Concrete Leveling: Methods, Cost, and the Benefits of Polylifting
Table of Contents
1. What is Concrete Leveling?
2. Comparing Concrete Leveling Methods
3. The Cost of Concrete Leveling
4. Which Concrete Leveling Method Should You Choose?
5. What are the Advantages of PolyRenewal™?
6. Contact Bay Area Underpinning for Concrete Lifting Today!
Concrete is everywhere—sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, parking lots, and beyond.
Concrete is widely used in residential and commercial construction for its strength and longevity, but it’s not immune from damage. Cracking, sinking, unevenness, and tripping hazards can befall concrete surfaces, leading to significant disrepair and safety issues.
Bay Area Underpinning understands how frustrating it is to discover and deal with cracking and uneven concrete on your property. Thankfully, the problem can be fixed with concrete leveling. This article will help you understand how the process works, and why one option in particular is our favorite.
What is Concrete Leveling?
Concrete leveling refers to a repair process that lifts concrete back to a safe position. This restores the concrete’s safety, functionality, and appearance all at once.
Within the world of home repair, concrete leveling goes by a few names. You might see the following names used in place of concrete leveling (but they all refer to the same thing):
Other Names for Concrete Leveling
- Concrete repair
- Concrete lifting
- Concrete raising
- Slabjacking
- Slab lifting
- Concrete jacking
- Cement jacking
Depending on who you work with, you might also hear concrete leveling go by one of these more technically specific names:
- PolyRenewal™ (our method), commonly known as “Polylifting,” “Polyjacking,” or “Polyurethane Foam Leveling.”
- “Mudjacking”
- “Stone Grout Slurry Leveling” or “Cement Slurry Leveling”
- “Self-Leveling Concrete”
All of these methods are designed to lift a concrete surface as close to its original position as possible.
Comparing Concrete Leveling Methods
There are some differences between the four most common concrete leveling methods. Certain methods provide a longer lasting fix than others. Based on our experience, here are concrete leveling methods ranked from best to worst:
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Polyurethane foam injection can be installed quickly and provide long-term results. The foam cures within 30 minutes and provides incredible strength to the concrete. Polyurethane foam causes minimal disruption to your concrete and provides a longer lasting result compared to other concrete leveling methods.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking gets its name from the slurry mixture it’s made from. This mixture contains materials like cement, sand, and clay. The solution is pumped beneath concrete to lift and level the structure.
As the mixture cures, it creates a solid, stable base that fills in gaps below the concrete and pushes it upwards. However, mudjacking rarely lasts—and it’s a risk to keep in mind.
Due to the materials used in its slurry mixture, mudjacking is susceptible to erosion after rain or snowmelt. As a result, concrete often falls back into a state of damage just a few years (at most) after mudjacking is installed.
Cement or Stone Slurry Concrete Leveling
Stone slurry grout concrete leveling combines mudjacking and polyurethane foam injection techniques, using a mix of crushed stones (mostly limestone) and water. This mixture is installed with special polyurethane injection tools.
It requires drilling large holes (about 1”) for application, offering better control over the material’s thickness and adding significant weight to the soil. Unlike mudjacking, this method effectively fills voids, is environmentally friendly, and durable, though it tends to be a costly option.
Self-Leveling Concrete
Self-leveling concrete, a polymer-fortified cement, is popular because it is a user-friendly option. It offers a quick-drying, low-water solution for DIY interior floor patching and resurfacing. It’s ideal for small-scale repairs and home improvements, providing a smooth finish without needing structural reinforcement.
The Cost of Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling is a complex process, so there isn’t one simple answer to how much it will cost. There are many variables affecting the total cost, including:
- Extent of the damage
- Size of the area requiring repair
- Appropriate repair method
- Amount of product required
- Labor, materials, permits
The best way to get an accurate price for your concrete leveling project is to contact your local concrete experts for a free inspection and no-obligation repair estimate.
Which Concrete Leveling Method Should You Choose?
Ultimately, your choice comes down to personal preference. However, we prefer polyurethane injection as it is the fastest, longest-lasting, and least disruptive method avilable to homeowners. Our team installs PolyRenewal™, our patented version of polyurethane injection.
What is PolyRenewal™?
PolyRenewal™ is our modern approach to concrete leveling. It’s a eco-friendly solution designed to lift concrete without causing a mess or requiring excavation.
Once situated under the concrete, the foam expands and fills voids between the soil and the slab. As the foam expands, it compresses the soil (making it stronger) and pushes concrete back to a safe level.
