What goes wrong with patio slabs?
A back patio is often poured after the house, on soil next to the foundation. That soil settles. The patio drops at the outer edge or right along the house, depending on where the soil moved.
- The patio tilts toward the house, and rain runs to the back door.
- A gap opens between the slab and the house wall.
- Patio cover or ramada posts lean or lift off their base.
- Furniture rocks because the slab is no longer flat.
How does foam lifting fix a patio?
The crew drills small 5/8-inch holes, injects foam under the low areas, and lifts the slab back toward its original slope. The goal is a patio that sheds water away from the house. Then the holes are patched.
If the patio holds up a cover, tell the contractor. The crew checks the posts and the cover as the slab moves.
How do I get ready, and how soon can I use the patio?
- Move furniture, grills and planters off the slab.
- Point sprinklers and drip lines away from the patio edge.
- Fix any leaking hose bibs or irrigation near the slab.
Most patio jobs take about 2 hours. The foam cures in about 15 minutes, and then you can walk on the patio and put the furniture back.
How much does patio leveling cost?
A covered back patio or ramada slab of 150 to 250 square feet usually costs $1,100 to $2,200. That is inside the rate of $6 to $12 per square foot, with a $650 minimum. See the cost guide for worked examples.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fix a patio that slopes toward my house?
Yes. That is one of the most common patio jobs. The crew lifts the low side so the slab slopes away from the house again and water drains toward the yard. After the lift, seal the joint along the house so water cannot get under the slab.
Will lifting the patio affect my patio cover?
It can, so the crew checks first. Some patio covers rest on posts set in the slab. When the slab moves, the posts move with it. Tell the contractor about any cover or ramada, and they will plan the lift and watch the posts as they work.
Can a stamped or colored patio be lifted?
Yes. Foam lifting uses small 5/8-inch holes, so it is much less visible than replacing the slab. The crew patches the holes, and on stamped or colored concrete the patches may look slightly different. Ask the contractor how they will finish the holes on your surface.