Ready to raise that sunken concrete without paying a fortune for a replacement?
It’s possible to use a high-density polymer to lift, level, and stabilize your settled concrete slabs. The best part is that it is a quick, easy, and economical choice for your home.
Raising concrete with foam is a permanent solution that can save you money. Especially if you plan on selling your home and would like to instantly improve the look of your concrete. Continue reading for a guide to the complete process.
Why Does Concrete Sink?
Although concrete is a fairly durable material, over time it can shift and sink with the ground beneath it. This is especially true for climates that have extreme season cycles.
Over time, your once pristine and level concrete can sink and crack. This can happen even quicker if the concrete was built over stone or soil that was not properly compacted.
Water is another major culprit. It penetrates through cracks in the surface and slowly erodes into the base material.
You may be avoiding having to repair your concrete for fear of the cost. However, if left unattended, sunken and cracked concrete can become dangerous tripping hazards or it can create other problems with your home when it causes water to pool.
If you are trying to sell your home, old concrete can lower its property value. Ultimately it is an eyesore that reduces your home’s curb appeal.
Best Alternative: Raising Concrete with Foam
When it comes to fixing sunken concrete there are two options. The most obvious is to have the concrete replaced. However, there is a much more cost-effective option that you may not have heard of.
Raising concrete with foam or a polyurethane product is very effective in fixing concrete. It not only extends the life of your concrete but also saves you time and money.
Plus, raising your concrete rather than replacing it will help you reduce your environmental footprint.
Unlike mudjacking, the results of using a PolyLifting system will last much longer. The polymer is lightweight but extremely strong which makes re-settling less likely. Making it an ideal alternative.
It also requires a lot less time. While mudjacking requires 24 hours after installation before it can be used, polyurethane is ready for use just 15 minutes after installation.
How Does It Work?
The polymer foam works by injecting it below the sunken concrete slab. This causes it to rise to its appropriate position. It also helps to stabilize loose soil. Once completed after just a few hours, the concrete can be used again shortly after it cures.
The final results are a smooth and level concrete surface. Only dime-sized holes are used to inject the polymer. So they are barely noticeable.
Step by Step Process
Want to know how it’s done? The entire process is quick and easy. Meaning you won’t have to disrupt your daily life to get it done. Let’s show you how simple it can be.
Visit from Professional Estimator
Before work begins a trained professional estimator will visit your property to take a look at your concrete. He or she will determine what’s causing the settlement. Measurements are also taken so that a cost estimate can be provided.
If it’s a concrete slab located outside, then you won’t even need to be home for the estimate to be done.
Drill Concrete
Once you’ve received the estimate and agree to the procedure, workers will arrive to drill small 5/8″ holes into the sunken slab. This is strategically done so as to avoid cracking and also to make sure the foam is injected in the appropriate places.
Pump It Up
The next step is to begin to inject a polymer liquid into each hole. Once inside the liquid turns into a foam and will expand to fill open voids and holes. This will quickly stabilize weak soil and also lift the sunken slab.
Smooth Patch
When the concrete slabs are fully leveled and stabilized it’s the technician’s turn to fill each small hole with grout. This ensures a tight seal that will last and protect your concrete.
Your Concrete is Cured!
It only takes about 15 minutes for the polymer to cure. That means once the crew finishes packing up and heads out, your concrete is ready for walking, driving, and whatever else!
How Long Will It Last?
The great thing about using a polyurethane foam is that it’s a synthetic material that will not breakdown or change shape. That reduces the likelihood of your concrete sinking at the same rate.
However, just like new concrete, changes in soil conditions can happen due to frost cycles, poor drainage, or erosion. This can cause your concrete to sink over time.
The best way to prevent your concrete from sinking once it’s treated with foam is to keep water away. This can be done by redirecting water using a downspout. You should also grade the sides of your concrete properly so that the base can’t wash away.
Continue to maintain your concrete for longer by filling voids with polyurethane foam. You should also make sure gaps and expansion joints are caulked to stop water from getting beneath the slab.
Ready to Give Your Concrete a Lift?
There are so many benefits to raising concrete with foam rather than replacing it. But not all concrete slabs can be raised. Some are just too damaged and will need to be replaced.
Ready to find out if your concrete can be raised? We offer a lifetime warranty on concrete that is at least 10 years of age. Schedule your free estimate and evaluation of your concrete today!
