Concrete Lifting & Leveling Services in IL
PolyLift: The Advanced Alternative to Mudjacking
The days of living with sunken concrete or spending a fortune on replacement are gone! PolyLift is a concrete lifting technique which uses high-density polymer to lift, level and stabilize settled concrete slabs. The process is a quick, easy and cost-effective alternative to concrete replacement and has many advantages compared to other concrete repair methods, such as mudjacking. Learn why our state-of-the-art concrete lifting foam is the right solution for your sunken concrete.
Why Lift Concrete with Polyurethane?
- Cost 50%-75% less than replacement
- Fast and clean process
- Long lasting repair compared to mudjacking
- Eco-friendly material
The FAST, CLEAN, AFFORDABLE, PERMANENT solution!
Repairing sunken and settled driveway, patios and walkways in IL
Nothing last forever and that includes concrete. This is especially true in Illinois where we experience extreme seasonal cycles which causes the ground to shift. This can lead to concrete sinking and cracking overtime. Also, concrete built over poorly compacted stone and soil, especially around your home, is susceptible to settling over time especially as water penetrates below through cracks, joints, and open sides, and erodes the base material.
Over time sunken slabs such as driveways, patios, and walkways if not repaired can:
- Become dangerous trip hazards
- Divert water towards your home causing other larger problems
- Create ugly eye sores that reduce curb appear and property value
Concrete Hero uses advanced technology to lift and level concrete!
How We Lift Sunken Concrete The Right Way
In the past, mudjacking was the only method available for homeowners looking to lift and level their sunken concrete. Mudjacking, which works by pumping a cement and sand slurry below a slab to lift it back up. Mudjacking has been a popular method in the past however it was never regarded as a long-term solution since the slurry material tends to break down over time and the heavy weight of the material can cause the slab to re-settle again. It also required drilling large 1″-2″ holes into the concrete which didnt look too great and weakened the slab. To solve these issues polyurethane foam is now the preferred materiel to be used when lifting and stabilizing concrete.
Using Polyurethane Foam to Lift and Level Concrete
Our PolyLifting system is an extremely effective method used for extending the life of concrete. The process is similar to mudjacking but the results are longer lasting and less invasive. The system works by injecting high-density polymer below a sunken concrete slab, causing it to raise to its intended position while also stabilizing loose soil. The polymer is light weight and extremely strong which makes it a longer-lasting repair option when compared to traditional mudjacking.
Our state-of-the-art PolyLift system is the industry’s preferred method for effectively raising and leveling sunken concrete. Once completed, the life of the concrete has been extended and can be put back to use immediately. PolyLifting is the quickest, cleanest and longest lasting method for repairing sunken concrete.
In fact the IL dept of transportation includes slab jacking with polyurethane in their pavement repair guidelines.
Advantages to Raising Concrete with Polyurethane
Long-Lasting
The polyurethane material will not shrink, breakdown or wash-away like cement or mud-based materials can overtime.
Light Weight
Expanding polyurethane foam can uphold significant loads without adding unnecessary weight to already unstable soil conditions.
Waterproof
Expanding polyurethane foam is waterproof whereas traditional mudjacking material is not. This prevents future erosion and reduces the chance future settling.
Fast Proccess
A typical job only takes 1-3 hours to complete and the polyurethane foam is cured in only 15 minutes. Allowing for a quick return to service.
Unoticable Injection Holes
Since Polyurethane begin as a liquid, much smaller holes are needed (penny-sized) compared to mudjacking (golf ball sized)
Environmentally Safe
Polyurethane foam is non-toxic and creates a barrier to moisture, chemicals, insects, rodents and erosion without releasing harmful chemicals into your soil.
The PolyLift Concrete Repair Process
Our state-of-the-art concrete raising process is the most advanced and effective way to raise and level concrete. It can be done quickly (usually a few hours) with minimal disruption to surrounding area and concrete can be used minutes after we leave.
It begins with our trained professional estimator visiting the site, evaluating the possible cause for the settlement, taking measurements and then generating a detailed estimate. This can be done without needing to be home unless it’s an interior slab.
