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The Comprehensive Guide to concrete lifting

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Common concrete problems like settled sidewalk slabs, uneven front steps, and irregular driveway panels pose risks to health and property because they can cause trip hazards and drainage issues.

Fortunately, concrete lifting offers a solution that restores high-traffic surfaces without a complete concrete replacement.

In this article, let's find out what concrete lifting is and how it works.

What Is Concrete Lifting?

Concrete lifting, also known as “ concrete lifting,” involves injecting material beneath a sunken or settled concrete slab to raise it.

Spray foam is often used to lift uneven concrete as it fills the empty spaces beneath it. This technique is perfect for leveling driveways, repairing sidewalks, and restoring recreational concrete slabs, providing an effective solution for settlement issues.

Professional concrete lifting services help you avoid concrete replacement while enhancing the appearance and safety of your property.

Why Does Concrete Sink? Understanding the Causes of Settlement

Wondering why your once-even concrete is cracked and uneven? It's often due to settlement, when the ground underneath your concrete no longer supports it.

Here are some of the main reasons why this happens:

  • Soil Compaction. Think of it like this: The soil gets squished over time, especially if it's not very dense. This can happen from heavy traffic or the weight of the concrete itself.
  • Erosion. Rainwater can be a sneaky culprit! It can wash away the soil from under the concrete, leaving it without proper support.
  • Soil Shrinkage. In areas with clay soil, like the Southern United States, you'll see the soil expand when it's wet and shrink when it's dry. This constant movement can crack and cause the concrete to sink.
  • Tree Roots. While trees are great, their roots can sometimes grow under concrete and cause it to lift or crack. Then, the concrete can settle when the roots shift or die.

Understanding these causes is the first step to finding the right solution. Do you see these signs of settlement? Don't worry – concrete lifting with foam can often fix the problem!

How Does Concrete Lifting Work?

Skilled concrete technicians create channels in the concrete and use specialized equipment to lift and level the existing concrete slab. Once they reach the desired height, the concrete’s surface undergoes refinishing, including crack-filling, to restore its visual appeal without needing new concrete.

Despite the straightforward process of concrete lifting, it requires expertise and the right tools to address safety hazards.

The three main steps that concrete technicians take for successful concrete lifting include:

  • Step 1: Drilling holes in affected concrete slabs.
  • Step 2: Pumping compounds through the drill holes to fill voids and create backpressure.
  • Step 3: Patching drill holes once the concrete is in position.

Be sure to check out this video to see how our concrete lifting process works:

Types of Concrete Lifting

Professional concrete repair services use various techniques when lifting concrete. Depending on the application, these procedures use different materials and create varying drill-hole sizes. Discover the most popular concrete lifting methods used by concrete technicians below.

Polyurethane Foam Concrete Lifting

The polyurethane foam concrete lifting method proves efficient and effective.

Here's our general process:

  • Drill & Inject Foam. Concrete technicians begin the process by piercing the existing concrete with drill holes of about ⅝” in diameter.
  • Foam Expands & Lifts the Concrete. Then, they inject high-density liquid foam beneath the slab, which expands to fill voids and exerts pressure to raise the uneven concrete.
  • Foam Seals & Cures. Once the foam has hardened, technicians will seal the drill holes to complete the repair. The polyurethane foam requires only an hour of curing time, making the concrete accessible soon after the repair.

This concrete lifting process is best suited for minor lifts because the materials are expensive. It is also ideal for decorative features. Homeowners should consider those factors when deciding whether to use polyurethane foam leveling for settling concrete.

Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Lifting

Stone slurry grout leveling is a method that utilizes natural materials to raise sunken concrete slabs to their original position.

  • Pump Slurry Under The Slab. Technicians will pierce the uneven slabs and gradually pump a stone slurry underneath. This compound material fills the void below the slab and evenly applies pressure to lift it.
  • Gradual, Controlled Lift. The slow pumping process ensures precise management, enabling gradual, controlled lifting of the concrete back to an even position. This technique requires drilling holes approximately 1” in diameter, which are filled with a compound consisting of pulverized limestone, water, and sometimes Portland cement (a fine gray powder used in concrete).
  • Curing Time. Once the technician finishes lifting concrete, residents may walk on it. For vehicles, homeowners should wait 24 hours for proper curing. Stone slurry grout leveling offers enough versatility for interior or exterior use and proves cost-effective for larger projects.

This type of concrete lifting work is ideal for locations that require gradual, precise elevation adjustments, such as pool surroundings or A/C unit pads. It also meets high-strength demands in areas that have weight-bearing posts or experience heavy vehicle traffic.

Mudjacking

Most homeowners see “mudjacking” and “concrete lifting” as synonymous, but mudjacking represents one effective method among several.

Mudjacking includes drilling holes approximately 2” in diameter, which are filled with sand, mud, water, and Portland cement.

Concrete technicians use this mixture to lift the affected concrete, pumping it through the slabs’ drill holes at high speed and pressure. This process causes the concrete slab to level out before sealing the holes.

Mudjacking is suitable for situations where budget is the primary concern or no other concrete raising options are available. Some experts also recommend using it when the area requiring concrete lifting sits more than 200-300 feet from the road or driveway.

How Long Does concrete lifting Last?

Generally speaking, concrete lifting lasts five to 20 years. That said, a more precise answer depends on several key factors.

Here are four factors that can determine the longevity of your concrete lifting project:

Facter #1: Material Used to Life Your Concrete

  • Polyurethane Foam. Concrete foam lifting often offers the longest-lasting results. Lifting your concrete with foam can last 20-50 years (or the life of the concrete slab). Polyurethane foam is durable, resists water erosion, and provides stable support.
  • Mudjacking (Slurry Grout). While effective, mud jacking may have a shorter lifespan, typically ranging from 5-10 years. The materials used (a mixture of soil, cement, and water) can be more susceptible to erosion and further settling.

