Concrete Contractors

Benefits of Concrete Lifting

August 20, 2024 Paige Lawson

Uneven concrete slabs are more than just an eye sore; they can create tripping hazards and cause damage to vehicles and equipment. Luckily, concrete lifting—also known as mudjacking and slab jacking—is an easy, durable repair to sunken or uneven concrete surfaces.

Concrete technicians drill holes and inject material underneath the slabs to fill voids and slowly lift them back into place. Foam jacking and stone slurry grout concrete leveling use lightweight materials that last longer than traditional mudjacking materials. Contact Concrete Lifting Eau Claire for professional assistance.

Concrete lifting, also known as mudjacking or slab jacking, lifts sunken concrete surfaces to eliminate tripping hazards and cosmetic eye sores. Driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks and garage floors can all be repaired at a fraction of the cost of traditional concrete replacement.

The concrete lifting process can be completed in less than an hour and requires minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. This makes concrete lifting an attractive alternative to other concrete repair methods. The price of concrete lifting depends on the quality of the foam used, the amount of lifting needed and other factors. High-quality foam is more durable and can last longer than other materials, so it may cost a bit more.

In contrast to mudjacking, which requires drilling and pouring a thick concrete slurry under the damaged slab, Polyurethane Foam Concrete Lifting uses controlled injections of LEVELift into pencil-size holes beneath the concrete. This material quickly expands to fill any voids under the slab and lifts the surface of the concrete, returning it to its original position. This method requires fewer holes and causes less cosmetic damage to the existing concrete than mudjacking, resulting in a quicker and more cost-effective concrete lifting solution.

Traditional concrete replacement can take days or weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the curing time required for the new concrete. Concrete lifting is a much faster and more cost-effective solution that can be performed in just a few hours. It also saves homeowners money by eliminating the need for demolition and disposal of the old concrete, minimizing labor costs and avoiding cleanup time. In addition, the durable results of concrete lifting can improve your home’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Durable

Unlike the costly tear-out and replacement of concrete slabs, a professional concrete lifting service can restore sunken concrete surfaces in just a few hours. It’s also less invasive and environmentally friendly, leaving your landscaping intact. It can even prevent further damage to your property.

Uneven concrete is more than just unsightly; it can cause serious damage to vehicles, lead to trip hazards, and decrease your property value. Common concrete problems like sunken sidewalk slabs, uneven front steps, and uneven driveway panels can be difficult to fix on your own. But with the help of concrete lifting, you can stabilize your high-traffic concrete surfaces to prevent further damage, reduce trip hazards, and ensure safety and durability.

Concrete Lifting is a concrete repair process that involves raising and leveling the surface of sunken concrete. Concrete specialists conduct a thorough inspection and evaluation of the concrete slab, measuring the extent of the damage and identifying the cause of the sinking. They then choose the best solution for your needs and budget. Two popular concrete lifting techniques are mudjacking and polyurethane foam injection. Mudjacking uses a slurry mixture of water, soil, and cement to fill voids and raise the concrete slab. Polyurethane foam injection, on the other hand, is an eco-friendly and durable concrete repair method that uses a specialized foam to lift the concrete slab.

Both of these methods have their advantages, but mudjacking can take longer and can be less durable than other concrete lifting options. Choosing the right concrete lifting technique is key to getting long-lasting results. The lifespan of your repaired concrete depends on several factors, including the quality of the original concrete and the condition of the underlying soil.

Prevents Soil Erosion

Concrete lifting can prevent the erosion that typically occurs under settling concrete slabs. Erosion can be caused by a number of factors, including soil washout and shifting ground underneath the concrete. When these issues are not addressed, they can damage and weaken the foundation of the concrete structure. This can eventually cause the concrete to sink into the eroded soil and lead to further damage. With regular inspections and concrete lifting services, these issues can be prevented and your concrete structures will last longer.

This method of concrete repair can also help to minimize water damage. Uneven or sunken concrete can disrupt proper drainage, leading to ponding or pooling on the property. This can damage the surrounding landscaping and foundations, as well as promote mold growth and other moisture-related issues. Concrete lifting ensures that water drains away from the affected area properly, preventing further damage and preserving the integrity of your concrete surfaces and landscape.

The concrete lifting process is quick and efficient, reducing the amount of time it takes to fix the problem. The process involves drilling small holes into the concrete, which is then filled with a foam that lifts the slab back to its original position. This method is ideal for raising driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other concrete slabs that can be prone to sinking due to soil erosion and compaction.

Keep in mind that this method is not appropriate for all types of sunken concrete, however. If the misalignment is caused by forces that push UP on the concrete panel, such as tree roots or expansive clay soil, then this technique cannot correct the issue. For this reason, it is important to contact a professional contractor that can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.

Prevents Trip Hazards

Concrete is a durable material, but even the most resilient surface can develop trip hazards over time. Whether your concrete sidewalk, driveway, or patio is uneven due to soil erosion and settlement, or simply from age-related wear and tear, it’s important to repair any damage as soon as you notice it. Uneven concrete poses a safety risk, especially for individuals with vision impairments or those using mobility assistance devices like canes, wheelchairs, or motorized scooters.

