Concrete for many years has been the backbone of construction, providing stability and durability to structures of all shapes and sizes. However, over time, concrete surfaces can become uneven due to various factors such as settling, soil erosion, or weathering. To address this issue, many property owners turn to solutions like Polylifting, a revolutionary concrete leveling technique. While Polylifting offers several advantages, it's essential to understand why it may not always have the expected results for which you are hoping.
What is Polylifting?
Polylifting, also known as polyurethane foam concrete leveling, is a popular modern technique used to raise and level sunken or uneven concrete surfaces. This method involves injecting a specially formulated polyurethane foam beneath the affected concrete slab. The foam expands and hardens, lifting the slab to its original position and stabilizing it. Polylifting has gained a lot of popularity lately because it’s faster, more cost-effective, and less invasive than traditional methods like mudjacking or concrete replacement.
Advantages of Polylifting
Speed: Polylifting projects are completed much faster than mudjacking or concrete replacement, often taking only a few hours or a day to finish. This minimizes disruption to your daily life and valuable time.
Cost-Effective: Polylifting is more affordable than concrete replacement, which can be costly, very time-consuming, and disruptive to your daily life.
Minimal Disruption: Traditional concrete replacement can be a noisy and messy process. Polylifting is quiet and clean, making it less disruptive to your surroundings.
Long-Lasting Results: When performed correctly, Polylifting can provide long-lasting results, restoring the structural integrity and appearance of your concrete surfaces.
Why Polylifting May Not Always Meet Expectations
Inadequate Assessment: One of the primary reasons Polylifting may not yield the expected results is an inadequate assessment of the underlying issues. It's essential to identify the root cause of the concrete settlement before attempting any repair. Failure to do so can lead to recurring problems.
Soil Conditions: Polylifting relies on the expansion of polyurethane foam to lift the concrete. If the soil conditions beneath the slab are unstable or overly compacted, the foam may not be able to provide sufficient support, resulting in uneven or inadequate lifting.
Settlement of Adjacent Slabs: If adjacent concrete slabs continue to settle or shift after Polylifting, it can affect the newly leveled surface and lead to unevenness.
Water Intrusion: Moisture infiltration beneath the concrete slab can wash away the supporting soil, creating voids that undermine the stability of the repair.
Contractor Inexperience: The quality of Polylifting depends on the skill and experience of the contractor. Inexperienced contractors may not properly assess the situation, leading to subpar results.
Polylifting is undoubtedly a valuable technique for addressing sunken or uneven concrete surfaces. However, it's crucial to approach it with a clear understanding of its limitations. To ensure the best outcome, property owners should conduct a thorough assessment of the situation, choose a reputable concrete lifting company, and be prepared for the possibility of additional work if underlying issues are not properly addressed. When done right, Polylifting can restore the beauty and functionality of concrete surfaces, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional repair methods.
Call the Concrete Lifting Professionals
Before embarking on your concrete leveling project, it's crucial to engage a reputable and experienced Polyfoam concrete lifting contractor. Make sure they have a record of successful polyfoam leveling projects and can provide you with references from satisfied customers.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines provides Polyfoam concrete lifting with highly trained professionals. We offer free estimates and upfront honest solutions for your home. If your home needs concrete lifting gives the best concrete leveling company in Iowa a call. We service Des Moines, Iowa, and surrounding areas.