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How to Prevent Uneven Concrete

Have you ever had to deal with uneven concrete? Have you ever seen the frustration on someone’s face when the concrete that they poured is not at all level? Well, if you’re tired of that, then learn more about how NOT to have this happen to you. 

 

What Causes Uneven Concrete?

 

1.Not Leveling up Properly

Too much vibrating and vibrating too much will cause vibration in the top of the concrete. This will result to unevenness. The trick to doing this is by taking less vibrations and by mixing the concrete well.

 

2. The Water-Cement Ratio is Wrong

The water-cement ratio should be 1:2:4, but sometimes, people engage in pouring too much water into it resulting in a bad mixture of concrete. This is not only why you’re having problems with your structures, but also why you have uneven concrete.

 

3. The Mixing Time is Short

If the concrete is not well mixed, then it will result in an unleveled concrete. Make sure you see to it that you’re mixing well before pouring it into your formwork.

 

4. Insufficient Compacting

After filling the formwork with concrete, you should make sure that the formwork is properly compacted so as to get a smooth surface on your structure. If this isn’t done right, then you’ll have uneven concrete.

 

5. Lack of Forms

If you want to avoid uneven concrete, then you should always see to it that you’re pouring the concrete into level forms. Without such kind of help, the concrete may not reach its full potential and end up uneven.

 

What Can You Do To Prevent Uneven Concrete?

 

1.Have a Leveled Surface Beforehand

Make sure that you’re leveling your surface before pouring in your concrete. If not, then the problem will only come later on. To be more specific, if the bottom of your concrete can be level, then the first 5 inch or so will always be uneven.

 

2. Water-Cement Ratio is Properly Mixed

You should always make sure that the concrete you’re pouring is not only well mixed, but it is also has a proper water-cement ratio. If such isn’t done right, then you’ll end up with uneven concrete and this will cause you a lot of heartache in the end.

 

3. Level the Forms

Once you’re done filling the forms with concrete, you should always make sure that it is level and compacted as well. This will prevent any problem from arising later on.

 

4. Have a Level Surface Afterward

Level your forms again after pouring the concrete so that you can be certain that your concrete is well-leveled. If not, then there will be problem in the future.

 

What Should You Do Once You’ve Uneven Concrete?

Once you notice that your structure is uneven, then you should immediately take action. The best way to go about this is by removing the top portion of the concrete that is not leveled correctly and start over. This will not only prevent any problem later on, but it will also make sure that you’re leveling properly.

Uneven concrete can be a real nightmare if you don’t take any action right away. After weighing all the possibilities, you’ll get to notice why taking any concrete project can be stress-inducing in the end.

How to Level an Uneven Concrete Sidewalk

sidewalk leveling

Uneven sidewalks are a hazard for homeowners, family members, and the general public. It’s essential to keep your sidewalk level and in good repair to prevent accidents and injuries. Anyone who needs sidewalk leveling can take a few steps to fix it so that it sits level once more and reduces the risk of incidents around the home and neighborhood. 

The Dangers of an Uneven Sidewalk 

Consider that sidewalks are frequently used by those who walk, run, or take their family for bike rides or a stroll. When there are uneven places on the sidewalk, it leads to trips and falls from unsuspecting foot and bike traffic. These falls and accidents can cause severe injuries to the individual. People of all ages, especially the elderly and small children, are at risk when there are uneven sections of the sidewalk. In fact, it may be the homeowner’s job to ensure the sidewalk stays in good repair in some areas. Keep reading to find out why sidewalks become uneven and how to level a sidewalk. 

 

What Causes Uneven Sidewalks? 

There are many reasons why a sidewalk may become uneven and start to crumble. One of the biggest culprits is erosion from the elements. Over time, rainfall and saturated soil allow the concrete to become brittle and break apart. The dirt underneath may also begin to erode and cause the sidewalk to crack and fall in sections. 

