Solving the Top 7 Concrete Levelling Problems
Have you seen concrete issues around your home? Concrete leveling can be the best way to level uneven concrete areas and get back to even concrete again.
In this article we’ll talk about seven common concrete issues that concrete leveling can fix. Keep on reading to know!
Raised Slabs Sinking Again
Have you recently lifted a sinking concrete slab and noticed that the slab is sinking again? It can be very frustrating to see your hard work go to waste. But yes, the concrete slab can sink again. There are several reasons why it may happen. One most common cause is not properly lifting the slab in such a way, as it stays raised for a longer period. PolyMagic helps many homeowners in Kansas City achieve an even and level concrete surface on their sidewalks, garage approach, basements, patio, porches, or pool areas.
That’s why it’s important not just to lift the slab and go home but to identify the root cause and provide the necessary support in the surroundings to avoid the sinking issue again.
Cracks and Breaks
After leveling the concrete, cracks that were not noticeable before the leveling was done can appear. The leveling doesn’t necessarily cause cracks, but it may influence the gaps by lifting the slab to its original level.
The cracks are usually tiny, and good professionals can fix them easily.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Concrete leveling jobs are done without any hassles most of the time. But some uncertain issues may come up on the way. Hidden debris, such as pipes, tree roots, or rocks, can interfere with the leveling process. Or any unexpected bigger or trickier voids may show up under the concrete slab, or contractors may find out the soil condition could be better.
These issues can make the job more complicated than it seems. Any professional team of contractors can tackle such problems and level your concrete slabs efficiently.
Mismatched Holes
Concrete replacement is good. But it’s better to choose concrete leveling over replacement to keep a consistent look over the area rather than two or three bright slabs standing out. However, contractors may have to drill the slab to lift it to its original level.
And when those holes are not filled and blended properly by any professionals, the patches can stand out and ruin the overall beauty of the area.
Choosing professionals can help avoid this issue. They’ll ensure the holes are filled and blended fully to match the area’s texture.
Voids and Empty Spaces
Sometimes the voids and empty spaces beneath the slab foundation can bring difficulties to the leveling process. Holes can be created in the soil structure due to dry weather, moisture and humidity issues, etc.
Unprofessional contractors may lift the concrete slab to get it back to its original level and skip to address its deep issues. And because of this, the concrete slab may sink again.
That’s why getting professionals for your concrete leveling is crucial. They’ll not only lift your slab but will address and fill its voids by using methods like slab jacking and injecting polyurethane foam to ensure complete support from underneath.
Pests Making Homes Under Concrete
Pests making homes beneath the concrete slab is another big reason for the concrete sinking. Different types of pests can live and create voids in the soil surface and hamper the support system of the whole slab foundation. Concrete leveling can fill these empty spaces and prevent further damage to the surface.
Additionally, since moisture attracts insects, reputable contractors can ensure proper drainage to prevent moisture buildup. That’s how they can provide no pests harming your future slab foundation.
Resettling
Sinking can happen again after lifting the concrete. This can happen for various reasons, such as soil erosion. Professionals can provide additional support on the base area so that the concrete doesn’t deteriorate over time due to the soil erosion.
Concrete Levelling Methods
Concrete leveling is a popular method to lift concrete slabs to their original level. However, there are several techniques followed by professionals to lift sunken slabs. Below we discussed the two most common methods to do the task:
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a common method for concrete lifting. The mud jacking process includes hydraulically pumping a slurry created by mixing sand-based materials and cement sand water under the sunken slab. The slurry mixture fills the gaps and voids beneath the concrete and supports the slab to lift it back to its original level.
Poly Leveling
Poly leveling is another effective and popular concrete leveling method. In this method, the professionals inject polyurethane foam underneath the sunken slab. This foam expands and hardens underneath, eventually filling gaps and voids and lifting the hollow slab. This technique is quick and easy, chosen by many professionals.
Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement
Concrete leveling includes filling up the voids and empty spaces underneath the concrete to lift the concrete slab back to an even level. On the other side, concrete replacement includes breaking the existing slab and placing a new one in its place.
Concrete replacement is more necessary, where more than concrete leveling may be needed. However, it is costly and time-consuming. Conversely, concrete leveling is cheap, quicker, and perfect for minor to moderate concrete issues.
If you’re ready to get the concrete inspected, please reach out today! Fill out the form here to get started.