Can You Lift Concrete in a Utah Winter? When It Works and When to Wait
Quick answer: Yes, we lift sunken concrete in the winter in Utah, as long as it's above 40°F and the slab is clear of snow and ice. On those days the job works just like it does in summer: we drill a few small holes, inject foam to lift the slab, patch the holes, and you can walk on it right away and drive on it after about 4 hours.
By Drew Hubbard, owner of Utah Concrete Lifting and Repair in Mapleton, UT. Drew is a licensed General Contractor with 20+ years of construction experience. Updated October 2026.
Every fall I hear the same thing: "I'll just deal with it in the spring." Sometimes that's fine. But a sunken sidewalk or driveway panel is often at its worst in winter, and you don't always have to wait for spring to fix it. Here's how winter lifting works and when it makes sense to schedule it.
When can concrete be lifted in the winter?
We lift in the winter when two things are true:
It's above 40°F. When a winter day warms up past 40°F, we can schedule around it.
The slab is clear of snow and ice. We need to see the concrete, drill it, and patch it, so the surface has to be clear.
If a cold snap or a storm rolls in, we simply move your job to the next day that fits.
Why fix sunken concrete before or during winter?
A sunken slab causes more trouble in winter than in summer:
Low spots collect water, and that water can freeze. A panel that's dropped or tilted lets snowmelt pool on it or next to it instead of draining away, which can leave a slick spot right where people walk.
Trip hazards are harder to see. A raised lip between two sidewalk squares is easy to miss under a dusting of snow or in the early dark.
Water keeps getting under the slab. In Utah County, water is almost always what made the concrete sink in the first place. Open cracks, gaps, and joints let snowmelt soak in under the slab all winter. For more on that, see Why Is My Concrete Sinking? Utah County Causes and Fixes.
That's why fall is a great time to lift: you get the slab back where it belongs, and the trip hazard is gone before the snow shows up.
How does winter lifting work?
It's the same process we use all year:
Drill. We drill small 3/8-inch holes in the slab.
Inject and lift. We inject polyurethane foam that fills the voids under the slab and raises it back into place. We use a custom-made 3 lb hydrophobic polyurethane, made locally by Utah Foam Products, so it's made in our area for our area. Because it repels water, it won't wash out.
Patch. We patch the holes with a concrete mix that blends with your slab.
Use it. You can walk on it right away and drive on it after about 4 hours.
There's no waiting days for new concrete to cure, and no torn-up yard or landscaping. The goal is to lift your concrete back to its original position if possible, so it's flush with the surrounding concrete and the trip hazard is gone.
Should I wait until spring?
It depends on what you're dealing with:
Don't wait if it's a trip hazard. If people walk over it every day, like a front walk, a sidewalk, or a business entrance, book it for the next day that's above 40°F with a clear slab.
Don't wait if water is running toward your house or garage. A driveway panel that now slopes the wrong way sends snowmelt where you don't want it.
Spring is fine if it's minor. A small drop on a patio nobody uses until summer can wait.
Either way, a free estimate costs nothing, and you can ask for one any time of year.
What should I do to protect my concrete this winter?
A few simple things help keep water from getting under your slabs:
Extend downspouts so they don't dump next to your driveway, sidewalk, or patio.
Shut off and drain sprinklers that soak the edges of your concrete.
Seal open cracks and joints. We offer crack and joint caulking with a flexible sealant. We also offer concrete densifying, which is how we seal flat concrete surfaces.
Shovel off pooled slush from low spots so it doesn't freeze into ice.
How much does winter lifting cost?
Lifting a typical sidewalk costs $300 to $1,200, depending on its length and other factors. A driveway panel typically costs $300 to $800, depending on its size and how much it needs to be lifted. There's no minimum job charge, and a fuel surcharge can apply for remote jobs. Our Utah concrete lifting cost guide has the details.
Our lifting work comes with a three-year warranty: if a slab we raised settles more than 1/4 inch within three years, we'll lift it again (a fuel fee may apply).
Winter concrete lifting FAQ
Do you lift concrete in the winter?
Yes, when it's above 40°F and the slab is clear of snow and ice.
What happens if it's too cold on my scheduled day?
We move your job to the next day that's above 40°F with a clear slab.
How soon can I use my driveway after a winter lift?
You can walk on it right away and drive on it after about 4 hours, same as in summer.
Will the foam wash out with snowmelt?
No. Our foam is hydrophobic, which means it repels water, so it won't wash out.
Is there a minimum job charge in the winter?
No. There's no minimum job charge any time of year, so a single sidewalk square is worth a call.
More answers are on our concrete lifting FAQ page. If you're deciding whether your slab can be lifted at all, see Should I Lift or Replace My Sunken Concrete?
Get your concrete fixed before the snow flies
If you've got a sunken driveway, sidewalk, patio, or steps anywhere in Utah County, call or text (385) 398-9886 or chat with us for a free estimate. We'll find a day that works, even in the middle of winter.
Drew Hubbard, Utah Concrete Lifting and Repair
1565 West Park Meadows Drive, Mapleton, UT 84664 · (385) 398-9886
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