Concrete Leveling - A Cost-Effective Way to Repair Uneven Concrete

Uneven concrete can be a dangerous trip hazard for pedestrians and vehicles. Many people think the only solution is to have it replaced, but that can be expensive and time-consuming.

Leveling concrete with foam is a faster, cheaper alternative to replacing it. It is also better than mudjacking because it won’t sink again.

How It Works

Concrete Leveling Contractors Northfield is cost-effective repair method to fix sunken and uneven concrete slabs. The process can lift and level concrete that has become uneven due to erosion, soil compaction, structural damage and other issues.

Before the concrete leveling cement is applied, a primer is used to prepare the surface. This prevents the concrete leveling compound from penetrating and deteriorating the existing slab. The primer also helps to ensure that the new concrete leveling cement adheres well to the existing surface.

The polyurethane foam leveling technique is different than mudjacking and is a much quicker, more economical way to raise sunken concrete. Small holes are drilled into the sunken concrete slab and then a polyurethane concrete lifting foam is pumped into the holes. The foam expands under the sunken concrete, lifting it and strengthening the soil beneath. This method is very fast and can be done in a day or less. A-1 has been lifting concrete with this method for over 30 years.

Repairing Cracks

Cracks in concrete are easily repaired with the right product. First, the area must be cleaned to remove dirt and debris. Grease, oil and mud should be removed with a wire brush or commercial degreasing product. Then, a backer rod should be installed to hold the concrete leveling compound in place. Next, the slab should be tested for moisture. Moisture is a problem because it will cause the leveling compound to breakdown and eventually degrade the slab.

Another popular method of repairing an uneven slab is a process called "mudjacking." Mudjacking involves pumping a cement slurry underneath the slab to lift it up. It's an effective repair, but it doesn't address the underlying issues that caused the sinking. A more effective and longer-lasting method is concrete leveling. This is a cost-effective way to solve the issue without digging up and replacing the old concrete. It also helps prevent water erosion and protects the soil beneath.

Repairing Sinking Slabs

Sunken concrete slabs and surfaces are a huge issue for homeowners, as they can impact resale value, hurt a home’s appearance, and cause serious safety issues. While it’s tempting to ignore them, you should never take them lightly.

Slabs sink when the soil underneath is washed away or becomes uneven. This happens for a number of reasons, including poorly compacted soil during construction, water washing the concrete out from under it, and tree roots that move and expand as they grow or shrink.

Concrete leveling can lift sinking concrete slabs back to their original position, as well as fill voids under them. This repair method is often less costly than a full slab replacement. The most common way to do this is with mudjacking, a traditional repair method, but there is also an alternative called foam injection, which uses polyurethane rather than cement. Both methods require drilling holes into the concrete, but this can be done from outside the surface of the slab, without damaging it.

Polyurethane Foam

When you hire us to level your concrete slabs, we use a safe and environmentally friendly material known as polyurethane foam. This is the same type of material used in many household products, including mattresses and certain insulation materials.

Foam leveling is a simple process that’s usually 50-75% cheaper than replacing concrete. It also takes about 80% less time than other methods of concrete lifting.

Injection holes are drilled in the concrete slabs that need raising. A delivery port is then installed in the hole and connected to a tool that injects the polyurethane foam. This foam expands to lift the slabs of concrete and fill any voids beneath them.

This method of concrete lifting is safer than mudjacking. Mudjacking slurry contains a dangerous chemical called toluene diisocyanate (TDI). This is a known respiratory irritant and can cause asthma, lung disease and death. Polyurethane foam is not a TDI-containing material and has been proven to be a safe concrete raising agent.