Owning a home is a dream come true. But unlike dreams, reality presents us with a few hiccups now and then. Settling sidewalk slabs, irregular driveway panels, uneven front steps, and visible cracks are some of the many issues homeowners have. While we can’t help you with the other issues, we can help you resolve any concrete related problems. This guide will give you a complete idea about concrete leveling, how it works, and whether you need it. So, without further delay, let’s get started.
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting, also known as “concrete leveling”, is the fixing or leveling of uneven concrete surfaces by returning them to their original position by inserting a material beneath them. Once the material fills the gap and lifts the concrete, it is allowed to dry and solidify. As a result, it creates a strong base for the concrete that prevents it from sinking.
How does concrete leveling work?
Concrete leveling is serious construction work and needs professional training and tools.However, the process remains quite straightforward no matter which method is used. It involves a few basic steps:
- Holes are drilled strategically in targeted locations throughout the affected slabs.
- A material is pumped through the holes, underneath the slabs to fill voids and gaps.
- The material creates enough back pressure to cause the concrete to rise.
- Once the creates are filled and the slabs are leveled, the drill holes are filled.
What are the different types of concrete lifting methods?
There are multiple ways for concrete lifting. Among them, three methods are most popular, foam leveling, mud jacking, and stone slurry gout leveling. Each of these methods follows the same steps for lifting the concrete. The difference lies in the material they use and the size of the drill holes. Let’s discuss each method in detail.
Foam Leveling
Foam leveling or poly jacking is the method of slab leveling that uses expanding polyurethane foam to fill the voids under the concrete and lift it back to its original position.
Lifting compound
This method uses a two-part polyurethane foam that combines and expands when injected under the concrete slab.
Drill hole size
Yes, concrete lifting is worth it because it is a durable, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly solution resistant to water, insects, and extreme temperatures. It’s a reliable choice for concrete repair.
Mudjacking
As the name suggests, mud jacking is the leveling of concrete using mud or soil. A special hydraulic pump pushes the mud mix into holes drilled in the slabs.
Lifting compound
The Mud jacking method uses a mixture of soil, sand, and water. It is pumped at a high pressure to lift settled concrete.
Drill hole size
The usual drill hole size for mud jacking is around 2 inches in diameter.
Stone slurry grout leveling
The stone slurry gout leveling process merges foam leveling and mud jacking. It offers a unique and efficient method of slab leveling.
Lifting compound
This innovative technique utilizes a specially formulated slurry as the lifting compound. The dense malleable mix is made of crushed limestone and water.
Drill hole size
The drill hole size needed for stone slurry grout leveling is about the size of a quarter or around 1 inch in diameter.
When To Level Your Concrete
Concrete raising can solve a wide range of problems. Here are a few common uses we can commonly see:
- Tripping hazards caused by raised or settled concrete slabs.
- Sinking garage or basement floors due to soil erosion or voids under concrete.
- Water flow around foundations or retaining walls.
- Tree roots lifting concrete slabs and moving them out of place.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about concrete leveling and its different uses, you are one step closer to deciding if it’s the right move for your settling concrete slab.
Still not sure?
At Gulf Coast Foundations, we are more than happy to connect with you to clear any doubts. Get in touch today for an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does concrete leveling last?
If done correctly and properly maintained, concrete leveling using concrete lifting foam, ormud jacking method can last 10 to 20 years. It can also last the life of the concrete itself, which can be between 20 to 50+ years.
Which concrete leveling method is best?
Each technique for slab leveling has its pros and cons, so there is no right answer to this. The best choice for you may not be suitable for others. Thus, it is best to evaluate your needs and choose accordingly. For more information on concrete leveling lifting, check out our resources.
