Repair Methods
Concrete Foundation Repair
The short answer
Concrete foundation repair covers fixing a concrete slab or footing that has cracked, settled, or heaved — using crack injection for cracks, mudjacking or polyurethane foam to raise sunken concrete, and piers to stabilize structural settlement. In Austin, the right method depends on whether the concrete moved and why.
| Repair | Typical Austin range |
|---|---|
| Slab leveling (mudjacking / foam) | $600–$2,500 |
“Concrete foundation repair” is several different jobs
People search for concrete foundation repair to mean very different things — from a hairline crack to a sunken garage slab to a whole settling foundation. The methods (and prices) diverge sharply, so the first job is always diagnosis.
The three core methods
- Crack repair (injection). Epoxy or polyurethane fills and seals cracks. Best for non-structural cracks. Details in our crack repair guide.
- Slab leveling (mudjacking / polyurethane foam). For sunken concrete — interior slabs, patios, driveways, walkways. A slurry or expanding foam is injected beneath to raise it. Typically $600–$2,500 for residential flatwork.
- Underpinning (piers). When the foundation itself has settled structurally, slab leveling won’t cut it — you need piers to stabilize and lift.
Choosing right (and avoiding overpay)
The common mistake is using slab leveling on what is actually structural settlement, or piering what only needed foam. A trustworthy contractor — backed by an elevation survey and ideally an engineer — tells you which problem you have. See the full cost guide to set expectations before anyone quotes you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best concrete foundation repair method?
It depends on the problem. Non-structural cracks call for injection; sunken interior slabs or flatwork call for mudjacking or polyurethane foam; structural settlement of the foundation calls for piers. The skill is matching the method to the cause, not applying one product to everything.
Is polyurethane foam better than mudjacking?
Foam is lighter, cures fast, resists washout, and is injected through smaller holes — great for slabs and flatwork. Mudjacking is cheaper and fine for many jobs. Foam usually costs more but is less disruptive and longer-lasting in expansive-soil conditions.
Can you repair a cracked concrete slab permanently?
You can permanently seal a crack and permanently stabilize settlement with piers. But if the underlying soil keeps moving, new cracks can form elsewhere — which is why drainage and moisture control are part of a durable concrete repair.