How Does Concrete Lifting Work?
The secret? - foam.
Our proven concrete lifting process uses a polyurethane foam material that is injected directly under the slab.
When the components of this material are mixed, a reaction causes the material to expand. This expanded foam fills and strengthens any voids beneath the slab and raises the concrete.
This material will never lose density, is permanent and weighs appx. 2 lbs. per cubic foot.
Most concrete lifting jobs will take a few hours —start to finish—and your concrete will be ready for use immediately upon completion!
Discover the many benefits of our foam injection process vs. mudjacking here.
How To Lift Concrete - Step By Step
STEP 1 - Drill
Small injection holes are strategically drilled around the areas where the concrete is sunken and requires lifting.
STEP 2 - Pump
Once everything is prepped and the hose and materials are in place, the polyurethane foam is injected through the holes. It expands to fill the space underneath the concrete slab, using the slab itself to drive the foam into the crevices, there by lifting the concrete back to its original position.
STEP 3 - Patch
Once the concrete is stabilized and lifted to the proper protocol, the injection holes are filled with new cement, allowing you to use your surface immediately.
Summary: Polyurethane concrete raising uses a foam material that is injected under the slab. When the components of this material are mixed, a reaction causes the material to expand. This expanded foam fills any voids beneath the slab and raises the concrete. This material will never lose density, is permanent and weighs only about 2 lbs. Per cubic foot.
Why Causes Concrete to Sink?
Poor Soil
As soils become saturated with water, the clay expands and loses strength. This condition allows slabs to sink - just like standing in wet mud. This can occur from heavy rains, melting snow or plumbing leaks.
Poor Compaction
Many homes are built on backfilled soils. If the soil is not compacted
correctly before construction, backfill will gradually compact unevenly, sometimes over a year, which allows slabs to settle.
Poor Drainage
Improper drainage can cause soil instability by creating saturated soils,
which allows the slabs to settle. Poor drainage can be typical of an area, or as minor as a misplaced down spout.
Tree Roots
Trees and shrubs can consume up to 30 gallons of water a day. If located near concrete, the loss of water in the soil will contract the soil and can cause the slab to settle.
All too often, many homeowners make the mistake of waiting until the problem worsens, then end up spending 3-5 times the amount of money to replace, rather than raise their sinking concrete.
Until the problem is fixed, your home remains at risk.
Benefits of Foam Injection
vs. Mudjacking
Hole Size
Polyurethane concrete raising drills a nearly invisible 5/8" hole compared to the 1 5/8" hole needed for mudjacking. Our process also requires considerably fewer holes and there is minimal patchwork needed.
Weight
Our polyurethane foam material weighs appx. 2 lbs. per cubic foot. Mudjacking uses a sand based material that is infused with Portland cement and weighs appx. 100 lbs per cubic foot.
Time
Our foam cures almost instantly and is ready to use immediately. You can drive, walk, and play on your newly raised slab the same day.
No Mess
No mud, concrete, or grout splatter and no wash down needed. No heavy equipment will drive through your lawn or disrupt your surrounding landscape.