Step 1: Drill
Once our crew arrives, small 5/8” dime size holes are strategically drilled into your sunken slab. Since the holes are so small, they are hardly noticed after completion and there is less chance of the slab cracking.
Step 2: Pump
The technician now carefully injects a two part liquid polymer into each hole. The liquid turns into expanding foam once mixed below the slab, quickly filling open voids, stabilizing weak soil and lifting the slab.
Step 3: Patch
Once all the concrete slabs have been fully leveled and stabilized, the technician fills each small hole with grout to ensure a long-lasting tight seal. Your concrete is now restored and the repair is hardly noticeable!
Step 4: Enjoy!
As soon as our crew is done cleaning-up and leaves you are ready to begin walking and driving on your raised and leveled concrete again. The polymer cures in 15 minutes!
Additional Concrete Services:
Comparing Sunken Concrete Solutions
PolyLift | Mudjacking | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|---|
Long Lasting | |||
Economical | |||
One day process | |||
No Disruption to Landscape | |||
Cosmetically Appealing |
Common PolyLift Concrete Leveling Questions
What is the average cost to lift my concrete with polyurethane?
Raising concrete is an extremely affordable option when compared to replacement. Since every job is unique in terms of the amount of material needed and the size of the area being raised, giving an average cost is difficult. In general, raising concrete with polyurethane is typically 50%-80% less than replacement. The size of the area and the amount it has sunk are the biggest factors that determine the price. You can learn more about this by reading our average cost page.
Polyurethane foam vs mudjacking – which is better?
Both methods will certainly lift and level your concrete however there are many advantages to using polyurethane over mudjacking. Below are the main advantages and benefits to using polyurethane over mudjacking:
Longevity: Since polyurethane is extremely lighter than mudjacking material the chance of re-settling is greatly reduced.
Appearance: Polyurethane requires much smaller injection holes, making the work much less noticeable than mudjacking.
Process: A much cleaner process and the area is usable 15 minutes after installation vs 24 hours with mudjacking
Contractors who argue that mudjacking is the best method are either misinformed or are just reluctant to update their equipment and process. You can learn more about in greater detail by checking out are polyurethane vs mudjacking page.
How long will polyurethane last after the concrete is lifted?
This is a very common and important question. Our polyurethane since it’s a synthetic material, will not change shape or breakdown like other materials such as sand or cement. However, the ground can and will move overtime depending on soil conditions, especially with the frost cycles we experience here in the Midwest. Also, water intrusion from poor drainage can erode the soil, which can cause re-settling. Lastly, a long dry spell over the summer can cause the ground the shrink, which can impact your concrete. So typically if there is any re-settling it’s most likely due to soil conditions, poor drainage or extreme weather all of which would also affect new concrete.
What can be done to prevent my concrete from sinking?
The key to preventing concrete from sinking is by filling voids and keeping water away. Open voids below your concrete should be stabilized with polyurethane foam. All open gaps such as cracks and expansion joints should be caulked to stop water from getting below the slab and eroding the base. Also, all water should be directed away from your concrete such as downspout. The sides of your concrete should also be properly graded so that the base cant wash away.
Checkout Some of Our Past Concrete Rescues
Raising vs. Replacing Your Concrete
Concrete Hero started offering concrete raising services because we knew there was a better way to repair concrete slabs that have settled due to a failed base. Before this, many of our customers were spending money replacing structurally sound concrete that just needed to be raised and we wanted to offer a faster and affordable option. After years of research, we discovered polyurethane injection (PolyLift) to be most effective alternative to replacement. Below are the reasons why concrete raising may be a better choice for repairing sunken concrete.
- Very Affordable: Raising concrete is normally around 50% to 70% less than having it replaced!
- Quick: Our raising process can be completed in 30-60minutes compared to days with replacement.
- Less Hassle: No need for permits, inspections, landscape restoration and all the noise, dust and other things that are part of the concrete construction.
- Green: If are trying to do your part to minimize your environmental footprint, then raising your concrete rather than replacing it is one way to do it.
Of course, not all concrete can be raised. Raising may not be a viable options when there is a large amount of cracking and/or surface wear. Set-up a free estimate and evaluation to learn which option is best for you!