Factor #2: Soil Conditions

The stability of the soil beneath your concrete is a significant factor.

  • Expansive Clay Soils. Soils that expand and contract with moisture changes can stress the lifted concrete. This tension can reduce its lifespan.
  • Poor Drainage. Inadequate drainage can lead to erosion and weaken the soil support.

Factor #3: Weight Load and Traffic

Think about it: a concrete surface that gets pounded all day long doesn't last as long as a rarely used one. High-traffic concrete that experiences heavy weight loads and traffic needs special attention.

What is considered a high-traffic area? Here are several:

  • Driveways: These are especially used by heavy vehicles like RVs or trucks.
  • Parking Lots: Areas within parking lots with constant car and truck traffic.
  • Commercial Walkways: Sidewalks and walkways in front of stores, restaurants, or office buildings.
  • Industrial Floors: Factory floors or loading docks where heavy machinery operates.

Factor #4: The Quality of Concrete Lifting Job

Proper installation is crucial for any concrete lifting method. A skilled and experienced technician can ensure the lifting is done correctly, maximizing its lifespan.

You're welcome to visit our concrete lifting service page to learn how we go the extra mile to ensure your project is done right.

Reasons to Use Polyurethane Concrete Lifting

Polyurethane concrete lifting is excellent for repairing sidewalks, walkways, patios, driveways, pool decks, stairs, garage floors, and other outdoor surfaces. See why professional concrete service companies recommend polyurethane foam.

Rapid Results in Just One Hour

Concrete lifting with polyurethane foam is fast and efficient.

For instance, concrete technicians can restore sidewalks in less than 30 minutes with polyurethane foam injections. This concrete lifting method is efficient and ensures the concrete surfaces are ready for use within an hour of application. It saves more time than traditional methods, like mudjacking or concrete pouring.

A Lasting Fix for Sunken Concrete

Polyurethane concrete lifting addresses the loose soil issues, providing a long-term solution to sunken concrete.

This concrete lifting style stabilizes the soil, levels the concrete slabs, and eliminates any tree root problems. Concrete surfaces will stay level and stable for years.

Minimal Disruption, Maximum Results

Polyjacking requires tiny, strategically placed holes for foam injection, minimizing damage to the concrete.

Since concrete technicians do not use heavy equipment or noisy machinery, polyurethane lifting offers a less disruptive solution than traditional methods. It also allows residents to maintain daily routines while restoring the concrete surfaces.

Lightweight Foam, Heavy-Duty Results

The polyurethane foam used in concrete lifting is lightweight and incredibly strong, providing stable support without adding excess weight to the slabs.

Unlike the traditional concrete lifting methods, which might worsen sinkage due to the extra weight of the materials, polyjacking ensures lasting stability without risking further damage.

Effective Erosion Protection

Polyurethane foam's waterproof, inert composition makes it ideal for preventing soil erosion under concrete surfaces.

Polylift will safeguard the soil against washout by sealing the bedrock and increasing its water resistance. This lifting method ensures long-term stability and integrity of concrete structures.

Signs That Concrete Lifting Is Needed

Various signs tell homeowners to level specific areas of their concrete. A quick concrete lifting project will prevent trip hazards and save homeowners from the hassle of concrete replacement. Property owners should seek professional lifting services if they notice any indications of uneven concrete.

Cracks as Warning Signs

Concrete cracks are unmistakable indications that the slabs may require lifting. They often signal underlying issues such as settlement, chemical reaction, corrosion, or poor construction. These cases require prompt concrete lifting to restore stability and prevent further damage to the property.

Addressing Uneven Surfaces

Uneven concrete is a common issue homeowners encounter when one end of a slab settles while the other remains in place. This imbalance affects the appearance and structural integrity. Concrete lifting offers a solution to realign and level surfaces, restoring functionality and visual appeal.

Managing Displaced Concrete Edges

Noticeable shifts in concrete edges suggest underlying movement, which might lead to various problems over time. Whether the displacement is vertical or horizontal, homeowners should address it to prevent further deterioration.

Impact of Foundation Issues

Foundation problems often extend to other concrete surfaces throughout the property. Issues like mud instability or structural shifts can lead to substantial damage. Addressing foundational concerns will preserve the condition of the entire property.

Guarding Against Erosion Damage

Various factors may accelerate erosion beneath concrete, such as excessive rain and flooding, compromising its support and leading to cracks and structural issues.

Regular inspection and timely intervention will mitigate erosion damage, safeguarding the property against costly repairs.

FAQ

Is concrete lifting worth it?

Concrete lifting work is worth it if the homeowner or property uses professional concrete lifting services. It is a cost-effective solution with low material and labor costs. Each type of concrete repair method will enhance the durability of a slab.

Can I walk or drive on concrete after mudjacking?

You can walk on it immediately, but keep vehicles off for 24 hours.

Is foam jacking better than mudjacking?

Foam jacking is better than mudjacking because it uses lightweight materials, requires fewer injections, and has a faster curing time. Polyurethane foam is a long-lasting material, making it the most popular concrete lifting option.

Contact iFOAM Today for Your Free Estimate!

Now that you appreciate how the pros level concrete, you can decide which method is best for you. Avoid personal injuries by leveling your garage floor, driveway, or walkway. Achieve the perfect concrete lifting from the best concrete repair company.

Call iFOAM at (855) 935-4723 to schedule a free consultation today!