Concrete Lifting vs. Replacement: What’s Best for Tuscaloosa Homeowners?

Have you noticed your front steps sinking or your driveway starting to slope? It’s a common concern in Tuscaloosa, where frequent storms and Alabama’s clay-heavy soil can wreak havoc on outdoor concrete surfaces. The good news is you don’t always have to tear out and replace the slab—concrete lifting might be the better option. But how do you decide?

Let’s take a look at how these two approaches compare and which one makes the most sense for your home.

What Causes Concrete to Sink in Tuscaloosa?

Before diving into your repair options, it helps to understand what’s happening underneath your concrete. In neighborhoods across Tuscaloosa—from The Highlands to Alberta City—homes often sit on expansive clay soil. This type of soil swells when it rains and shrinks during dry spells, causing the ground to shift and settle.

Over time, that movement can lead to cracks, sunken slabs, tripping hazards, and gaps near your foundation. Heavy rainfall, poor drainage, and erosion all make the problem worse. Whether it’s your sidewalk, driveway, or garage floor, these changes are more than cosmetic, they can pose real safety risks.

When Concrete Replacement Makes Sense

There are definitely times when replacing concrete is the right call. If your slab is severely cracked, crumbling, or has been repaired multiple times, replacement may be the only viable long-term fix. You might also consider replacement if:

• The concrete is more than 30-40 years old and has widespread damage
• There’s deep structural failure or rebar corrosion
• You’re planning a major renovation and want a fresh surface

That said, replacement comes with some drawbacks. It’s time-consuming, messy, and often requires full demolition and pouring of a new slab. There’s also the issue of mismatched color and texture. New concrete won’t always blend with what’s already there.

Why OxPoly Concrete Lifting Is a Smarter Solution

For many Tuscaloosa homeowners, OxPoly concrete lifting is a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative. Ox Foundation Solutions uses a specialized process to inject expanding polyurethane foam beneath the slab. As the foam expands, it lifts and stabilizes the concrete, restoring it to an optimal position. This method is ideal for:

• Driveways with minor to moderate settling
• Sidewalks with trip hazards
• Garage floors that are no longer level
• Pool decks or patios with drainage issues

OxPoly foam is lightweight and durable, so it won’t add pressure to unstable soil. Better yet, the process takes just a few hours, and you can use the surface again the same day.

The Benefits of OxPoly for Tuscaloosa Homes

OxPoly concrete lifting offers the following advantages over full replacement:

• Minimal disruption – No jackhammers, no demolition, and no days of waiting for concrete to cure.
• Cost-effective – Lifting typically costs less than replacement, especially for small or medium-sized slabs.
• Long-lasting results – The foam resists moisture and erosion, making it perfect for Tuscaloosa’s climate.
• Cleaner finish – The holes drilled for foam injection are small (about the size of a nickel) and easily patched, keeping the surface neat.

Whether you live near the University of Alabama campus or out toward Lake Tuscaloosa, OxPoly offers a reliable fix that blends in with your existing concrete.

When to Act

Uneven concrete isn’t just an eyesore, it can quickly become a liability. Don’t wait until the damage worsens or someone trips on your front walkway. If you’re starting to notice gaps, slopes, or settling, it’s time to explore your repair options.

Talk to a Local Expert Today

Not sure whether your concrete needs lifting or replacement? Let the team at Ox Foundation Solutions help you make the right call. Our experienced technicians will assess your property and recommend the most effective fix for your home and your budget.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection. Get your concrete back on solid ground quickly, cleanly, and affordably.