Uneven and sunken concrete walkways and steps are unsightly and can detract from your property’s overall curb appeal, leaving a negative impression on visitors or potential buyers. Fortunately, concrete lifting can restore the structural integrity of these surfaces and eliminate unsightly trip hazards in a timely manner.

Traditional methods of addressing uneven concrete involve demolishing and pouring new concrete, which is costly and disruptive. However, concrete lifting uses a polyurethane foam injection process that stabilizes existing surfaces and lifts them to their original position, saving you money on costly demolition and reconstruction while minimizing downtime.

Unlike other concrete leveling solutions, such as mudjacking and hydraulic rams, the polyurethane foam method is non-invasive and does not require excavation. This makes it a quicker and more affordable option for repairing uneven or sinking concrete, and it preserves the surrounding soils.

When your concrete is uneven, it’s not just a safety concern, but it also jeopardizes the structural stability of your home or commercial building. Uneven and sunken concrete can lead to foundation problems, water damage, and insect or rodent infestations. Concrete lifting prevents these issues by stabilizing and repairing existing surfaces, preventing further settlement and damage, and extending the lifespan of your concrete structures.

Enhances Curb Appeal

The condition of a property’s exterior surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and patios plays an important role in its overall value. Prospective buyers or appraisers may make judgments about the value of a property based on its curb appeal alone, so maintaining visually appealing concrete surfaces is an essential aspect of boosting a home’s market worth. Uneven, sunken or cracked concrete is unsightly and reflects poorly on a homeowner’s maintenance standards. Concrete lifting levels and restores these surfaces, boosting curb appeal while adding value.

Concrete Lifting is a refined restoration technique that raises sunken or uneven concrete surfaces, eliminating tripping hazards and restoring their original appearance. Several methods exist, including slabjacking, which involves pumping a grout mixture beneath the concrete to raise it, and polyurethane foam injection, a modern approach that uses high-density foam to elevate the concrete quickly. Concrete lifting is a cost-effective alternative to concrete replacement, saving homeowners 30-50% and requiring less time for installation.

Unlike full concrete replacement, which often requires expensive structures like helical piers to stabilize soil, concrete lifting offers a non-invasive solution. It eliminates the need for demolition and reconstruction, preserving valuable landscaping features. Concrete leveling also provides a much faster turnaround, allowing homeowners to return to normal life sooner than traditional repair methods.

Uneven concrete surfaces are more than a safety issue. They are a detracting feature that can give a bad impression to visitors and potential buyers. Concrete lifting eliminates tripping hazards and enhances the appearance of your home, making it more attractive and safe for occupants. It also boosts the property’s value, making it a sound investment. For these reasons and more, consider partnering with a local contractor that specializes in concrete lifting this spring to improve the overall look of your home.

Concrete Contractors

Driveway Repair Tips

August 7, 2024 Nicholas Mcdonald

Seasonal weather fluctuations, ultraviolet rays from sunlight and the weight of vehicles take their toll on asphalt or concrete driveways. Repairing minor damage quickly saves money and keeps your driveway functional.

A professional can handle more extensive damage and repairs to your driveway. From filling cracks to resurfacing the entire driveway, you can restore your driveway to its original condition without having to replace it completely. Contact Driveway Repair Charles Town WV for professional help.

When cracks appear in a concrete driveway, it is important to inspect the cause. In most cases, the cracks are not a significant problem, but it is a sign that some structural repairs may be needed.

It’s a good idea to hire a professional contractor for structural repair, especially in areas with wide cracks and large holes. These areas require more extensive work than repairing surface cracks and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Cracks can be caused by many different factors. The most common causes are freeze and thaw cycles and ground movement, both of which can be more severe in some regions. During these cycles, water expands when it freezes, which puts pressure on the concrete and causes it to crack. This is particularly problematic for concrete driveways, since they have a low load-bearing capacity.

The good news is that small surface cracks usually aren’t a major concern and can be filled with a quality driveway crack filler, like Quikrete’s concrete repair mix. However, if the cracks are wider than 1/4 inch, they will need to be filled with concrete backer rod and will probably need a professional repair job.

Once the cracks are filled, it’s a good idea to apply a resurfacing product to the entire surface of the driveway. This will protect it from further damage and improve the appearance of the driveway. The resurfacing product is mixed to a thinner consistency than the concrete used for crack repair, and should be brushed on using a trowel. A good quality concrete sealer can also be applied to the whole surface after the resurfacing.

For deeper and wider cracks, it might be necessary to use a chemical crack filler or epoxy injection to bond and strengthen the cracked area. These techniques can be quite effective, but they should only be used in expert hands. Before any crack or surface repair is done, it’s important to thoroughly clean the driveway to remove dirt, leaves, and other debris that could prevent a proper adhesion between the repair material and the existing concrete. It is also important to apply a good quality bonding agent, such as a specialized concrete bonding cement, to the existing surface before applying any patching compound or resurfacer.

