Concrete Leveling Bismarck lifts and evens sunken concrete surfaces, eliminating hazards and boosting aesthetics. It’s a quicker, less invasive alternative to replacing entire slabs.
However, it’s important to know how the process works and the best method to use in your home or business. This article will compare two of the most popular methods for lifting concrete: mudjacking and foam concrete leveling.
The structural integrity of commercial buildings and structures is paramount to maintaining a safe work environment, safeguarding occupants and extending the lifecycle of the building. Structural problems like settling concrete slabs can destabilize a structure, leading to costly repair and disruption. Fortunately, modern construction technology has provided innovative solutions that can address these issues with minimal inconvenience. One such solution is polyurethane foam injection, which uses a specialized formulation of polyurethane to effectively level and raise concrete slabs and foundations.
The injection process begins with an inspection of the affected area, which allows us to locate the appropriate injection points and determine the proper treatment. We then drill small holes through the surface of the slab, at which point we inject the specialized polyurethane mixture. The foam expands as it cures, filling the voids and lifting the slab back to its original level. After the injection process is complete, we clean and seal the injection holes to ensure a finished product that resists further damage.
Polyurethane is an extremely versatile material, exhibiting exceptional strength and flexibility. It is ideal for a variety of applications and environments, including wet conditions. Unlike epoxy patching, which is not suitable for wet or dynamic conditions, polyurethane provides a strong and durable repair that can resist movement while preventing water infiltration.
Another benefit of polyurethane is that it doesn’t require the use of a drill or heavy equipment, which can save time and money compared to other repair methods. Additionally, the injection process is quick, often completed within a few hours, and can be carried out from inside the building without the need for extensive excavation.
Lastly, polyurethane is impervious to water and can protect the underlying soil from moisture infiltration, which is a major cause of settling and sinking concrete slabs. This is particularly beneficial for structures that are in direct contact with the ground, such as building footings. The upward force of the expanding foam helps to compact and strengthen the soil, making it harder for water to penetrate and weaken it. As the foam cures, it creates a strong waterproof seal that prevents further infiltration and damage.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a concrete leveling method that involves pumping a mixture of mud, cement, and water beneath sunken concrete to lift it back to its original position. It’s a cost-effective and efficient alternative to other concrete repair methods and is ideal for uneven sidewalks, cracked patios, and sagging driveways. However, mudjacking is also more invasive than poly leveling and may take longer to complete.
When evaluating concrete leveling methods, property owners should consider the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. The key factors are the cost, speed, and durability of each solution. Property owners should also consider the long-term effectiveness and environmental impact of each solution.
The mudjacking process involves drilling holes around 2 inches in diameter into the sunken concrete slab and then pumping the slurry mixture underneath it to raise it up. The mixture fills the voids in the soil and provides strong support for the concrete, which reduces the risk of future settlement.
Unlike foam leveling, the slurry mixture used in mudjacking is made from natural materials and is non-toxic and biodegradable. This makes mudjacking an environmentally friendly option for those concerned with the environment. Additionally, mudjacking is fast and affordable, making it an attractive option for homeowners and businesses.
One downside of mudjacking is that the slurry mix can wash away over time, which leads to potential foundation problems. Additionally, mudjacking is less effective for raising larger concrete slabs than foam leveling and typically comes with a shorter warranty.
When it comes to concrete leveling, the choice between mudjacking and poly leveling depends on the severity of the problem and the budget. While mudjacking offers a cost-effective and traditional approach, poly leveling provides a more advanced and versatile solution that is ideal for certain situations.
Both mudjacking and poly leveling offer an effective way to level sunken concrete surfaces and restore them to their proper positions. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so property owners should evaluate each option to find the best solution for their needs. Contacting a knowledgeable concrete contractor can help them understand their options and determine the best repair solution for their specific situation.
TerraFirma
In recent years, contractors have moved away from the traditional method of concrete leveling known as mudjacking. This process involved pumping concrete slurry under the slab to lift it. However, this method resulted in unsightly voids and cracks in the surrounding surface. It also created a trip hazard, making homeowners and businesses liable in the event of an accident. Thankfully, you can now restore your concrete with a more modern solution called poly-jacking. This technique uses smaller injection holes and uses high-density polyurethane foam to fill in the voids and cracks. This method is more affordable than mudjacking and offers a permanent solution.
Unlike other dewatering systems, the terraFirma system combines water and air into a single unit that is able to remove large volumes of groundwater in a short period of time. The system can also be used in areas with varying soil types and conditions.
A new development in Boulder, Colorado is taking shape at 30th and Pearl St. It is a mixed-use project that includes office, residential, and retail spaces. The developer, Southern Land Company, worked with a team led by TerraFirma Earth Technologies to install temporary dewatering and groundwater treatment systems for the project. This project was unique because it required a high water table and complex geological conditions. Despite these challenges, the construction of the project was on schedule and within budget.
As more lands are protected under conservation easements, it is inevitable that there will be disputes over these rights. Whether it is with the original grantors of an easement or neighbors, these legal disputes can be very expensive. That’s why it is important for land trusts to have a robust legal defense fund available. Terrafirma is a nonprofit captive insurance company that provides this safety net for its members.
The company is owned by its members and managed by Alliance Risk Management Services LLC, which is a Vermont limited liability corporation. It is exempt from state and federal income tax as a “charitable risk pool” under Section 501(n) of the Internal Revenue Code. Members must be a member of the Land Trust Alliance in order to participate in the program.
PolyRenewal
Concrete leveling lifts and stabilizes sunken and uneven concrete surfaces. It also eliminates safety hazards and restores the structural integrity of the affected area. While leveling may not be as affordable as replacing damaged concrete entirely, it is significantly less expensive than repairing the damage and is often the best option for property owners. However, determining the cost of concrete leveling can be a challenge as the costs depend on a variety of factors. Contacting local concrete specialists and requesting a free inspection and quote can help homeowners weigh the pros and cons of different methods and choose the right one for their needs.
In general, the longer the concrete is used, the more likely it is to need leveling. This is particularly true for driveways, garage floors, and patios. These areas take a beating from vehicle traffic and foot traffic, which can cause the soil beneath to shift. Inspecting these surfaces regularly is the best way to catch problems before they worsen. Visible cracks, sloping, or heaving can be telltale signs of underlying issues. Uneven or cracked concrete can also create tripping or trip hazards. Sticking doors and windows are often caused by shifting concrete foundations.
One of the most common leveling methods is polyurethane foam injection. This process uses high-density, lightweight, structural-grade polymers to raise and stabilize concrete slabs. The polymers are injected into the concrete through small holes that are made in the surface of the concrete. The material expands to fill the voids in the surrounding soil. The foam is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and durable solution that lasts for the lifetime of the concrete.
Other options for leveling include mudjacking and stone slurry grout leveling. This technique uses a mixture of crushed stone and water to raise and stabilize concrete. This method is more affordable than polyurethane foam leveling, but it can be susceptible to soil conditions and may not fully fill voids in the surrounding soil. Additionally, mudjacking can require large holes and add significant weight to the surrounding soil. It can also be more difficult to control the height of the concrete than polyurethane foam leveling.
