What is concrete lifting with polyurethane foam injection?
Over time, concrete slabs including sidewalks, pool decks, and driveways can become un-level for a variety of reasons including invasive tree roots, drainage problems, and problems with expansive soil.
Sunken concrete slabs are both a safety and a liability issue. However, they can easily be lifted again via a minimally-invasive procedure known as slabjacking.
This involves injecting a special polyurethane foam under the slab. The foam expands almost immediately and lifts the slab back up.
Concrete lifting via polyurethane foam injection is less expensive than replacing sunken concrete, and you can walk on the slab as soon as the repair is done.
Polyurethane Foam Injection (Slabjacking) can be used for lifting up concrete…
- Sidewalks and other types of walkways
- Interior concrete slabs
- Driveways
- Garage floors
- Patios
- Pool decks
How polyurethane injection (slabjacking) works
The process of lifting sunken concrete via polyurethane injection works as follows…
- 5/8” holes – spaced in a grid a few feet apart – are drilled into the slab above the affected area.
- Polyurethane foam is then injected underneath the slab where it expands to fill the voids and lift the concrete.
- The holes are then patched and the work area is cleaned up.
- Wait 15 minutes for the foam to cure after which it’s strong enough to support vehicular traffic.
- The slab is now ready for use again.
Why slabjacking is better than mudjacking
Mudjacking is an older method of lifting sunken concrete. It involves using a mixture of Portland cement and sand to lift the slab. The problem with this approach is that it uses a heavy material – cement – to lift the concrete. Therefore, there’s a chance of settlement once again. Slab leveling foam, on the other hand, is extremely lightweight, doesn’t push down on the soil, and isn’t subject to erosion.
Benefits of polyurethane foam injection (slabjacking)
Slabjacking is a cost-effective method of leveling concrete slabs including sidewalks, walkways, pool decks, and driveways. It’s less expensive than replacing the concrete and because it’s a minimally-invasive procedure, clean up is easy.
Slabjacking is a fast repair. As soon as the repair is complete, you can use the slab right away. Replacing the concrete, on the other hand, is a more involved process that takes longer because the concrete needs to cure. During that time, you would not be able to use the slab.
Learn more about – Foundation Underpinning Repair Methods.
How much does slabjacking cost?
The cost of polyurethane foam injection varies and depends on things like how much of the slab needs to be lifted, what hazards are present, and if there’s easy access to the work area.
Typically, the cost of residential slabjacking ranges from $1,400 to $5,500. That’s a fraction of the cost of replacing the slab.
Top Cities For Concrete Lifting
Choose Bay Area Underpinning For Quality Concrete Lifting
We’re a leading foundation repair contractor in the Bay area with 15 years of experience repairing foundations, replacing foundations, and concrete slab leveling via high density polyurethane foam injection. To date, we’ve either repaired or replaced over 2700 foundations in Northern California.
If you have a problem with your foundation, contact us today at 707-418-3355 so that we can get you back on the level!