What Does PolyRenewal™ Fix?
PolyRenewal™ is designed to address various concrete problems, including cracking, sinking, and uneven surfaces. It also works to prevent future issues by stabilizing the underlying expansive soil, which is often the root cause of these problems.
This versatile method can be used on various concrete surfaces, including:
Wondering if our concrete repair method is right for you? Contact us for a free concrete inspection and repair estimate.
How is PolyRenewal™ installed?
Unlike mudjacking, which requires drilling large holes and pumping heavy materials beneath slabs, concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane injections offers a significantly less invasive approach.
Bay Area Underpinning’s installation teams follow a specific process when applying this solution to concrete structures:
- Complete a thorough concrete inspection to assess the damage.
- Determine necessary repairs, mapping out areas of installation.
- Drill small holes the size of a penny into the affected areas.
- Place injection ports in the drilled holes.
- Mix together a two-part, closed-cell polymer foam.
- Inject the foam under the concrete slabs.
- Allow the foam to expand, fill voids, and cure within 15 to 30 minutes.
- Ensure proper slab lifting and soil stabilization.
- Remove the injection ports.
- Fill and smooth the drilled holes.
- Apply sealant to cracks and joints to prevent further damage.
- Schedule annual maintenance inspections to monitor and protect your concrete slabs.
You can count on Bay Area Underpinning’s efficient installation and attention to detail, ensuring your concrete lifting project is completed correctly the first time.
What are the Advantages of PolyRenewal™?
PolyRenewal™ offers numerous benefits over traditional concrete repair methods such as mudjacking or repouring, including:
- Precision Lifting: PolyRenewal™ offers unmatched accuracy in lifting and stabilizing concrete slabs.
- Minimal Disruption: The process avoids heavy machinery and extensive excavation, preserving the integrity of your property.
- Ultra-Light Foam: The PolyRenewal™ foam is considerably lighter than traditional mudjacking or concrete repouring materials, reducing the risk of further soil compaction and sinking.
- Waterproof Material: The foam is impervious to water, protecting the underlying soil from erosion and water damage, a common cause of concrete sinking.
- Swift Solidification: Experience rapid results with foam that sets in just 15 to 30 minutes, reducing downtime.
- Enhanced Longevity: Designed to resist environmental elements, our solution doesn’t erode or degrade, ensuring durability.
- Adaptable for Various Uses: This technique is suitable for a wide range of concrete surfaces, tailored to your unique requirements.
- Eco-Conscious Solution: We utilize eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, ensuring safety for the environment and your property.
- Invisible Repair Work: Our repairs are designed to integrate flawlessly with your existing concrete, maintaining aesthetic consistency.
- Commitment to Continued Quality: We offer annual maintenance plans as part of our dedication to sustained quality and service excellence.
Contact Bay Area Underpinning for Concrete Lifting Today!
Should you notice any cracking, unevenness, or irregularities in your property’s concrete, Bay Area Underpinning is here to assist. We provide free inspections and no-obligation repair quotes. Our skilled professionals will meticulously examine your concrete and propose the most effective repair strategy to remedy existing issues and prevent future damage.
Residents in the Bay Area trust us for our outstanding customer support and top-notch repair solutions. Backed by more than 15 years of expertise, Bay Area Underpinning remains committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence. Choose the industry’s best for restoring your home and allow us to reinstate safety and stability to your living environment.
FAQs
PolyRenewal™ surpasses mudjacking in effectiveness due to its lighter weight that reduces stress on the soil, its non-invasive installation procedure that minimizes disturbance to your property, its quick curing time that allows for immediate use, and its waterproof properties that prevent future soil erosion and instability. Contact Bay Area Underpinning to learn more and schedule a free inspection.
Yes, Bay Area Underpinning’s PolyRenewal™ system is safe and environmentally friendly. The foam’s non-toxic components make it safe for use around homes and businesses. Additionally, its minimal impact on the surrounding environment and its durability makes it an ecologically responsible and sustainable choice for concrete repairs. Contact us to learn more and schedule a free inspection.
PolyRenewal™ is designed for durability and longevity. Its robust material composition resists wear and tear, and its water-resistant properties prevent soil erosion beneath the concrete, contributing to its extended lifespan and maintaining the integrity of the concrete surface over the years. Contact Bay Area Underpinning for a free concrete inspection and repair estimate.
Ted Dryce
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