Guide to Concrete Lifting in Edmonton by The Concrete Doctors
Concrete problems such as settled sidewalk slabs, uneven front steps, and irregular driveway panels not only pose risks to health and property but also compromise the aesthetics of your surroundings. Fortunately, The Concrete Doctors offer a solution that restores high-traffic surfaces without the need for a complete concrete replacement in Edmonton. In this guide, we delve into what concrete lifting entails and how it works.
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting, sometimes referred to as “concrete levelling,” is the process of filling in the empty spaces beneath a sunken or settled concrete slab by injecting material. This technique is perfect for levelling driveways, repairing sidewalks, and restoring recreational concrete slabs, offering an effective solution for settlement issues. The Concrete Doctors’ professional concrete lifting services help homeowners and property owners avoid the expense of concrete replacement while enhancing the appearance and safety of their properties.
How Does Concrete Lifting Work?
Skilled concrete technicians from The Concrete Doctors 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 its seemingly straightforward nature, concrete lifting requires expertise and the right tools to address safety hazards. For successful concrete levelling, concrete technicians follow these three primary steps:
· Drilling holes in affected concrete slabs
· Filling gaps and producing backpressure by pumping compounds through the drill holes
· Patching drill holes once the concrete is in position
Types of Concrete Lifting
The Concrete Doctors employ various techniques when lifting concrete. The materials and drill-hole sizes produced by these procedures vary depending on the application. Discover the most popular concrete levelling methods used by The Concrete Doctors below.
Polyurethane Foam Concrete Lifting
Polyurethane foam concrete levelling is an efficient and effective method. The Concrete Doctors begin the process by piercing the existing concrete with drill holes of about ⅝” in diameter. They then inject high-density liquid foam beneath the slab, which expands to fill voids and exerts pressure to raise the uneven concrete.
Once the foam has hardened, technicians seal the drill holes to complete the repair. This process requires only an hour of curing time, making the concrete accessible soon after the repair. Polyurethane foam lifting is best suited for minor lifts and decorative features.
Stone Slurry Grout Concrete Lifting
Stone slurry grout levelling utilizes natural materials to raise sunken concrete slabs back to their original positions. Technicians pierce the uneven slabs and gradually pump a stone slurry underneath. This compound material lifts the slab by filling the space beneath it and evenly applying pressure.
Concrete can be gradually and carefully lifted back to an even position thanks to the slow pumping process, which guarantees precise management. This technique requires drilling holes approximately 1” in diameter, which are filled with a compound consisting of pulverized limestone, water, and sometimes Portland cement.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is another effective method, involving drilling holes approximately 2” in diameter that are filled with sand, mud, water, and Portland cement. Using this mixture, technicians raise the damaged concrete by rapidly and forcefully pumping it into the drill holes in the slabs. The concrete slab levels out as a result of this process, and the holes are sealed afterwards.
When there are no other options for raising concrete or when budget is the main concern, mudjacking is an appropriate solution. Some experts also recommend using it when the area requiring concrete lifting is more than 200–300 feet from the road or driveway.
Reasons to Use Polyurethane Concrete Lifting
For fixing sidewalks, pathways, patios, driveways, pool decks, stairs, garage floors, and other outdoor surfaces, polyurethane concrete lifting is fantastic. Here are some reasons why The Concrete Doctors recommend polyurethane foam:
Rapid Results in Just One Hour
Concrete technicians from The Concrete Doctors can restore sidewalks in less than 30 minutes with polyurethane foam injections. This method is efficient and ensures the concrete surfaces are ready for use within an hour of application, saving more time than traditional methods.
A Lasting Fix for Sunken Concrete
Polyurethane concrete lifting addresses loose soil issues, providing a long-term solution to sunken concrete. It stabilizes the soil, levels the concrete slabs, and eliminates any tree root problems, ensuring that concrete surfaces remain level and stable for years.
Minimal Disruption, Maximum Results
To minimize damage to the concrete, polyjacking involves small, well-placed holes for foam injection. Since concrete technicians do not use heavy equipment or noisy machinery, polyurethane lifting offers a less disruptive solution than traditional methods, allowing residents to maintain their daily routines while restoring 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 traditional concrete levelling methods, which might worsen sinkage due to the extra weight of the materials, polyjacking ensures lasting stability without risking further damage.
Effective Erosion Protection
Soil erosion under concrete surfaces can be effectively prevented by using polyurethane foam due to its inert and waterproof composition. Polylift will safeguard the soil against washout by sealing the bedrock and increasing its water resistance, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of concrete structures.
Signs That Concrete Lifting Is Needed
Various signs indicate the necessity of concrete lifting. A quick concrete lifting project can 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
Evident signs that the slabs may need to be lifted are visible fractures in the concrete. They often signal underlying issues such as settlement, chemical reaction, corrosion, or poor construction, requiring prompt concrete lifting to restore stability and prevent further damage to the property.
Addressing Uneven Surfaces
One of the most frequent problems that homeowners face with uneven concrete is when one end of a slab settles while the other stays put. This imbalance affects the appearance and structural integrity, necessitating concrete lifting to realign and level surfaces, restoring functionality and visual appeal.
Managing Displaced Concrete Edges
Subtle changes in the concrete’s edges indicate movement beneath the surface, which could eventually cause a number of issues. Homeowners should take care of any displacement, whether it is horizontal or vertical, to prevent additional damage.
Impact of Foundation Issues
Issues with the foundation frequently affect other concrete surfaces on the site. Problems such as shifting structures or mudslides can cause significant harm and should be addressed at the foundation level in order to maintain the overall state of the 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. The property will be protected from expensive repairs by routine inspection and prompt intervention to reduce erosion damage.
Hire a Concrete Contractor in Edmonton Today
Looking to lift sunken concrete in Edmonton, CA? Contact The Concrete Doctors today to assess and address any potential erosion damage before it escalates further. Their expertise can help restore the stability and integrity of your property’s concrete surfaces.
Now that you understand how to level concrete, you can decide which method is best for you. Avoid personal injuries by levelling your garage floor, driveway, or walkway. Achieve perfect concrete levelling from the best concrete repair company. Call The Concrete Doctors at +(780) 717–4746 to schedule a free consultation today!
