When concrete slabs begin to sink or crack, homeowners and property managers start searching for a solution. Concrete leveling is a repair method that saves the day without demanding a full replacement of the concrete surface.
New life can be breathed into a weary concrete surface through strategic leveling. With the right techniques and attention to detail, we can revive even the most jaded properties and transform them into havens of beauty and functionality.
How Long Does Concrete Leveling Last?
The longevity of concrete leveling depends on a lot of factors. This isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” situation.
Generally, though, a well-executed concrete leveling job can last for a pretty good stretch, up to 10 to 20 years or more on average.
Think of it like getting a filling in your teeth. It is designed to be a long-lasting fix, and often it is. But things can affect that longevity over time. Just like poor dental hygiene can impact your fillings, there are several factors that could make concrete leveling fail.
What Makes Concrete Leveling Fail?
There are various concrete leveling methods that can be used to fix sinking concrete surfaces, but it won’t always make sure that a repair will last a long time. It’s not that concrete leveling isn’t up to the task, there are some factors that affect the longevity of concrete leveling.
1. Settling Soil
Settling soil is kind of like that annoying friend who always cancels on you at the last minute. You thought things were solid, then boom, everything shifts, and you’re left dealing with the aftermath. In construction, we talk about expansive clay soils. They are notorious for absorbing water and ballooning up like a pufferfish. Then, when things dry out, they shrink, and you’ve got voids under your concrete slabs. It’s that cycle of expansion and contraction that causes a lot of issues and can lead to your previously leveled concrete becoming uneven again.
2. Inadequate Compaction
Properly preparing the area beneath concrete is as essential as making sure your foundation is solid. When fresh concrete is poured for driveways, walkways, or any other slab, it relies on a strong and properly compacted base. But sometimes, there are pockets of air or loose soil left underneath, almost like hidden sinkholes waiting to happen.
Over time, the weight of your concrete and everyday use can cause these areas to cave in. So it’s really about making sure the sub-base is rock-solid before laying any concrete. That goes for original construction as well as any repair work. Working with experienced contractors will help you avoid this problem.
3. Poor Drainage
Water damage can wreak havoc on concrete surfaces. And this isn’t just about surface cracks; what happens underneath matters, too. Excess water can erode the soil, cause shifting and movement, and wash away the materials that are meant to support your leveled concrete. The good news is there are things we can do to make sure water goes where it’s supposed to and doesn’t become Public Enemy No. 1 for your driveway.
4. Extreme Weather
Even good old Mother Nature can affect the longevity of your leveled concrete. Extreme weather changes (think harsh winters, heavy rains, drought, and even seismic activity) can put stress on leveled concrete and cause sinking and cracking.
2 Common Concrete Leveling Methods
There are many different methods of concrete leveling. Each one works best for different cases. Here are 2 of the most common concrete leveling methods:
1. Slab Jacking
This process has been around for decades. Slab jacking is effective in filling in holes or spaces that appear under concrete, and some even say it is a permanent solution. It’s also called ‘mudjacking’. This traditional method lifts the sunken concrete up by using a special grout-like mixture, often a blend of materials like soil, cement, sand, and even crushed limestone. This concrete repair method involves pumping this thick slurry under your settled concrete through a series of strategically drilled holes to basically shove it back up to where it’s supposed to be.
2. Polyurethane Foam Jacking
This uses high-density, expanding polyurethane foam. It is often referred to as polyjacking or even foam jacking. Unlike heavier concrete-based slurry, polyurethane injection foam expands and flows into every nook and cranny, perfect for completely filling those voids and providing robust support. It is important to make sure that the compound you select for a polyurethane injection repair process is rated for structural and void fill.
4 Tips for Long-Lasting Concrete Leveling Repairs
To get the most out of your concrete leveling, proper maintenance is a must. Here are a few tips:
- Seal the slab regularly to prevent water infiltration.
- Fix any cracks or spalling as soon as possible.
- Make sure downspouts drain away from the slab.
- Avoid putting heavy loads on the slab edges.
FAQs
Choose Crossroads for Lasting Repairs
No repair is immune to the tests of time or the quirks of the planet, but using a good repair process, high-quality materials, proper preparation techniques, and a reliable contractor gives your concrete a fighting chance. Don’t let cracked slabs or uneven concrete stress you out. A solid fix can help you enjoy years of flat and fantastic concrete.
At Crossroads Foundation Repair, we have teams of dedicated experts with years of extensive experience fixing homes with long-lasting solutions. No matter what problems you’re facing with your foundation or concrete structures, we will set you up with the right lasting solution– without breaking the bank.
Call us today for a FREE inspection.
