Uneven concrete is unattractive and can be dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. While it’s normal for concrete to shift and settle over time, there are solutions that can help prevent the damage from getting worse.
One way to fix sinking slabs is by using Concrete Leveling Cincinnati. Also known as “mudjacking,” this method fills the voids under sunken concrete, lifting it back to its original position.
When a concrete slab begins to sink, crack, or shift, it can leave an unsightly appearance on the surface of your home. The good news is that sunken concrete can be leveled and the damage repaired using a process called “concrete leveling.”
This method of repair has been around for more than 30 years and is the best choice for repairing slabs that have settled or cracked. It works by addressing the voids in the soil underneath a slab of concrete that have led to it sinking or settling over time. This can include a patio, walkway, driveway, or the concrete surrounding your pool.
Before starting the concrete leveling process, the cracked area should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any loose gravel, dirt, dust, moss, or weeds that may have grown in the crack. After the area is free of debris, a concrete resurfacing product like our Eurepoxy can be applied to the crack to fill it in and provide additional support to the concrete surface.
It’s important to use a high-quality product that is formulated for the type of crack you are repairing. For example, latex-based products are suitable for cracks that measure 3/8-inch deep and 1/2-inch wide, while polyurethane-based products require acetone for clean-up but offer superior flexibility for slabs that have larger or wider cracks.
Mudjacking and polyleveling are the two main methods used to perform concrete leveling. Both are effective at raising sunken or uneven concrete slabs, but the difference between the two is that mudjacking uses cement slurry and polyleveling uses polyurethane foam injection.
When considering different contractors for your concrete leveling project, make sure they have the proper licensing, insurance coverage, and certifications to work on your property. You also want to ensure they are able to give you an accurate estimate of how much your project will cost.
Prime the surface
If you’re trying to level concrete yourself, it is important to prepare the surface. The surface should be clean, dry, and free of loose or peeling paint. If your concrete is bare, let it cure for 60 days before applying a primer. Bare or sanded concrete should be primed with an all-purpose or oil-based primer, and previously painted surfaces should be degreased and lightly sanded to remove any gloss from the finish. If you’re going to use a self-leveling concrete compound, make sure that the product has been tested for slip resistance and meets the performance specifications for your project.
Depending on the cause of your sinking concrete, there are many different concrete leveling options available to you. A common method is called mudjacking or slabjacking. Essentially, this involves drilling small holes in the concrete and then pumping a limestone slurry into the holes. The slurry fills any voids and lifts the concrete back into place. The holes are then filled with a non-shrinking grout, leaving the slab looking like new.
Another option for concrete leveling is foam lifting. This process is similar to mudjacking but uses polyurethane foam instead of limestone. This is a much quicker and more effective solution for leveling concrete. Additionally, polyurethane foam is more eco-friendly and less invasive than limestone.
Why is concrete leveling foam needed?
Unlike pouring new concrete, which solves the problem of uneven concrete for only a few years, slab jacking repairs the foundation underneath the concrete, making it less likely to settle again. Slab jacking can be performed in home and commercial applications, including driveways, sidewalks, patios and decks, pool surrounds, and more.
Uneven concrete is unsightly and can detract from the curb appeal of your home or business. With concrete leveling, you can restore the beauty of your home or business and raise its value. When it comes to concrete leveling, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that the job is done correctly and quickly. A professional will have all the necessary tools and knowledge to complete the task and will be able to provide you with a comprehensive estimate that details every aspect of the work.
Pour the leveling compound.
For concrete leveling, a special type of compound is poured into the concrete to raise it back to its original position. This can be done on sunken slabs in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. It’s a much less expensive alternative to having new concrete poured, and it helps return the floor to an even, safe position.
The first step in this process is to clean the surface of the sunken concrete slab, sweeping and wiping away any dirt or debris. This will make it easier to see any cracks or other damage that needs to be repaired. Cracks and holes should then be filled with a suitable filler before proceeding. It’s also a good idea to seal any gaps and drains that need to be blocked off, as these can interfere with the proper functioning of the floor.
Once the surface has been cleaned and primed, the self-leveling compound can be poured into the concrete. A long-handled squeegee should be used to spread the material across the entire surface of the slab, ensuring that it gets into all the corners and edges. It’s important to work fast, as the compound begins to set up quickly. It should be poured to the manufacturer’s recommended thickness, as too thin a layer will be weak and prone to cracking or chipping later on.
If you’re hiring a contractor to perform this kind of work, make sure they have the necessary insurance coverage and licenses to work on your property. Also, get a clear and easy-to-understand estimate that breaks down every element of the project.
There are two main ways to repair sunken concrete: mudjacking and polyjacking. Mudjacking uses a cement slurry to “jack” the concrete slab up from below, but it can be messy and costly. Polyjacking, on the other hand, uses polyurethane foam to lift and level the concrete slab. The foam expands after being injected into the concrete through holes drilled in the slab, so it’s a much faster and more cost-effective solution. It’s also more environmentally friendly than mudjacking.
Apply the sealer.
Once your concrete is fully repaired and cured, you can start working on applying the protective sealer. It’s a good idea to wait for a day when the outdoor temperature is between 40 and 85 degrees and rain isn’t in the forecast. You should also be sure that your concrete is clean and dry before starting the job, as a dirty or wet surface will prevent the sealant from bonding properly. Lastly, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the sealant you choose. Read the technical documents and consult a local concrete professional for advice on the best options for your climate and specific situation.
When choosing a concrete sealing product, it is important to know that there are two basic types of products: penetrating and film-forming. Penetrating sealers soak into the porous concrete to help resist water stains and other contaminants. They are usually colorless and don’t form a shiny coating. Film-forming sealers create a hard protective layer that helps resist dirt and stains, but they don’t usually offer a color option or have the same stain resistance as a true penetrating sealer.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to sweep the surface and scrub any stains with a stiff-bristle brush. Once the surface is clean, apply a concrete cleaner or degreaser diluted with water and scrub it again to remove any residue that remains. It’s a good idea to choose a product that is labeled for use on concrete, as the chemicals will be safer to work with than many common household cleaners.
A-1 Concrete Leveling has been lifting sunken concrete slabs for over 30 years, and we have seen firsthand the impact that a well-executed job can have on your property. If you’d like to see what this process can do for your concrete, click the link below to request a free onsite consultation and cost estimate!
