Concrete is widely used in construction due to its durability and longevity. However, over time, concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and steps can develop problems like sinking, settling, or unevenness. These issues not only compromise the aesthetics of your property but can also pose safety hazards. In the past, repairing these problems often involved costly and disruptive methods. Thankfully, with advancements in technology, a revolutionary solution has emerged: polyfoam injection. Let’s explore how polyfoam injection is transforming the repair process for concrete surfaces, offering a cost-effective, efficient, and long-lasting solution for your home.
Causes of Sidewalk, Driveway and Step sinking
Concrete sinking, settling, or becoming uneven can occur due to several reasons. Understanding these causes is essential for effective repairs and preventive measures. Here are some common factors that contribute to concrete sinking:
Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is one of the primary reasons for concrete sinking. Over time, water flow, improper drainage, or natural soil movement can erode the soil beneath the concrete, creating voids or empty spaces. As the support beneath the concrete weakens, it can lead to sinking or settling.
Poor Soil Compaction: During the initial construction phase, if the soil is not adequately compacted before pouring the concrete, it can result in future settlement issues. Insufficient compaction allows the soil to shift or settle, causing the concrete above it to sink.
Changes in Soil Moisture: Variations in soil moisture content can impact the stability of the ground beneath the concrete. Excessive water absorption due to poor drainage or heavy rainfall can cause soil expansion, leading to upward pressure on the concrete surface. Conversely, drought conditions can cause soil shrinkage, resulting in voids and subsequent sinking.
Leaking Pipes or Improper Drainage: Water leakage from pipes, drainage issues, or inadequate grading can introduce excess moisture into the soil beneath the concrete. This excess water can erode the soil or create voids, compromising the support and causing the concrete to sink.
Tree Root Growth: Trees located near concrete surfaces can contribute to sinking issues. As trees grow, their roots can extend beneath the concrete, extracting moisture from the soil and causing it to shrink or dry out. This can lead to voids or weakened support, resulting in the sinking of the concrete. Or just the opposite tree roots can heave the slab. This will have to be removed, the root cute and slab replaced.
Heavy Loads or Vibration: Continuous exposure to heavy loads or frequent vibrations, such as heavy vehicles or machinery, can cause the soil to compact unevenly or shift over time. This uneven compaction can lead to areas of the concrete sinking or becoming uneven.
Age and Wear: Concrete surfaces naturally deteriorate over time due to regular usage, exposure to weather elements, and the effects of freeze-thaw cycles. As the concrete weakens and develops cracks, it becomes more susceptible to sinking or settling.
When the soil beneath the concrete shifts or erodes, it can create voids or uneven support, leading to the sinking or lifting of the concrete surface. Traditional methods of repair, such as replacing the entire concrete slab, can be time-consuming, expensive, and disruptive to your property.
It’s important to address these causes promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and functionality of concrete surfaces. Seeking professional help from contractors experienced in concrete repair and using innovative techniques like polyfoam injection can effectively lift and level sunken concrete, providing a long-lasting solution.
The Polyfoam Injection Solution
Polyfoam injection, also known as polyurethane foam lifting or foam jacking, is a modern and innovative technique used to lift and level sunken or uneven concrete surfaces. It involves injecting a specialized polyurethane foam into the voids beneath the concrete, which expands and fills the gaps, effectively raising and stabilizing the surface.
Here’s how the process works:
Assessment: A foundation specialist will come out to assess the condition of the concrete surface and will determine the extent of the problem. They identify the areas that require lifting and leveling and provide an estimate and solution for your home.
Once the homeowner approves the estimate and signs the contract to move forward with the work, the office will schedule a day for the job. On the day of the Polyfoam concrete lifting project, the foundation specialists will arrive at your home and explain the process.
The Process will include:
Drilling: Small holes are strategically drilled into the affected concrete surface.
Foam Injection: A polyurethane foam is injected through the drilled holes. The foam initially expands to fill the voids and then hardens, providing a solid foundation for the concrete.
Leveling: As the foam expands and lifts the concrete, the specialist monitors the process, ensuring precise leveling and alignment.
Patching and Cleanup: After the lifting process is complete, the drilled holes are filled with a cement compound and the area is then cleaned up, leaving behind a trip-free concrete surface.
Benefits of Polyfoam Injection
Polyfoam injection offers numerous advantages over traditional repair methods:
Cost-Effective: Polyfoam injection is typically more cost-effective than replacing an entire concrete slab. It minimizes the need for extensive labor and materials.
Minimal Disruption: Unlike concrete replacement, which can involve demolition and removal, polyfoam injection requires minimal disruption to your property. The process is relatively quick, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.
Long-Lasting Results: The polyurethane foam used in the injection process is highly durable and resistant to erosion. Once injected, it provides a stable foundation, preventing future settling or sinking issues.
Environmentally Friendly: Our Polyfoam injection is green friendly and reduces waste by reusing the existing concrete. It also minimizes the need for heavy machinery, reducing carbon emissions.
Versatility: Polyfoam injection is suitable for various concrete surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, steps, and even interior floors. It can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Call The Concrete Leveling Polylifting pros
Polyfoam lifting is revolutionizing the way we approach concrete leveling. With its cost-effectiveness, minimal disruption, and long-lasting results, this innovative technique offers a practical solution forlifting and leveling sunken or uneven driveways, sidewalks, and steps. If you’re faced with a concrete surface problem, consider reaching out to BAM Basements and Masons, with trained foundation specialists experienced in polyfoam injection. Restore the beauty and safety of your property without the hassle and expense of traditional repair methods.
Here at BAM basements and Masons of Des Moines we pride ourselves on delivering every consideration to total customer satisfaction with the highest quality workmanship, limited lifetime warranties, trained foundation specialist and masons, we are locally founded, owned, and operated. Call us for all your Concrete lifting and Polylifting needs, and we will find a customized solution to fit your home’s needs. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier basement egress window company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona, Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call.