 

Sidewalk Leveling; How to Fix an Uneven Sidewalk

So, what can you do if you have any issues with an uneven sidewalk? Perhaps the most cost-effective and straightforward solution is using sidewalk leveling foam. The process of leveling a sidewalk is straightforward. Still, if you have limited experience with tools or cannot perform the process yourself, you can hire a professional to do the job. They can get it done quickly and with a high degree of satisfaction in most instances. 

The first thing you need to do to begin working on the leveling process is to acquire a drill with a drill bit that can create 5/8″ holes in the concrete. A few for each section should be sufficient. Once you complete the process of drilling the holes, you can use the sidewalk foam. Inject it into the holes, and it will go to work filling in the gaps and leveling the sidewalk. This process is faster, cheaper, and easier than removing the sidewalk section and reporting concrete in the space. 

 

Get Fast Sidewalk Leveling Today

If you begin to notice the sidewalk becoming uneven around your home, you should take action immediately to prevent accidents. Some handy individuals may choose to tackle the project themselves, but most people are busy or don’t have the time or means to do it themselves. That’s why you should contact a professional sidewalk leveling company in your area. There’s no need to tackle this type of project when you can turn to a reliable and experienced local company that can quickly get the job done to have peace of mind.

What is the Cost of Foam Concrete Raising?

Foam concrete raising is an excellent alternative solution to mudjacking. Today, most people consider concrete foam repair instead of replacement to cut costs and save time. People have shifted from traditional mudjacking to repairing concrete because it doesn’t last long. There are also higher chances of lifting again from time to time, especially when weather elements are severe.

foam repair to fix concrete crack

How Much Does Foam Concrete Raising Cost?

People consider polyurethane foam concrete repair because it’s cost-effective. Recent surveys show that foam concrete raising can save up to 80% of the total costs of concrete replacement. The average cost of this service will vary depending on the affected area and the size and scope of the concrete project. For instance, driveway leveling will cost approximately $1,800-$2,400. Additional concrete repair pricing examples would be patios costing roughly $1,250-$1,500, Walkways between  $1,250-$1,500. 

The minimum price for our concrete leveling services is $1,250, but this is subject to change from time-to-time.

Generally, the cost of foam concrete raising will vary depending on some factors as follows:

 

a. Size of the Slab

The size of the slab will generally depend on the cost of raising concrete. Regardless of the job size, you’ll need to incur some fixed costs, including set-up and travel expenses. This means that if you’ve got a larger project, you’ll get value for money per square foot, unlike if you’d a smaller project.

 

b. Location

The distance from a contractor to your premises will also affect the cost. If you get a nearby contractor, be sure to pay less and vice versa.

 

c. Job Difficulty

The intensity of work required during the foam repair will also affect the amount you pay to the contractor. For instance, if your slab has many hard-to-reach cracks, it means the contractor will spend a lot of time filling the cracks. This will further translate to increased costs.

 

d. Rate Used by the Contractor For Foam Concrete Raising 

Different contractors use different rates during the job, i.e., hourly rate, per square feet, or a consolidated amount for the whole job.

 

In conclusion, these factors will determine the cost of foam concrete raising. It’s essential to consider various aspects such as material, warranty, overage fees, and joint/crack repairs when comparing concrete raising quotes from different contractors.

5 Benefits of Spray Foam Concrete Leveling

Even crack with spray foam concrete repair

Both residential and commercial premises have to use either polyurethane foam or mudjacking to raise concrete that’s sinking, unlevel, or sagging. Generally, when concrete surfaces become old, they develop voids which make the supporting soil unstable. This further leads to concrete sagging, cracking, and crumbling, especially in areas with high traffic. A professional contractor will fill these spaces using spray foam to solve this problem. 

 

Most people consider spray foam concrete leveling due to its numerous benefits, as explained below:

1. Cost-effective

Spray foam concrete leveling is cost-effective compared to replacing the entire concrete slabs. Instead of replacing concrete on your sidewalks, patios, pools, driveways, slabs, or basement floors, consider this method for concrete leveling. On average, replacing concrete will cost you about $6/Sq ft plus other extra costs involved in labor, it will help you save on these costs and is much easier.

