The Basics Of Concrete Leveling
Experienced Concrete Levelers are cost-effective way to lift sunken or unlevel concrete slabs back into a safe and attractive position. This technique uses a simple process that can be completed within a few hours and saves you the expense of replacing the sunken or unlevel concrete.
Uneven concrete is unsightly and can be dangerous for pedestrians, but more importantly, uneven concrete can cause serious structural problems over time. This is why it’s important to act quickly when you notice that your concrete has begun to sink or slope. If you leave the problem to get worse, you may end up needing to replace your entire foundation slab, which is an expensive project.
The first step in concrete leveling is to remove any weeds or vegetation that are growing up through the surface. Then, the underlying issue must be addressed. This can be accomplished using one of two methods: mudjacking or poly leveling. Mudjacking is a traditional repair method that involves pumping a mixture of cement, water, soil, and sand under the slab to raise it. Poly leveling, on the other hand, is a more modern technique that uses a much lighter material to fill the space under your concrete slab and raise it.
Once the underlying issue has been addressed, your concrete leveling specialist will drill small holes into the slabs that need to be lifted. These holes will then be used to inject the lifting material into the voids underneath your slab. The lifting material, which is typically a combination of either sand or polyurethane foam, begins to expand immediately and will lift your concrete slabs into a safer and more appealing position.
After the lifting process is complete, your technician will patch the holes that were drilled into the slabs. Then, the area will be backfilled with a material that matches the color of your concrete slabs. This will ensure that the holes aren’t noticeable and that the repaired area looks as good as the surrounding concrete.
While there are several reasons for a concrete slab to sink, the most common causes include:
The soil underneath your concrete needs to be dense and compact to support its weight. If the soil is loose or muddy, it will sink over time. Additionally, soil erosion can lead to voids under your slab, which can also cause it to sink. Finally, even a minor earthquake can damage and displace the soil beneath your concrete.
If you’re noticing that your concrete slabs are beginning to sink, contact us today to find out more about our concrete leveling services or to request a free quote. We use a high-quality polyurethane concrete leveling system that can be completed in just a few hours and can help you restore the appearance and safety of your walkways, patios, driveways, and other outdoor concrete surfaces. Our concrete leveling services are available throughout the Charlotte area, so contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.