Concrete Leveling vs. Foundation Piering: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

 Not all cracks and settling are created equal—especially when it comes to your home. If you've noticed sinking concrete on your driveway, patio, or sidewalk, or you're experiencing doors that stick and walls that crack inside your home, the repair solution may not be the same. Many homeowners confuse concrete leveling with foundation repair, but they’re two very different services—handled by two different companies: PolyMagic for concrete leveling and PierMagic for foundation stabilization and piering. Understanding the difference can save you time, money, and future headaches.

Concrete Leveling by PolyMagic: Surface Repairs for Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios


Concrete leveling—often referred to as polyjacking or polyurethane foam injection—is the solution for sinking or uneven concrete surfaces around your home. These problems are common in Missouri due to our expansive clay soils and constant freeze-thaw cycles. Over time, voids form beneath slabs, causing them to sink, crack, or tilt.

PolyMagic, a trusted Kansas City-area company, specializes in this type of repair. They inject high-density polyurethane foam beneath the affected slab. As the foam expands, it lifts the slab back to its proper position quickly and cleanly. This process is ideal for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and garage floors. It’s minimally invasive, cost-effective, and leaves behind nearly invisible injection points—far cleaner than traditional mudjacking methods.

However, it’s important to note that concrete leveling is only appropriate for non-structural repairs. If your home’s structure is being affected by settling, foam injection alone won’t be enough.

Foundation Piering by PierMagic: Structural Repair for Settling Homes

Foundation piering is a completely different process, used to stabilize and lift a sinking home. Homes throughout Kansas City often face this issue because of the unstable, moisture-sensitive clay soil that dominates the region. As that soil expands and contracts, your home’s foundation can shift, sink, or crack.

That’s where PierMagic comes in. Our expert team uses galvanized steel piers driven deep into stable, undisturbed soil to support and relevel your foundation. Unlike surface-level solutions, piering provides structural stability to the entire home. Once the piers are installed, we can carefully lift and support the foundation—preventing further damage and restoring safety to your structure.

Foundation piering is necessary when you notice major signs of settlement, including sloping floors, diagonal wall cracks, doors and windows that stick, or bowing basement walls. These are not cosmetic issues; they signal movement in your home’s foundation that must be corrected to avoid further structural damage.

As discussed in our educational resources, homes built into the clay-heavy soils of Missouri often suffer due to poor grading, soft backfill, and hydrostatic pressure. Over time, this environment creates the perfect storm for foundational movement and water intrusion, which must be addressed at a structural level—not just patched on the surface.

Which One Is Right for Your Situation?
If your concern is with an uneven patio, sidewalk, or driveway—and your home’s structure isn’t affected—then PolyMagic’s polyurethane concrete leveling is the ideal solution. But if you’re seeing signs of foundation movement inside your home or along its exterior walls, PierMagic’s foundation piering service is the appropriate long-term fix.

The good news? Both companies are local, trusted experts that provide free inspections and honest assessments. Whether you're dealing with surface-level settling or something more serious, you'll have a specialized team on your side to do the job right.