Concrete issues are common in Austin and Central Texas, thanks to our clay-heavy soils, fluctuating weather, and rapid urban growth. Whether it’s a sunken driveway, cracked walkway, or uneven patio, leveling is often the most cost-effective fix. But not all leveling methods are created equal.
If you’re wondering whether foam concrete leveling is the right solution for your property, you’re not alone. At Apex Concrete Repair, we specialize in advanced foam injection techniques using HMI’s eco-friendly foam, and we’ve seen firsthand why this approach is often the best choice for Texas homes.
Understanding Foam Concrete Leveling
Foam concrete leveling, also known as polyurethane foam injection or polyjacking, involves injecting expanding foam beneath sunken or uneven concrete. As the foam expands, it fills voids, lifts the slab, and stabilizes the underlying soil.
Unlike traditional mudjacking (which uses a heavier cement slurry), foam leveling is lighter, faster, and less invasive, making it ideal for many residential and light commercial projects.
At Apex, we take it a step further with HMI foam, a high-performance, eco-friendly material designed to work with Texas soil conditions. This closed-cell polyurethane foam doesn’t wash out, break down, or leach chemicals into the ground.
Foam vs. Traditional Leveling: Key Differences
| Feature | Foam Injection | Mudjacking | Self-Leveling Concrete |
| Material | Lightweight polyurethane foam | Cement-based slurry | Liquid cementitious mix |
| Cure Time | 15–30 minutes | Several hours to a day | Several hours to a day |
| Invasiveness | Minimal (small holes) | Moderate (larger holes) | Surface application only |
| Load on Soil | Low | High (can worsen sinking) | N/A (not for lifting) |
| Ideal Use | Slab lifting + stabilization | Slab lifting only | Surface smoothing only |
When Foam Concrete Leveling Is the Right Choice
1. You Live in Austin (or Nearby)
Austin’s notorious expansive clay soils swell with rain and shrink during drought, causing slabs to sink and shift unpredictably. Foam leveling is ideal here because:
- It doesn’t add heavy weight to already unstable soil
- It fills voids and stabilizes weak subgrades
- It works well even in hard-to-access areas like sidewalks, pool decks, or narrow driveways
Plus, Apex’s team has decades of local experience, meaning we know how to work with the unique geology and building codes across Austin and Central Texas.
2. You Need a Fast, Non-Intrusive Fix
With cure times as fast as 15 minutes, foam leveling is a top choice for homeowners and businesses who want minimal downtime. There’s no need to wait days for the area to dry, many customers are back on their driveway the same day.
3. You Want Long-Term Results, Not Just a Quick Patch
Unlike traditional mudjacking, which may sink again due to its weight, foam is ultra-light and won’t contribute to future settling. HMI foam also:
- Won’t degrade or wash away with rain
- Is closed-cell (meaning it won’t absorb water)
- Offers long-term durability in freeze-thaw conditions
4. You’re Concerned About the Environment
Apex uses HMI foam, which is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. It’s safe for use around lawns, plants, and homes and does not leach chemicals into the ground, making it a smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
5. Your Concrete Needs Support Below the Surface
Sometimes, concrete slabs aren’t just uneven, they’re floating over air pockets created by soil erosion or poor compaction. Foam fills those gaps completely, stabilizing the base and preventing future issues.
This is especially important in areas around Austin where flash flooding and poor drainage are common culprits of erosion.
When Another Method Might Be Better
While foam leveling is highly versatile, there are a few scenarios where other methods may be more appropriate:
- Cosmetic surface repair only (such as smoothing new floors): Self-leveling concrete is ideal here.
- Extremely large voids under commercial structures: May require engineering-based solutions.
- Extensive surface damage: If your slab is already crumbling or deteriorated beyond repair, replacement may be more cost-effective than lifting.
Why Choose Apex Concrete Repair for Foam Leveling in Austin
We’ve been family-owned since the ’90s, and we’ve built our business on doing things right the first time. Our approach combines:
- Deep soil expertise rooted in Texas geography
- Eco-conscious solutions like HMI foam
- Fast turnaround times
- Full-service project management, including permitting, inspections, and honest pricing
Whether you need a quick driveway fix or a full-scale patio lift, we’ll evaluate your situation honestly and recommend the right approach for your needs.
See Foam Leveling in Action
Watch this quick video to see how foam concrete leveling works in real time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm8V5uAF3Wg
Is Foam Leveling Right for Your Project?
Still unsure? Reach out to Apex Concrete Repair for a free consultation. Our local team will assess your site and walk you through the best concrete leveling consultation.
