Concrete Lifting in Northern New England
Cracked, sinking, or uneven concrete is a common issue in Northern New England, often caused by local soil conditions and weather patterns. Heavy rain, flooding, and freeze-thaw cycles can erode or shift the soil beneath driveways, sidewalks, and patios, leading to unstable surfaces over time.
Modern concrete lifting techniques restore surfaces without major disruption to your yard or the environment. Keep reading to learn how this solution works and why it’s well-suited for homes in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusetts.
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting is the process of raising and leveling cracked or uneven concrete slabs. This modern solution improves safety by eliminating trip hazards, enhances the appearance of your outdoor space, and can even add value to your home.
In the past, concrete lifting was typically done using mudjacking, a messy, invasive, and costly process. Today, the preferred method involves injecting a polyurethane foam beneath the slab. This approach is more effective because it targets the underlying cause of the damage, offering a longer-lasting and less disruptive solution.
What Causes Concrete Damage in Northern New England?
You may notice cracked, sinking, or uneven concrete slabs, but not know what’s causing the problem. Lasting solutions start with identifying and addressing the underlying cause.
The most common factors behind concrete damage include:
Soil Erosion
After periods of heavy rain, which are common in New Hampshire, water can wash away the soil beneath concrete slabs, leading to movement and cracking. For example, Manchester receives an average of 42.05 inches of precipitation each year, a figure that’s expected to rise with ongoing climate change.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Northern New England frequently experiences freeze-thaw cycles during winter and early spring. These occur when water from rain or snowmelt seeps into the concrete, freezes, and expands, putting pressure on the material. Over time, this process can lead to surface damage such as cracking in concrete slabs.
Heavy Loads
Although not unique to Northern New England, heavy loads place extreme pressure on concrete, resulting in damage. For example, large commercial vehicles might cause a concrete driveway to crack.
Growing Tree Roots
Trees with extensive root systems native to Northern New England, including maple and birch trees, cause soil movement beneath the concrete as the roots absorb the soil’s moisture and cause voids.
Flooding
Flood water from rivers like the Merrimack and the Connecticut might wash away the soil under concrete in nearby properties, causing it to lose stability.
When Do You Need Concrete Lifting?
Your home may benefit from concrete lifting services if you notice the following:
Groundworks offers free inspections to determine the right repair solution for your New England home based on your needs and budget.
Groundworks’ Process for Concrete Lifting
Groundworks’ PolyRenewal polyurethane foam injections are a cost-effective and durable solution for homeowners in Northern New England.
Our installation process involves:
- Drilling small holes into concrete slabs, allowing us to access the space under the concrete
- Injecting the high-density commercial-grade foam into these holes
- Waiting for the foam to expand under the slab, fill voids, and potentially lift the concrete back to its original level
- Filling in the drilled holes and smoothing the concrete surface, leaving no obvious signs of repair
PolyRenewal cures in 15 minutes, with complete installation requiring only a few hours. The repair offers same-day use of the treated concrete. This process is much quicker than the material used in mudjacking, which requires up to 72 hours to dry.
Trust Groundworks for Concrete Repairs in Northern New England
Restore the look and safety of your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or patio with our proven concrete lifting solution. Backed by local expertise and a commitment to quality service, we’ll help you address the underlying cause of the problem and achieve long-lasting results.
Contact our team today to schedule your free inspection and see how we can help.
Concrete Lifting FAQs
PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting is a lasting solution for uneven, sinking concrete. The eco-friendly polyurethane foam gently lifts slabs, fills gaps, and stabilizes the soil beneath, providing a reliable and lasting solution for your home.
The costs of concrete lifting vary based on project-specific details like the size of the concrete area and the severity of the damage. PolyRenewal™ injections are cost-effective compared to complete slab replacement or DIY installations. Contact a local professional for a free concrete inspection and estimate.
The effectiveness of concrete lifting in repairing cracks varies based on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the lifting process can significantly diminish their visibility. In some cases, the elevation of the concrete may be sufficient to completely close small cracks.
However, when dealing with extensive or severe cracks, lifting alone may not be adequate. In such instances, complete replacement of the concrete section might be the only viable solution to fully address the problem.
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