uneven driveway

Polyurethane vs. Mudjacking

POLYURETHANE CONCRETE RAISING TECHNIQUE

Our concrete repair plan includes the controlled lift of individual slabs of concrete to realign and level the slabs. (Concrete Leveling) We achieve a precise result by applying expansive polymer foam just beneath the surface of the slab. This process eliminates the failing condition as well as seals and stabilizes all defective joints and sources of water penetration from further erosion. The variety of soils and substrates across the Front Range are often the root of the problem. Liftech’s concrete repair system treats the soils and addresses the water and erosion issues. The average life cycle of concrete is extended at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Until recently, mudjacking has been the method more commonly used for lifting fallen concrete and is still a widely acceptable form of restoration. Mudjacking and polyurethane achieve similar results, however, the process by which those results are achieved and the extended performance of the two products are completely different.

Polyurethane Benefits

  • Long-Lasting | Polyurethane cures as a solid, impermeable structure that adheres to the concrete and is not susceptible to fracture or failure.
  • Soil Stabilization | Polyurethane is injected as a liquid to raise concrete and reacts within the loosely, non-compacted soils to solidify and stabilize the soils.
  • Less Invasive | Liftech uses controlled injections in penny-sized holes to raise your concrete quickly and effectively
  • Lightweight | Polyurethane weighs about two pounds per cubic ft. which is ideal for concrete leveling
  • Fast Acting | Polyurethane cures within minutes and your concrete is ready to use again once we leave the job site.
  • Defend Against Natural Erosion | Our environmentally friendly solution creates an eco-barrier to moisture, harmful chemicals, insects, rodents, and soil erosion.

WHAT IS MUDJACKING?

| Answer | Mudjacking uses a mixture of sand and water infused with a small amount of Portland cement, which helps the material solidify.  The sand and water mixture is pumped through 1 – 5\8″ holes in the concrete using hydraulic pressure to lift the sunken concrete.  This concrete mixture is considered a structural fill and is very heavy, weighing an average of 100 – 110 pounds per cubic foot of material.

Benefits of Polyurethane Concrete Raising Vs Mudjacking

| Answer | Polyurethane concrete raising consists of an environmentally safe liquid polymer foam that is injected through penny-size holes in the concrete and into the loose, unstable soil below.  Through an eco-friendly chemical reaction, the high-density foam expands to stabilize the loose soils and lift the fallen concrete.  After approximately 15 minutes, the polyurethane material is fully cured and ready to return to service.  the polyurethane only weighs about 2 pounds per cubic foot of material.  Polyurethane foam is an inert, non-toxic, environmentally safe material.  It is impervious to moisture or decay, ensuring that over time, it will not only be environmentally friendly, but your concrete repair will last a lifetime.  Liftech’s polyurethane system utilizes a much smaller, 5/8 inch hole (about the size of a penny).  Following the repair, those holes are filled with chemical grouting that matches the surrounding concrete.

There are other ways to repair concrete, you can learn about them on our services page.

 

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Concrete Repair

Don’t Replace Your Concrete… Repair it!

Concrete is one of the best and most preferred building materials which can be used in concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, stamped concrete, concrete repairs, and concrete flooring demands. One of the reasons why concrete stands out from other building materials is that it is an affordable construction material. Second, it is a durable material that can last for many decades withstanding elements such as wind, water, fire, and vibrations. Third, concrete is a versatile material that can be used from a simple concrete sidewalk to stamped and decorative concrete. Are you in need of commercial concrete repair work for your patio, sidewalk, or driveway? Here are a variety of concrete services that you can consider for your residential and commercial concrete works.

Commercial Concrete Leveling

Commercial concrete leveling is preferred for leveling and stabilizing uneven concrete slabs such as driveways, sidewalks, warehouse floors, and roadways. In addition, commercial concrete leveling can be used in applications such as erosion control and void filling, railroad and airport runway repairs, and leveling uneven bridge approaches and roads. Concrete leveling systems are usually designed to function under severe conditions. The benefit of polyurethane foam system which is used in commercial concrete leveling is that it is lightweight weighing only 4 to 6 pounds after being laid. It is also waterproof meaning that it cannot wash out. If you are looking for an alternative to concrete replacement, re-leveling, and mudjacking then look no further than commercial concrete leveling.

Concrete Raising

Concrete raising refers to the method of raising concrete so that it matches an existing grade, the benefit of which is that it eliminates sunken concrete areas, drainage problems, and trip hazards. There are two methods that are involved in concrete raising: mudjacking and polyurethane foam concrete raising. Polyurethane concrete raising involves injecting foam material under the slab. When small holes are drilled in the sunken concrete and materials pumped underneath the slab, the foam fills the void and raises the slab to the required level. After the void is filled, it is raised then leveled making it more stable than it ever was.

