If your driveway is sinking, cracking, or uneven, you might assume that replacing it is the only solution. However, driveway raising, also known as concrete leveling, is a far more affordable and efficient alternative. Instead of tearing out and repouring concrete, this process lifts and stabilizes your existing driveway, saving you thousands of dollars while delivering the same great results.
At Level Up Concrete Solutions, we specialize in polyurethane foam injection, a fast and long-lasting driveway leveling solution that restores your driveway at a fraction of the cost of replacement.
If you're dealing with an uneven driveway, call 319-321-9242 or visit www.iowalevelup.com today for a free estimate.
The Cost Breakdown: Driveway Replacement vs. Raising
Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how expensive and labor-intensive full driveway replacement can be.
Average Costs of Driveway Repairs and Replacement
Service | Average Cost | Time to Complete | Lifespan |
Driveway Replacement | $4,000 – $10,000 | 1-2 weeks | 20-30 years |
Driveway Raising (Polyurethane Foam) | $500 – $1,500 | A few hours | 10+ years |
By choosing driveway raising, you can save thousands of dollars and extend the life of your existing driveway without the hassle of a full replacement.
Why Driveway Replacement Costs More
There are several reasons why replacing a driveway is significantly more expensive than raising it.
1. Extensive Labor and Equipment Costs
Replacing a driveway is a labor-intensive process that requires:
Demolishing and removing the old concrete
Excavating and preparing the foundation
Pouring new concrete
Curing time before the driveway can be used
This process involves heavy machinery, multiple workers, and several days or even weeks of labor, all of which add to the cost.
With driveway raising, the process is much simpler. Our team drills small holes, injects polyurethane foam, and levels the driveway in just a few hours—with no heavy machinery or prolonged labor.
2. Material Costs Are Higher for Replacement
A full replacement requires new concrete, rebar, gravel, and finishing materials, all of which add up quickly.
Polyurethane foam injection, on the other hand, requires only a small amount of lightweight, expanding foam, making it a much more cost-effective solution.
3. Additional Costs for Landscaping Repairs
Driveway replacement often damages surrounding landscaping, grass, and hardscapes. After the new driveway is installed, you may need to:
Replant grass and flowers
Repair sprinkler systems
Fix any damage to sidewalks or nearby structures
These additional costs can quickly add up, making driveway replacement even more expensive than expected.
Since driveway raising is minimally invasive, your lawn, garden, and property remain untouched—saving you even more money.
4. Long Curing Time Delays Usage
A newly poured concrete driveway needs time to cure, meaning you won’t be able to use it for several days to a week.
With polyurethane foam injection, the foam cures in just minutes, allowing you to use your driveway the same day.
5. Permits and Disposal Fees
Depending on local regulations, replacing a driveway may require permits and disposal fees for the old concrete. These extra costs are completely avoided with driveway raising.
Why Driveway Raising is the Better Choice
1. Saves You Thousands of Dollars
Driveway leveling costs only a fraction of the price of full replacement. In most cases, homeowners pay $500 to $1,500 compared to $4,000 to $10,000 for a new driveway.
2. Extends the Life of Your Existing Concrete
Many driveways sink due to soil erosion, compaction issues, or freeze-thaw cycles—not because the concrete itself is bad. By stabilizing and lifting the existing driveway, you can add 10+ years of life to it.
3. Quick, Non-Invasive Process
Most driveway leveling jobs are completed within a few hours, with no demolition, no mess, and no long wait times.
4. Smaller, Less Noticeable Drill Holes
Unlike mudjacking, which requires large, visible holes, polyurethane foam injection uses tiny ⅜-inch holes that are nearly invisible once sealed.
5. Waterproof and Durable
Unlike the heavy, cement-based slurry used in mudjacking, polyurethane foam is lightweight and waterproof. This means it won’t:
Absorb moisture
Contribute to future sinking
Deteriorate over time
This makes polyurethane foam a long-term solution that won’t require additional repairs.
When is Driveway Replacement Necessary?
While driveway raising is the best solution for most cases, there are a few situations where full replacement may be the only option:
Severely cracked or crumbling concrete
Multiple deep fractures or missing chunks
Poor original installation leading to structural failure
If you’re unsure whether driveway raising or replacement is the best choice for you, Level Up Concrete Solutions offers free inspections to assess the condition of your driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does driveway raising last?
With proper maintenance, polyurethane foam driveway leveling can last 10+ years, making it a long-term and cost-effective solution.
2. How soon can I use my driveway after leveling?
Polyurethane foam hardens within minutes, allowing you to use your driveway immediately after the repair is complete.
3. Is polyurethane foam safe for the environment?
Yes! Polyurethane foam is eco-friendly, waterproof, and prevents soil erosion—making it a sustainable alternative to replacement.
4. How do I know if my driveway needs leveling?
Common signs include:
Uneven or sunken slabs
Cracks or gaps between slabs
Water pooling in certain areas
A rough transition between the driveway and garage
5. How do I get a free estimate?
Simply call 319-321-9242 or visit www.iowalevelup.com to schedule a free driveway inspection today.
Save Money with Driveway Raising – Call Level Up Concrete Solutions Today!
Replacing a driveway is expensive, time-consuming, and often unnecessary. Driveway raising provides a fast, affordable, and long-lasting solution that restores your concrete without the hassle of full replacement.
📞 Call Level Up Concrete Solutions now at 319-321-9242🌐 Visit www.iowalevelup.com for a free estimate
Don’t spend thousands on a new driveway when Level Up Concrete Solutions can raise and restore your existing one for a fraction of the cost!
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