Potholes

The most common way of repairing a gravel driveway pothole is to loosen just enough of the surrounding gravel that you can take that loose gravel and fill in the pothole. Afterwards, you will then run your tractor or ATV over it to pack it down. While this does give the appearance of fixing the pothole it really doesn’t last and that pothole will be laughing at you the next time it rains or the first vehicle passes through it!

Often times the reason for a pothole is because the driving surface (top layer of gravel) is sitting lower than the base layer. This allows water to soften the top layer of gravel and then wash away the base underneath, leaving a hole. Potholes can also form if the crown of a driveway is too low and allows water to sit in the area rather than being allowed to drain off.

When you get potholes in your driveway, the best thing to do is fix them quickly before they get worse and to keep vehicles from hitting them, which can cause damage to the vehicle or even the drive train. There are several ways to repair potholes in a gravel driveway. One is to add a binder to the new layer of gravel and compact it with a tamper or hand-held compactor. Another is to fill the pothole or rut with coarse gravel and compact it. Finally, you can use a commercial binder to help the new layer of gravel adhere to the existing layers.

If you have a corrugated surface on your driveway, this usually indicates that the base layer of the driveway is damaged and needs to be replaced. This is a job for heavy machinery and can be very expensive to have done.

If you have a blacktop driveway, you can use bagged asphalt to patch the pothole. This is a much cheaper option than replacing the entire driveway with new asphalt. Before you start laying the asphalt, make sure that the pothole is clean and free of any rocks or debris. Once the asphalt is laid, it is important to heat it again. This will soften it and allow the new asphalt to adhere better to the existing pavement.

Erosion

A rutted, pitted driveway not only looks unattractive but can damage your car or pose a tripping hazard. It can also cost a lot of money to repair and replace. You can reduce the frequency of these problems by regularly performing preventive maintenance, such as cleaning your driveway.

Water is the main cause of erosion in asphalt driveways. Whether from downspouts that direct runoff onto the driveway, misplaced irrigation water or heavy rainfall, erosion can quickly deteriorate your paved surface. You can avoid this problem by ensuring that downspouts and gutters are properly positioned to divert water away from your driveway, and by making sure sprinklers and drip systems are directed elsewhere.

Another cause of erosion is animal burrows. Chinchillas, woodchucks and other burrowing animals can weaken concrete slabs by tunnelling into the soil below them. This can wash away the supporting soil and leave voids under the concrete, which causes the slab to sink and crack over time.

To help prevent this, you can install water bars along your driveway. These are cross sections fortified with treated lumber and rebar spikes that help to divert water off of the driveway and reduce erosion over time. You can also dig trenches along your driveway and line them with gravel or plants, which will help to catch the water and keep it from washing away your driveway.

The quality of concrete is another factor in its resistance to erosion. If your concrete was not poured accurately or has low-density soil, it may erode more rapidly than higher-quality, more expansive and clay-based soil. In addition, heavy vehicles driving over a poorly-supported driveway can cause cracks and further erosion.

To repair cracked concrete, you can use a chemical-resistant, polyurethane patching compound that is designed to resist abrasion and UV radiation. You can purchase this product from many home improvement stores or online retailers, and it is easy to apply. Clean the cracks of dirt, plants and debris, hose them clean and spray with a weed killer before applying the patching compound. If the cracks are large and have caused the concrete to sink, you can perform a more extensive repair technique called geo-polymer injection slabjacking. This involves injecting a high-density polyurethane foam under the driveway to lift it and stabilize it.

Stains

Stains in your driveway are a major eyesore, detracting from the overall beauty of your property. They can also be a real pain to remove, especially when they are caused by petroleum-based chemicals like gasoline, oil, transmission fluid and motor oil. The key to avoiding them is prompt cleaning as soon as a spill occurs. If you know what to look for and are willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can usually get most stains out of your concrete driveway without a lot of difficulty.

Natural stains from lawn debris and mulch are relatively easy to remove, but they can be difficult to prevent once they have established themselves in the concrete. Regular rinsing with a hose is the best way to keep these kinds of stains at bay. However, once they have really set in a bit it may take some more vigorous action on your part to bring them back to a pristine condition.

Whether it was caused by your neighbor’s oil-leaking golf cart or by an accidental spill while adding gas to your vehicle, oil stains are among the most difficult to remove from concrete and asphalt driveways. They are also dangerous to walk on, as the slippery substance can cause slipping and injury.

If you notice an oil stain, act immediately to soak up as much of the substance as possible. A mop or shop towel works well, or you can use a bag of non-clumping cat litter to hide the stain and allow it to soak overnight. Powdered laundry detergent and a stiff brush can also be used to attack oil stains.

If you do notice a stain, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, rather than using a power washer, to avoid further damaging the concrete surface. You can then try a commercial concrete cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. A tinted sealant can also help to conceal any remaining stains and balance out the coloration of your driveway. If your driveway is still discolored after all these efforts, an experienced contractor such as Easter Concrete Contracting can recommend the right concrete mix based on industry standards, which will reduce the likelihood of unsightly staining and color fading.