Cement/ Concrete Repair

Concrete repair or cement repair refers to the process of fixing a concrete surface that has been damaged as a result of environmental exposure. Cement repair is ideal for physical impacts, cracks, and surface scaling. During cement repair, the concrete surface will be cleaned to remove grease, dirt, oil, granules, or concrete flakes. Scrub and clean the area to be repaired using a broom and brush. Next use water to flush the area that is supposed to be repaired. After that, use cement repair solutions like vinyl patching compound and mix with water. Finally, trowel the mix into broken areas and cracks, and level the area to fix it.

Commercial Parking Lot Repair

Commercial parking lot repair refers to anything from damage, to the parking lot repair, to cracks and fixing the drainage. Parking lot repair entails sealing cracks that are caused by poor parking lot construction, sun, and water damage. It also entails resealing and resurfacing which extends the lifespan of the concrete.

Despite popular belief, concrete can last and look good for a very long time and can be much more cost-efficient to repair it, rather than replacing it.  Let us help you with your next commercial concrete project.

 

Don’t Replace Your Concrete… Repair it!
Driveway Repair before and after

Driveway Repair & Leveling

Driveway repair projects are tricky to handle.  The concrete slabs themselves, are extremely heavy and are not easily leveled, lifted, or repaired.  Driveway leveling normally requires professional help because of the unforeseeable problems that arise.

To illustrate these types of problems, here’s an example of a Driveway repair project we helped within Carrolton, Texas.

  • Our professional technicians arrived and see the driveway was split into sever-able slabs and each of the slabs had several cracks due to harsh weather and natural vehicle wear over the years.
  • Our technicians then adapted and changed the strategy on the spot to ensure the least amount of drilling to still ensure the concrete would be stabilized and leveled.
  • They began lifting the driveway slabs starting with the beginning of the driveway and slowly moved towards the end.  Each slab was leveled with not only the other slabs but the sidewalk as well.  Each slab is equally leveled with the next.
  • After a few hours, the driveway repair project was completed with the lifting completed, leveling done and concrete sealed.

Concrete leveling projects are not easy, but they are a much better option than removing the concrete completely and replacing everything.  That project is so expensive and wastes so much concrete.  Our concrete repair and driveway leveling approach is eco-friendly and saves hundreds of concrete slabs from going to the dump.

Next time you have a sunken driveway that needs to be fixed or an uneven sidewalk or patio, let professionals come in and help keep the project expenses low and ensure that the quality is professional.

There are two methods that are involved in concrete raising: mudjacking and polyurethane foam concrete raising. Polyurethane concrete raising involves injecting foam material under the slab. When small holes are drilled in the sunken concrete and materials pumped underneath the slab, the foam fills the void and raises the slab to the required level. After the void is filled, it is raised then leveled making it more stable than it ever was.

Sidewalk Leveling

Sidewalk Leveling | Richardson, TX

  • As soon as the concrete crew arrived at the job they began to cut out the old seal using the saw.

  • They then drilled holes in the areas necessary for the lift while pumping they began sanding where the sikaseal would be placed as a base for it.

  • Once the concrete leveling and lifting were completed, it was sealed.

Over time, sidewalks sink, pull away from parking lots, and break.  The above project illustrates all of these concrete repairs.  Each job requires a survey of the damage and an assessment of the work that needs to be done for lasting results.  Our team then sets to work by getting the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible.  We are always happy when a job is done well and our clients are happy!

Take a look at the final outcome!

Concrete services

DIY vs Professional Help

There are many different ‘do-it-yourself’ kits for almost all projects around the house that can also be done by professional services… commercial concrete repair is no exception. However, it is commonly known that DIY projects often produce poorer results and sometimes bigger problems than the initial project.   Great results often come from professional work and offer peace of mind that the project is done and good to go. For concrete leveling and repair or any work with cement, there is definitely a need for knowledge, because those projects can turn problematic very quickly if a professional isn’t helping.

Truthfully, most of the concrete repair work i.e. uneven sidewalks, sunken driveway, concrete raising, etc need a professional, and below are some reasons why you need to hire a professional for your broken and uneven concrete.

Professional concrete contractors save you time.

Learning curves can be steep, really steep.  Concrete projects can take time and are unforgiving if too many mistakes are made.  More often than not, projects require tools, supplies, and other necessities that are only known if you’ve done the project before.  Concrete repair jobs can often lead to complete replacements when the finished job isn’t satisfactory. The time wasted trying to save money immediately is voided because a replacement has to be made.  Which will end up wasting more time and money.

The repair will be more durable

Another reason why you should consider hiring a professional concrete contractor to repair your broken and uneven concrete is the factor of durability.  The job will be done and it will be done correctly. No worry if the amateur attempt will hold or survive the harsh weather conditions it could encounter.

Saves you money.

If you decide to take on the project yourself, you will undoubtedly need to buy multiple tools because there aren’t many places that offer tools to be rented.  Costs can quickly become out-of-hand when the wrong tools are purchased of the job becomes harder than you think. When you hire a professional contractor they will come with their own tools and pieces of machinery; sometimes your work is done at a cheaper and more affordable cost.

