House leveling sounds like a big job…and that’s because it is. But with the right process and the right crew, it’s more straightforward than most people think.
What is House Leveling?
House leveling is the process of lifting a home back to its original position or as close to it as possible. It corrects the natural settling or sinking that happens over time due to soil movement, water intrusion, or structural wear. We don’t aim for perfect level – we aim for structural integrity and long-term stability.
For slab foundations, leveling often involves installing pressed concrete piers or injecting high-density polyurethane foam beneath the slab. For pier and beam homes, leveling means adjusting or replacing supports under the home.
Expert Tip: A house doesn’t need to be perfectly level to be safe and stable. Our goal is to restore balance and stop further movement.
House Leveling from Start to Finish
The team at Leveled Concrete has been working on foundations for years, and we’ll walk you through what actually happens when we level a house. Let’s start at the beginning…
Step #1: Inspection and Diagnosis
Before we do anything, we check everything. We’re looking for signs like:
- Cracks in brick or drywall
- Uneven or bouncy floors
- Doors and windows that stick
We also measure how far the home has shifted from level. We use laser tools and digital levels to get accurate data.
Expert Tip: Most homeowners wait too long to call. If something feels off, it usually is.
Step #2: Soil Conditions and Foundation Type
Not all homes settle the same. Soil type plays a big role. In areas with clay-heavy soil, foundations move more with wet and dry seasons. That movement adds up.
We also look at the foundation itself: slab-on-grade, pier and beam, or something else. Each one gets a different approach.
Step #3: Creating the Repair Plan
We decide how to lift and stabilize the foundation based on:
- How far the house has sunk
- Where the stress points are
- What kind of access we have around the home
For slab foundations, we typically use pressed concrete pilings or polyurethane foam injection. For pier and beam homes, we may rebuild or reinforce existing supports.
Step #4: The Leveling Work
This is where most of the action happens.
For Slab Foundations:
We either drive concrete pilings into stable soil or inject high-density polyurethane foam beneath the slab. Both methods lift and support the structure.
Polyurethane foam works fast and requires less digging. It expands to fill gaps and raise the slab gradually.
Once the foam is injected, we monitor lift in real time. We make adjustments with precision so we don’t over-lift or create new cracks. The foam cures within minutes and forms a durable, water-resistant base under the slab.
Expert Tip: Foam injection is great for tight spaces or when we want minimal mess.
For Pier and Beam:
We access the crawl space, jack up the house where needed, then reinforce or replace the supports underneath. This could include new concrete blocks, pads, or steel shims.
We also check the condition of wood beams, joists, and footings. If there’s rot or termite damage, we replace or reinforce those components as part of the process.
Step #5: Final Checks and Adjustments
Once we’ve lifted the structure, we go back and double-check every measurement. We also look for stress points (places where too much lift could cause new foundation cracks.)
We’re not trying to make the house perfectly level, rather bringing it back to where it’s stable and safe.
Expert Tip: Over-lifting a house can cause more problems. Precision matters more than perfection.
Step #6: Clean-Up and Walkthrough
We patch up injection holes, remove debris, and restore landscaping as best we can. Then we walk through everything with you. What we did, why we did it, and how to watch for future changes.
We’ll also talk about drainage, soil moisture, and plumbing checks if needed.
What to Expect After House Leveling
Some minor cracking or shifting may still happen after a lift. That’s normal as the structure settles into its new position. We always recommend waiting a bit before doing cosmetic repairs inside the home.
Expert Tip: Keep an eye on drainage. Water is the #1 enemy of foundation stability.
Ready for a House Leveling Inspection?
If your home feels off, it’s better to ask questions early. House leveling doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right team, it’s just another job…and we’ve done thousands. We currently offer our concrete repair services in the Greater Houston area. Check out our service areas here.
Contact Leveled Concrete today for a free foundation inspection. We’ll give you honest answers and a clear path forward. No scare tactics. Just solid advice.
Our services include:
- House leveling and foundation repair
- Concrete lifting with polyurethane foam
- Driveway crack repair and surface refinishing
- Sidewalk and patio lifting
- Commercial concrete repair
- Parking lot leveling and restoration