Uneven concrete is not only unsightly, but it can also create a trip hazard. If you have concrete around your property that has begun to settle and shift, concrete leveling is a great way to fix the problem.
Concrete leveling is a process of raising concrete that has settled by injecting a leveling compound underneath the concrete. The leveling compound will fill in any voids and raise the concrete back to its original level. Once the concrete has been leveled, it will be smooth and level, eliminating the trip hazard.
In addition, concrete leveling can help to extend the life of your concrete by preventing further settling and shifting. If you have uneven concrete around your home, don’t wait for it to become a safety hazard - contact a concrete contractor today to get started on your concrete leveling project.
What Causes Concrete To Become Uneven?
In the same way that your home can settle and shift when the ground beneath it moves, concrete slabs can also shift over time. Hydrostatic pressure and expansive soils can cause the ground beneath the concrete to raise and lower. Also, the weight of items sitting on the concrete can also cause the soil to compact over time. Once your concrete has become uneven, it’s important to find a concrete leveling solution to prevent tripping and falling.
What Types of Concrete Leveling Techniques Are Available?
When it comes to concrete leveling solutions, the best approach depends on the specific situation. For example, if you have a small area that needs to be leveled, a simple self-leveling compound may be all that is needed. Larger areas may require the use of a professional grade laser level. In addition, there are a number of specialized concrete leveling systems available that can be used to level uneven or damaged concrete.
Whatever the case may be, it’s important to find the right solution for your particular situation. By taking the time to find the right solution, you can ensure that your concrete is level and looking its best.
Mud Jacking
Mud jacking, also known as slab jacking, is a popular method for raising concrete to a leveled state. Mud jacking involves drilling several holes in the existing concrete slab and then injecting a slurry mixture made of crushed limestone, mud, cement and sand beneath the concrete.
The downside to mud jacking is that the mixture that gets injected is fairly heavy and that extra weight can actually make the problem worse over time. Slab jacking also takes a good amount of time for the slurry to set beneath the concrete, so you won’t be able to walk on it until it is fully cured.
To boot, you will have holes in the concrete slab that show that it has been repaired.
Concrete Leveling with High Density Polymer
A similar concept to mud jacking is concrete leveling using polymer (often called polyjacking or poly leveling). A much smaller hole is drilled into the concrete slab and the polymer is injected beneath the concrete. The polymer spreads beneath the slab to evenly fill voids and raise the slab to an even level.
Another advantage to using polymers is that they are lighter and can actually stabilize the soil beneath the slab to prevent further sinking and shifting. In addition, poly leveling is a much less expensive option than completely replacing the concrete.
Concrete Replacement
The most expensive option is obviously to have the concrete removed and replaced. Not only is this a costly investment, but the old concrete typically ends up in landfills. To top it all off, building concrete forms, pouring new concrete, and letting it completely cure is a much more lengthy process which means that your driveway, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk will be out of commission for a greater length of time. Of course, if your concrete is damaged, cracked, and falling apart, this may be your only replacement option.
Get Expert Help With Your Concrete Leveling
If you've noticed that your home's concrete is starting to show signs of settling or cracking, it's important to get in touch with a professional right away. My Foundation Repair has been providing expert concrete leveling services for years, and we're here to help.
We use only the highest quality materials and latest equipment to ensure that your uneven or broken concrete is repaired properly and will last for years to come. So if you're in need of concrete leveling services, don't hesitate to give us a call today. We'll be happy to provide you with a free consultation and estimate.
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