 

2. Spray Foam Quick Process

If you decide to replace your entire concrete, you’ll need days or even weeks, depending on the size, to be replaced. However, if you consider foam concrete leveling, you’ll only need hours or one day. This means you can start using the area in the shortest time possible.

 

3. Improves Structural Stability

Most people don’t know that polyurethane foam improves structural stability without overloading soil in the affected area. Professional contractors use a process called polyjacking to level the affected areas. The contractors use an engineered foam called polypier that doesn’t give the affected area more weight. This helps to consolidate and compact soil, thus improving structural stability.

 

4. Moisture Resistance 

Spray foam concrete leveling is moisture resistant. This means that regardless of the wetness experienced in the affected area, the concrete will remain firm without further damage.

 

5. Spray Foam is an Environmentally Friendly Solution

Polyurethane concrete leveling is an eco-friendly solution. The foam consists of almost 50% recycled and renewable materials, which reduce the environmental impact of its disposal.

 

In conclusion, these are benefits of spray foam concrete leveling. Polyurethane foam concrete leveling is non-disruptive since it limits costly wear and tear problems.

 

drilling to use foam for concrete repair

Concrete Repair With Foam Injections

Concrete is among the widely used flooring substances worldwide. Some of the reasons it is so popular are its versatility and strength. However, regardless of its strength, concrete is prone to shifting and cracking especially when there is a movement underground, or when exposed to immense pressure. If this happens, you should not worry because we can repair it for you using form injection, which is the most recommended method for concrete repair.

 

How is Foam Injection Used to Repair Concrete Floors?

Professional technicians pump foam underneath concrete using small, penny-sized holes. The foam takes as little as fifteen minutes to expand and solidify, lifting back the concrete to its original height. The foam also provides a more solid base, especially if the soil underneath the concrete is eroded.

 

Benefits of Using Foam Injections 

Foam injections are not messy- As aforementioned, foam is injected underneath after drilling penny-sized holes in the area that requires leveling. Unlike other repair methods, the spots become less obvious after the repairs are done. The old concrete will also not be broken apart, therefore, no mess will be caused.

Foam injection is not time-consuming- unlike other types of concrete repair methods, the foam injection method will only take a few hours to complete. The areas that have been repaired will also be ready to use almost immediately after the repair. This method can be cheap, especially if the professionals are charging per hour.

Foam injections are eco-friendly- With foam injections, you don’t have to worry about the environment because the injections are made of recycled materials and do not release dangerous chemicals into the soil.

When it comes to foam injections for concrete repair, working with professional technicians like FoamWorks is advisable. Our team of professionals is highly trained and experienced, meaning that you will get high-quality services the first time. We also respond to your call fast and work according to your schedule. We also charge reasonable fees without compromising on the quality of the services. Contact us today, and we shall restore your concrete to its original state or even leave it better.

4 Reasons My Concrete Should Be Lifted

 

Cracked sidewalk in need of concrete repair

Although concrete is a durable material used widely for building, it can sometimes experience shifts or cracks, especially when subjected to certain conditions. When damages occur concrete repair is often the solution. Instead of replacing concrete, you can consider lifting it whenever you see visible cracks, puddles, sinking slabs, and uneven concrete. Below are 4 top reasons your concrete should be lifted:

 

1. Reduce the risk of injury

If you’re a property owner, you’re responsible for keeping your tenants or clients safe at all times. Having a damaged or uneven slab increases the risk of slip and fall injuries. Therefore, you need concrete repair near me. Getting injury due to an uneven or damaged slab will bring unwanted liabilities to the family.

