Concrete Lifting with Foam: Can It Fix the Real Problem?

When it comes to spray foam concrete lifting, the concept tends to spark a lot of curiosity. It sounds a little like magic—injecting foam beneath a sunken concrete slab and watching it rise back to level in just a few minutes. And in some ways, it is pretty amazing.

But like with many home improvement services, social media isn’t short on questions or concerns. One of the most common comments we see is:

“I get the concept of filling the void to raise the concrete—but do you guys cure the problem that caused the void in the first place?”

It’s a great question—and an important one. Let’s walk through what our foam lifting process actually does, what causes concrete to sink in the first place, and what you can do to prevent it from happening again.

First: How Concrete Lifting with Foam Works

Our process—also known as polyurethane foam jacking—uses high-density foam to lift and level sunken concrete.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. We drill small holes (usually about the size of a nickel) into the affected slab.
2. We inject foam through those holes. As the foam expands, it fills the void beneath the concrete and gently lifts the slab back to its original position.
3. The foam cures quickly—within minutes—and becomes strong enough to support the weight of the concrete and everything on top of it.
4. We patch the holes, and the job is done, often in less than a day.

This method is precise, fast, and far less invasive than tearing out and replacing the concrete entirely.

So… Do We Fix the Root Cause?

Short answer: not directly.

Our job is to fill the void, lift the slab, and get your surface back to normal—whether it’s a sidewalk, driveway, patio, or garage floor. We absolutely inspect and investigate the area to understand why it happened, and we’ll offer advice on how to prevent future settlement.

But we don’t fix drainage systems, install gutters, trap animals, or re-grade soil.

Think of it like going to the dentist to fix a cavity—you’ll walk out with a healthy smile, but they’ll also give you advice on brushing and flossing so you don’t get another one.

Common Causes of Concrete Settlement

Let’s take a deeper look at what might be going on beneath your slab—and why the ground gave way in the first place.

1. Water Erosion

This is probably the most common culprit. Poor drainage, downspouts aimed the wrong way, clogged gutters, or even a high water table can all lead to water washing away the soil under your concrete. Once the support is gone, the slab begins to sink or crack.

✅ What to do: After lifting, make sure water is directed away from the area. Extend downspouts, regrade your yard, or install proper drainage.

2. Poor Compaction

If the soil wasn’t compacted correctly when the concrete was poured—especially common in new builds or after utility work—the ground may settle over time.

✅ What to do: There’s not much you can do retroactively, but once we’ve lifted the slab, it’s unlikely to move again unless new soil issues develop. Foam provides strong, stable support moving forward.

3. Critters

Believe it or not, animals like groundhogs, moles, or rabbits can tunnel under slabs and create cavities. Over time, these empty spaces can collapse, taking the concrete with them.

✅ What to do: If we find signs of animal activity, we’ll let you know—and we’ll recommend contacting a pest control professional to seal off the area or remove the burrowers.

4. Freeze-Thaw Cycles

In colder climates like Indiana, repeated freezing and thawing causes ground to expand and contract. This movement can slowly shift concrete slabs or create gaps underneath.

✅ What to do: Keep your concrete sealed, and monitor nearby soil levels to prevent moisture buildup.

Our Role: Lift, Level, Advise

At Indiana Spray Foam, we pride ourselves on being honest and knowledgeable. Our job is to lift the concrete and restore your surface safely, quickly, and affordably. But we also know that long-term results often depend on identifying and addressing the real cause of the settlement.

That’s why we take the time to walk the site, look for signs of erosion, animal tunnels, drainage issues, or poor compaction—and then we share that information with you. We’re happy to recommend next steps, whether it’s sealing your concrete, redirecting runoff, or calling in another professional.

The Bottom Line

Spray foam concrete lifting is a fantastic solution for sunken concrete—but it’s not a silver bullet for every underlying issue. Still, by pairing our lifting process with a little proactive maintenance on your end, you can avoid repeat problems and keep your surfaces level for years to come.

If you’re seeing cracks, trip hazards, or sinking slabs around your home, don’t wait. The longer the problem sits, the worse it gets. We’re here to help you lift it right—then guide you on how to keep it that way.