Concrete lifting, also known as foam leveling or mud jacking, is the fastest and easiest way for professionals to raise sunken concrete slabs. Unlike replacing the damaged concrete, this method requires only small holes to inject a polyurethane foam mixture underneath the slab that fills and lifts it.
This process is a much greener option than replacement, which entails heavy machinery and energy-hungry materials. It also avoids tearing up existing concrete and sending it to the landfill. For professional help, contact Concrete Lifting Bismarck.
Concrete is a costly material to pour and replace. But if you notice concrete surfaces sinking or uneven, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent further damage and avoid safety hazards. Concrete lifting is a cost-effective, convenient solution to repair sunken concrete slabs.
Uneven surfaces on your driveway, sidewalk, patio or garage floor can create trip and fall hazards for children and seniors. They can also indicate a problem with the structural integrity of your property’s foundation. Uneven concrete surfaces are usually caused by soil erosion and compaction issues, or poor initial installation of the slab. Other causes include improper drainage, tree roots, and water infiltration.
Over time, driveways sag, sidewalks sink and foundations move, causing damage to other structures and creating unsafe conditions. In addition, the surrounding soil can be washed away underneath concrete, resulting in voids that lead to sinking and cracking. Concrete lifting elevates these sunken slabs by injecting material to fill voids, restoring their original position. There are several concrete lifting methods, including mud jacking, polyurethane foam injection and stone slurry grouting. Each has its own advantages and costs, but they all offer a durable, cost-effective alternative to replacement.
Unlike concrete replacement, concrete lifting utilizes the existing slab, minimizing the cost and environmental impact of waste removal and disposal. Additionally, it’s typically 50-70% less expensive than complete replacement.
The cost of concrete lifting varies depending on the method used, size of the voids and access to the site. Mud jacking is often cheaper than polyurethane lifting, but it may not last as long and can be messy and difficult to access. The quality of the existing concrete also influences cost. If your concrete is in bad condition with significant cracks and damage, it will cost more to lift than if the concrete was well-maintained.
Penefil O is an environmentally friendly, high-density, geo-polymer injection system that can raise your concrete slabs quickly and affordably. Rather than drilling holes, professionals insert Penefil O’s fast-expanding hydrophobic foam into a small hole in the slab. The expanding foam fills voids, stabilizes soft soil and raises the concrete. This durable, environmentally-friendly method of concrete lifting is suitable for all types of concrete surfaces, including residential and commercial driveways and sidewalks, industrial floors and warehouse floors, and pool surrounds.
Minimal Disruption
Uneven concrete is not only a tripping hazard and liability issue, but it can also cause water to pool and damage foundations. Concrete lifting offers a practical, cost-effective, and durable repair solution for sunken or uneven sidewalks, driveways, patios, garage floors, pool decks, and commercial slabs.
The modern concrete lifting technique involves drilling a series of small holes under the affected area and injecting a specialized polyurethane foam. The foam expands, fills voids, and raises the concrete to its original level, stabilizing it and preventing future sinking. Unlike the older, more time-consuming method known as mud jacking, this process uses a lightweight material that eliminates the need for heavy machinery and causes minimal disruption to landscaping and surrounding structures.
This minimally invasive process allows homeowners to resume use of their outdoor spaces quickly. It also reduces the need for costly disposal of damaged materials and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional concrete replacement methods.
Professional concrete lifting contractors have the experience and tools necessary to properly assess and complete the repair project safely and efficiently. They can also identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the concrete damage and recommend a suitable course of action.
Unlike concrete replacement, the concrete lifting method addresses the root cause of the problem, preventing further settling. This makes it a smart choice for long-term solutions that can last a lifetime, or even longer.
When you consider that replacing damaged concrete can take up to a week, require the removal and disposal of existing materials, and leave behind unsightly holes, it’s clear that concrete lifting is the superior option. Besides being a fast and efficient process, concrete lifting is also environmentally friendly and highly durable. It’s the smart choice for any property owner looking to save money and improve their home’s safety, curb appeal, and value.
Environmentally Friendly
Concrete lifting (also known as slab jacking, foam lifting and polyjacking) uses a specialized polyurethane foam to raise and level sunken concrete surfaces. This method is a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional concrete replacement, as it eliminates the need for demolition and reduces the waste generated by pouring new concrete. It is also much faster, less invasive and more cost-effective than conventional methods.
The environmentally friendly nature of this method makes it an excellent choice for commercial and industrial properties that require quick repairs to damaged concrete slabs. Uneven concrete can create tripping hazards in sidewalks, driveways and patios, leading to injuries or property damage. By addressing uneven concrete promptly with this practical solution, businesses can ensure the safety of employees and customers.
Mudjacking and other traditional repair methods involve the removal and disposal of existing concrete, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Concrete lifting, on the other hand, uses an existing slab to lift and level it, which reduces costs, labor and resources. It is also a more sustainable option, as it reduces the demand for new concrete and promotes a greener construction industry.
Unlike mudjacking, which uses a mixture of mud, cement and water, concrete lifting uses a lightweight, eco-friendly polyurethane foam that is less prone to shifting over time. This means that it is safe for the environment, preventing damage to the surrounding soil and groundwater. The foam is also non-toxic and inert once it has cured, making it a safe and responsible alternative to traditional repair materials that may contain harmful chemicals or additives.
The concrete lifting process is highly efficient, with most projects being completed in a single day. This allows the surface to be re-used immediately after the repairs are completed, reducing downtime and disruption to businesses and homeowners alike. In addition, it is a long-lasting solution, providing permanent support for concrete surfaces. However, as with any concrete repair or maintenance work, it is important to regularly inspect the surface to check for new cracks or signs of unevenness. Taking steps to prevent further damage, such as ensuring that gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the affected area and sealing the concrete surface, will help to preserve the lifespan of your concrete for an even longer time.
Long-Lasting
When it comes to repairs, one of the most important considerations is whether the solution will last. You don’t want to spend time and money on a repair only to have it fail a short time later. Concrete lifting is a long-lasting and effective solution for elevating sunken concrete surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, patios, and more.
Uneven concrete doesn’t just look bad, it poses a safety hazard. Tripping on uneven concrete can lead to injuries and potential liabilities for businesses and homeowners. Additionally, sinking concrete can interfere with drainage and cause water to pool around foundations or other critical areas. Fortunately, concrete lifting can help solve these problems by leveling the surface and preventing further damage.
To level concrete, contractors drill holes into the slab and inject a filler material underneath it. This material, also known as mud or slurry grout, takes up space under the slab, lifting it-or “jacking” it-to a higher position. Mud jacking is an older method that uses a mixture of cement, sand, limestone, and water to lift the slab. However, this method isn’t as durable or precise as polyurethane foam injection.
The modern concrete lifting process is called polyjacking and uses a lightweight, expanding polyurethane foam to raise the concrete. It’s more cost-effective than mud jacking and doesn’t require the removal and replacement of existing concrete. Using polyurethane foam instead of a cement-based product also makes it more environmentally friendly. In addition, polyurethane foam is resistant to weathering, water, and even underground rodents, making it a more resilient option for supporting sunken concrete.
To get started, concrete lifting professionals will drill 1” holes into the surface of the slab and insert a color-matched polyurethane mixture through those holes. This foam expands, filling any void spaces under the slab and lifting it to its desired height. Then, the access holes are filled with a color-matched non-shrink grout. Unlike traditional methods of raising concrete, polylifting requires minimal disruption and can be completed in just a few hours. This fast, durable technique is ideal for repairing driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, and more.