 

2. Easy and lasting solution

When your slab has some problems, there are increased chances of worsening in the near future. Therefore, it’s essential to lift your concrete slab immediately and prevent future hassles. If you use polyurethane foam, it’ll take a few hours to complete. Additionally, slabjacking is also less noisy and cleaner compared to removal and replacement.

 

3. Reduce the risk of water damage

A damaged, uneven or sunken concrete will cause water damage in your home. Concrete lifting can possibly reduce this risk, making you spend less money in various aspects, including foundation repair.

 

4. Less costly

Concrete lifting is typically less expensive compared to replacement. On average, the cost of slabjacking ranges between $500-$1,200. The cost varies based on the project size. On the other hand, if you decide to replace your entire concrete slab, you might spend twice or thrice on this cost. Again, if you replace the concrete slab, you will likely get cracks shortly.

 

In conclusion, these are the top reasons your concrete should be lifted. If you’ve decided to sell your property, you can also consider lifting concrete, as this will increase your home market value. Concrete repair Dallas, Texas should only be left to a professional contractor with the necessary skills and knowledge in handling the task.

level for construction

What to Expect When Having Concrete Leveled

Your home has never looked better than it does now, but if you’re looking for ways to improve its aesthetics even more, then adding concrete leveling to your outdoor spaces may be the way to go. This simple improvement will give your yard a whole new look and make it easier for you to enjoy all of the amenities that come with living in this part of town. 

 

Concrete leveling is not limited to repairing cracked surfaces anymore; instead, you’ll notice more homeowners opting for this service because it is fast and efficient. Unlike other methods such as grinding, no particles are flying around at high speeds during the process, making it safe for use around children and pets which makes one wonder why they ever opted out in the first place! So what should you expect when having concrete leveled? If you want to know what improvements you can expect when having your concrete leveled, here are six things worth noting:

 

1) The Home’s Curb Appeal Will Be Enhanced

The first thing people notice about your home is the overall curb appeal. A good-looking front lawn tells visitors that you take pride in how it looks. What could be nicer than taking out the grass and replacing the concrete flooring with something that looks like a polished dance floor? If you want to make your outdoor spaces more interesting, then consider concrete leveling. It will give your home an amazing appearance and make it look more modern than it has before.

 

2) You Can Enjoy High-Quality Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living is all about making memories with family and friends. This is why concrete leveling is getting so much attention these days. It can help turn concrete patios into beautiful outdoor rooms where people can enjoy just sitting around talking or singing songs near the fire pit after dinner. You’ll love being outside now that you have flat concrete instead of bumpy concrete.

 

3) No More Bumps in the Walkway

Who loves tripping over concrete bumps? Nobody! If you have concrete that is “raised” in certain spots, then concrete leveling will fix this problem. The concrete guys can literally shave off the high areas so that everybody who steps onto your property walks across even concrete all day long.

 

4) It’s Not Expensive to Add Concrete Leveling

Concrete leveling may be a bit more expensive than just pouring concrete into place, but it’s well worth the money. You can enjoy all of these great benefits without having to spend thousands and thousands of dollars on improving your outdoor spaces. Prices vary depending on the size and scope of the project, but you can expect to pay $1 per square foot or less for this service, which is far cheaper than concrete installation.

 

5) Concrete Leveling Will Last a Long Time

Concrete leveling is not like concrete pouring. This concrete treatment lasts four times longer, which means that you won’t need to worry about it for at least 15 years or so. If you care about the overall appearance of your property, then this service will pay off dividends over time as it keeps on looking great year after year without any deterioration.

 

6) It’s Easy to Install and Maintain

You don’t have to be a professional concrete contractor in order to install concrete leveling or attend to any problems associated with this service. You just need some basic do-it-yourself knowledge and you can handle it yourself, even if you’re working on concrete that is hundreds of square feet. If concrete leveling ever starts to wear down – for example, if concrete raising becomes a problem – then you can always pour concrete into place and replace it with something brand new.

