sinking corners and edges
Preserves decorative concrete
Restores safe walking surfaces
Foam concrete lifting vs concrete replacement
FeatureFoam Concrete LiftingConcrete ReplacementCostTypically 40–70% lessSignificantly higherTimeHoursDays or weeksDisruptionMinimalMajor demolitionCure timeSame-day useMultiple daysExisting concretePreservedRemoved
If the concrete slab is intact but uneven, lifting is usually the better solution.
Why polyurethane foam works better in Minnesota
Benchmark Concrete Raising uses hydro-insensitive polyurethane foam, meaning it does not absorb water or break down over time.
Key advantages:
Won’t wash out in wet soil
Withstands freeze–thaw cycles
Adds minimal weight to the soil
Helps prevent future settling
This makes it ideal for Minnesota soil conditions.
Why choose Benchmark Concrete Raising
Every foam lifting job is tied back to one goal: fix the problem without creating a bigger one.
Homeowners choose BCR because we offer:
Fast, clean concrete lifting
Long-lasting polyurethane foam
Minimal disruption to landscaping
Clear communication and pricing
Service throughout Minneapolis–St. Paul and surrounding suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is foam concrete lifting a permanent solution?
When installed correctly, polyurethane foam lifting provides long-lasting results. The foam is waterproof, durable, and helps stabilize the soil beneath the slab.
Is foam lifting cheaper than replacing concrete?
Yes. Foam concrete lifting typically costs significantly less than replacement because it avoids demolition, hauling, and new concrete installation.
How long does foam concrete lifting take?
Most projects are completed in just a few hours, and the concrete is often ready for use the same day.
Can cracked concrete still be lifted?
Small, non-structural cracks can often be lifted successfully. Concrete that is severely cracked or crumbling may require replacement.
Does Minnesota weather cause concrete to sink?
Yes. Freeze–thaw cycles, soil erosion, and moisture changes are common causes of settling in the Twin Cities area.
Get a free foam concrete lifting estimate
If your concrete is sinking but still intact, foam concrete lifting may be the fastest and most cost-effective fix.
Benchmark Concrete Raising provides professional polyurethane concrete lifting for driveways, sidewalks, patios, garages, and basement floors across the Minneapolis–St. Paul area.