Professional concrete contractors have more experience.

The saying goes, “you can’t put a price on experience”… in the concrete industry, you can.  Hiring a professional concrete contractor to repair your broken and uneven concrete is the best solution, this is because the contractor is quite experienced and learned their trade from other professionals.

Reliability

Whenever you perform concrete leveling, you are looking for a permanent solution that will leave your home or project looking better than new.   Relying on oneself is always risky because of the unforeseen obstacles that come up. Pay for the reliability and pay for the peace of mind that the concrete repair will hold up and be stable.

Efficiency

We live in a world where time is more and more valuable, we don’t like waiting, and we don’t like it when our plans fall through.  A professional contractor will be efficient in their repair of the concrete, correctly keep to an arranged time. Efficiency also leads to less inconvenience.  Often these projects can cause you to park in inconvenient places are not be able to walk where you want to. Concrete is often taken for granted and when it’s not available, we are not too happy.  It’s important to have an efficient plan so your daily routine can go back to normal.

With the many above-mentioned advantages of hiring a professional concrete contractor, there is no good reason why you should go ahead and try to repair your broken and uneven concrete by yourself.  

 

hand planting seedling in soil

Why Concrete Leveling Is GREAT For the Environment

Structures that are built using concrete are subject to various environmental pressures, most of which may lead to damage, such as sinking, heaving, or cracking. Once individuals settle in the building, these issues worsen since the soil under the structure continues to erode and weaken.

One of the most dangerous threats to your home is soil settling or sinking of the concrete foundation. A foundation is developed to make the entire structure stable, but it cannot retain its structural integrity or shape when the soil below it no longer gives it steady and sound support.

That can happen when the ground beneath a concrete foundation becomes excessively water-absorbent or inadequately packed. As the earth breaks down due to loose soil or expands due to water absorption, the concrete slab will ripple, bend, heave, and sink deeper progressively over time.

The best thing is that if you come across such an issue in your building or home, there are various concrete solutions available. Most people use Mudjacking and polyurethane injection to level jagged concrete without replacement. However, Polyurethane foam injection is the most effective and eco-friendly solution.

So why is polyurethane concrete leveling an excellent alternative for the environment? Let’s dive in.

Injecting polyurethane foam to level a concrete slab is beneficial to the environment in various ways. Here are some of the aspects that make the process environmental-friendly:

  • It is non-toxic

People who live in houses leveled using polyurethane enjoy numerous health benefits due to the safety of materials used in the process. Toxic substances such as carcinogens cause difficulties in breathing and also increase the risk of getting cancer. The non-toxicity of our polyurethane material results in a healthier home environment through better indoor air quality.

  • It Protects the Surrounding Areas

This process of concrete repair allows for greater control which protects the surrounding areas from damage. The procedure uses some physical materials and methods in a way that allows for minimal use of the elements without compromising on quality. The process also generates as minimum waste as possible.

  • Material Efficiency

Concrete leveling achieves material efficiency through reusing and recycling various products that are long-lasting in a way that allows for minimal use of materials. The holes drilled are small and few. This aspect results in a cleaner-looking task. Additionally, fewer heavy machines are needed meaning a cleaner job site.

  • The Materials Used Are Inert

After mixing the components, polyurethane forms an outer coat that encloses the process of reaction – and this makes it wholly inert. The material does not have any environmental restrictions.

  • Less Noise

The equipment used to undertake this process is mounted permanently on trailers and trucks, and most of the noise they generate gets restrained in the components. The sound produced by the injecting gun to infuse the material beneath the concrete is also very minimal.

Polyurethane concrete services involve chemical reactions with the soil beneath. This stabilizes the soil in the ground, protecting the soil from erosion and sinking.

  • Availability of Material

Most polyurethane manufacturers use recycled materials to make the foam. That is excellent since it lowers the amount of carbon used to make the stuff.

Use HMI Polyurethane Foam to Raise Sunken and Bent Concrete Within Minutes

There are various reasons why you should consider using HMI polyurethane foam. But the primary reason is that HMI foam is created from more than 40% recycled elements. That is somewhat remarkable considering that no other polyurethane material in the market comes with such a small amount of carbon.

At Foamworks, our company cares about the environment by using the leading innovations in the world and services. To us “Green” is an active strategy towards coming up with a positive impact on people’s lives and the environment. Because of our green practices, we have saved countless concrete slabs from being taken to the dump.

While several concrete leveling companies do not provide polyurethane foam injection as a repair service, Foamworks only uses it. Polyurethane injection was traditionally reserved for complex industrial and commercial roles, but Foamworks makes the process accessible to homeowners or industrial facilities. Our method is economical, practical, clean, and quick. For most individuals, the HMI polyurethane injection process will surely offer longer-lasting results than the old mudjacking method.

If you are tired of seeing a sunken concrete patio, pool, sidewalk, driveway, or foundation, our HMI polyurethane foam is the masterpiece for you.