 

Now that you know what concrete leveling has to offer, it’s probably a good idea for you to invest in our services. Contact concrete experts today! You can enjoy concrete leveling for at least 15 years, which gives you plenty of time to make concrete leveling a success in your home.

 

parking lot aerial view

Why You Need To Fix Your Parking Lot?

The cost to fix your parking lot is not the only thing you should consider when deciding whether or not to fix it. The safety of your employees and customers is also an important factor. As well as how quickly you can get the job done, depending on what condition your parking lot is in. Fixing a parking lot should be at the top of every business owner’s list because its benefits outweigh any drawbacks by far. A poorly maintained parking lot has consequences for all aspects of a company’s operations, so fixing it can save money in other areas while keeping everyone safe and happy. The following are reasons why is it Important to Fix Your Parking Lot:

 

  1. Provide safe and easy access to your business through the parking lot

A smooth, well-maintained parking lot provides your customers with a safe, convenient place to park while they are visiting your business. If the lot is potholed or cluttered with equipment, it will deter customers from visiting in the first place and cause accidents if they do.

 

  1. Ensure a first impression that reflects well on your business

In addition to being a safe place to park, your parking lot should be attractive and carefully designed for easy entry and exit from the space. When you build or renovate your parking lot, design it in a way that reflects positively on your business and what it has to offer.

 

  1. Avoid liability issues, fines, and damage to vehicles

Potholes, broken pavement, and other hazards in your parking lot can cause major problems if they lead to accidents or injuries, so it’s important to maintain the area carefully. If you fail to properly maintain the area around your business or do not provide sufficient warning of dangerous conditions, you could face fines and lawsuits.

 

  1. Ensure that your facility is ADA compliant

If you have an older parking lot that does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it must be made to do so as soon as possible, or you can face expensive lawsuits down the line. According to the law, anyone who owns a place of public accommodation must ensure that disabled individuals are able to access goods and services at least as easily as other customers. Parking lots should meet specific requirements for the width of accessible parking spaces, slopes, and more.

 

  1. Make your business run efficiently

A well-maintained parking lot will ease traffic flow in and out of your business, making it easier for staff members to park when they arrive and for customers to exit when they leave. If the lot is constantly jammed with cars, employees will not be able to find spaces in which to park. Parking lots that are designed well also allow your business to run more smoothly by encouraging traffic flow into, around, and out of your business.

 

  1. Keep pace with modern designs for parking lots

Years ago, businesses often favored asphalt or even dirt surfaces rather than concrete or brick because the latter two materials were considered too expensive. Now, however, many businesses choose to build new parking lots using high-quality pavement materials, including concrete pavers, brick pavers, and interlocking pavers because these take little maintenance while adding a beautiful touch of color or pattern to any commercial property.

 

  1. Easily accommodate deliveries in the parking lot

If you receive regular shipments, the best way to ensure that your parking lot can handle these vehicles is to choose materials that facilitate easy entry and exit. For example, if you plan to use a curb cut as part of your delivery process, it’s important to strengthen the surrounding pavement so that heavy trucks will not cause damage.

 

  1. Protect the value of your business

One reason for making sure that your facility is ADA compliant has nothing to do with customers: It also protects the investment and value of your business and property. According to federal law, all commercial facilities must be accessible by disabled individuals unless businesses provide “the same degree” of access for those who need special accommodations as they do for everyone else. If it is not possible to provide equal access, it must be offered at a different price or otherwise made available.

 

  1. Keep your commercial property in good shape

If your commercial parking lot looks poorly maintained and cluttered, customers may assume that the same is true of the inside of your business as well–and they will find someplace else to go. In addition, if you have been cited for failure to maintain ADA-compliant facilities on your property, federal law requires that these citations be posted on websites such as Fines.gov. In other words, customers who have bad experiences with your business by being unable to reach or buy from you will know it.

 

At the end of the day, a parking lot is an expensive investment. Make sure to take care of it so that you can get as much out of your space as possible and avoid costly parking lot repairs in the future. 

 

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!