How To Fix Your Uneven Sidewalk Quickly
An uneven concrete sidewalk is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can be a serious trip hazard that results in an expensive lawsuit. That’s why you should let a concrete lifting specialist lift and level your sidewalk. The right professional can improve the appearance of your concrete slabs and make your property a safer place.
Below, learn what causes an uneven sidewalk and what repair solutions are available.
What Causes an Uneven Sidewalk?
The following things might cause a sidewalk to become uneven:
- Clay-rich soil: Soil with a lot of clay in it expands when it absorbs moisture and shrinks when it dries out, which can cause the ground under your sidewalk to move. This can lead to an uneven sidewalk.
- Erosion-prone soil: Some soil types, like sandy soil, are more vulnerable to erosion, causing voids to form under your sidewalk. When this happens, slabs can sink and become unlevel.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity from earthquakes might shift the soil under your home, contributing to an uneven sidewalk.
- Growing tree roots: When tree roots push up on your sidewalk, they can cause uneven slabs.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: Sudden temperature changes can cause soil to expand and push up on your sidewalk when it freezes and then contract when it thaws.
- Improper soil preparation: If soil wasn’t compacted properly before construction, your sidewalk could settle into the ground and lose its evenness over time.
Whatever the reason for your uneven sidewalk, taking quick action will ensure your property stays safe.
Why You Don’t Want an Uneven Sidewalk
An uneven sidewalk can increase the likelihood of slips and trips, putting pedestrians at risk. By working with a concrete lifting expert, you can make sure your sidewalk is no longer a safety hazard and protect yourself from any legal issues.
How to Lift and Level an Uneven Sidewalk With Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam injections are the best way to restore uneven sidewalks. As the foam hardens, it creates a waterproof barrier that stops erosion under your concrete slabs. It also lifts and levels your sidewalk, preventing trips and falls.
A professional concrete lifting expert like Groundworks can quickly inject this foam into your sidewalk. The whole process shouldn’t take more than a few hours, and you can use your sidewalk again shortly after application.
How Do Polyurethane Foam Injections Work?
Our process for lifting and leveling an uneven sidewalk with polyurethane foam is as follows:
- We start by drilling small holes into affected slabs on a sidewalk
- We inject our polyurethane foam under these slabs via the holes
- The foam begins to expand immediately, raising the slab into its original position
- We patch the holes with a compound that matches the color of the concrete, resulting in a natural look
- Sidewalk slabs are usable again just 15 minutes after the repair
How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Uneven Sidewalk?
The price you’ll pay to fix your uneven sidewalk depends on the following:
- The size of the area that needs lifting/leveling
- The severity of the damage
- Your location (concrete lifting is more expensive in some areas of the country than others)
You won’t know the exact cost of this job until you get an estimate from a concrete lifting professional. However, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$1,800 to fix a section of a sidewalk or walkway.
This price might be more than you thought. However, sidewalk lifting and leveling could generate a return on your investment by preserving your home’s value and improving the safety of your loved ones.
Polyurethane Foam Injections vs. Mudjacking
Mudjacking is an alternative concrete lifting method that’s been around for a long time. It involves injecting a mixture of sand, cement, and water under a concrete slab to lift it.
Polyurethane foam injections are quicker and more effective than mudjacking. The foam cures in as little as 15 minutes, doesn’t wash away, and won’t cause damage to your soil or the environment.
Choose Groundworks for Expert Concrete Lifting
Don’t let your uneven sidewalk threaten the safety and stability of your home.. Groundworks’ PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam can restore concrete to its original state, reducing trip hazards and boosting your home’s curb appeal. Contact us today to get started with a free inspection.
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Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.