How Concrete Lifting Works

Look around your property. Odds are you see concrete somewhere in and around your home. This durable construction material is used in sidewalks, driveways, garages, patios, pool decks, foundations, and so many other structures. While concrete has a solid reputation, its perceived Herculean strength doesn’t always last forever. It can easily succumb to destructive forces, whether from the climate, the underlying soil, poor construction, or other sources.

It’s important for the concrete in around your home to be properly poured and constructed for it to serve you well over the years. Otherwise, any cracking or unevenness in your sidewalk, driveway, patio, pool deck, garage, or interior slab spells danger for your home and your family.

If you catch these issues in time, they can be repaired by concrete lifting as opposed to completely repouring the concrete. Let’s explore what your concrete lifting options are and what the repairs entail.

Traditional Repair Isn’t Always Better

Just because a certain repair measure has been used for many years doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Traditionally, concrete lifting has been accomplished through a process called mudjacking. This involves drilling holes the size of a soda can into the sinking concrete in order to pump a slurry comprised of mud, cement, and other materials underneath. Once enough material has been pumped under the concrete slab, the pressure was thought to be enough to raise the slab back to its original position and to be level with surrounding slabs.

This process is quite invasive, as heavy equipment is needed and large holes have to be drilled and then filled and smoothed over.  The slurry is a thick and heavy material that can cause the soil underneath to further sink. It also does not entirely fill the void between the soil and the slab. When it is pumped underneath, it forms a cone shape. This material also can take several hours or several days to cure, leaving the area of repair inaccessible until it is fully cured. Mudjacking also is a temporary fix that only lasts five to 10 years at best, meaning the process would have to be repeated in order to maintain a safe and even concrete surface.

Evolution and Innovation Bring Effective Repairs

As repairs and technologies continue to evolve and improve, more options are available for addressing concrete issues. That’s how PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections used for concrete lifting came to be. This repair uses the same basic concept of mudjacking, but on another level. 

Using PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections is far more effective, economical, eco-friendly, less invasive, and can be completed quicker than mudjacking. PolyRenewal™ is lightweight, yet durable and waterproof so that it will not wash out from underneath the slab. Its quick curing time allows for traffic flow to continue just 15 minutes after installation. This versatile and functional repair method can be applied to a variety of projects. It can be used to lift concrete steps, sidewalks, driveways, garages, roads, bridges, and much more! It also is a permanent solution that won’t have to be repeatedly installed like mudjacking.

How to Lift Concrete with PolyRenewal™ Polyurethane Injections

Even before beginning the repair process, it’s important to have your concrete inspected by an expert contractor. The professionals at FSM provide free inspections and repair estimates to homeowners to help identify the cause of the issues and how to best repair them. Once the inspector has determined PolyRenewal™ to be the best fit and you decided to schedule your repairs with our team, the installation crew can get to work. 

Here’s a look at how we install PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections:

• Working off the inspector’s recommendations and calculations, the crew will plot out where holes will be drilled and PolyRenewal™ will be installed.
• Small holes, roughly the size of a penny, are drilled into the concrete.
• Injection ports are placed in these holes.
• The amount of needed foam is calculated, and then special equipment is used to inject polyurethane foam underneath the concrete.
• The material expands to fill the void between the soil and the slab, which allows for the precise lifting of the slab.
• The polyurethane foam cures in approximately 15 minutes, after which the concrete can be used as normal.
• After the slab has been properly lifted and stabilized, the ports are removed, and the drilled holes are cleaned and patched.
• If you choose to further protect your concrete, a special sealant can be applied to any cracks or joints.

Contact the Experts for the Best Results

This process may seem straightforward enough, and it is simple for seasoned professionals to install. That is because of the training, knowledge, and experience these experts have to back them up and enable them to complete an effective repair the first time around. While DIY repairs are admirable for some projects, concrete lifting is not one of them. Attempting a DIY on concrete could do mor harm than good, so it’s important for you to rely on professionals like the team at FSM for your repairs.

If you have cracked, sinking, and unsightly concrete, contact FSM today to schedule a free inspection and repair quote. Our expert team can give you peace of mind by helping you create a safe living environment.

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