Need Concrete Lifting in Portland, ME? Follow These Tips
Are you concerned with ugly and unsafe concrete around your Portland, ME, home? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Problems like cracking, sinking, or settling concrete surfaces are common here due to the climate, vulnerability to flooding, and other factors.
You don’t have to live with these issues any longer. The good news is that they can be repaired with methods like concrete lifting.
Concrete lifting installations raise structures, including driveways, porches, and sidewalks, to their original position, reducing trip hazards and boosting curb appeal. However, there are a few things you should know before choosing this repair method. Read some concrete lifting tips below.
How Do I Know If I Need Concrete Lifting?
Concrete is used throughout properties in Portland because of its strength and durability. However, it’s still vulnerable to wear and tear and other damage. Your home could benefit from concrete lifting if you notice these common concrete damage problem signs:
- Driveway cracks and unevenness
- Cracking and uneven sidewalk slabs
- Pool deck slabs that don’t match up
- Basement floor or slab foundation cracks
- Sinking concrete patio
- Cracking and uneven porch
- Uneven concrete steps
- Garage floor cracks
Still unsure what your concrete is trying to tell you? Don’t panic; these problems can be tricky to diagnose. If you notice multiple problems or simply want peace of mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to local concrete repair professionals for a thorough inspection and accurate diagnosis.
What Causes Concrete Damage?
Concrete cracking, sinking, and settling can happen for many reasons. However, environmental factors in Portland are often the culprit.
You may have concrete damage because of the following:
Soil Erosion
Portland receives an average of 47.25 inches of precipitation every year, which is far more than the national average. After heavy rain, groundwater can erode the soil underneath your concrete slabs, causing them to become unstable.
Flooding
Both coastal and river flooding are common in Portland, with the Presumpscot River posing a significant flood risk for nearby homeowners. Flood water can wash away the soil beneath concrete, resulting in movement and cracks.
Freeze-thaw Cycles
Freeze-thaw cycles are typical in Portland during the winter and early spring. These happen when water from rainfall and snowmelt enters the pores in concrete, freezes, and expands, potentially resulting in surface damage.
Tree Roots
Red oaks, maples, and other trees with large root systems in Portland may shift the soil under concrete.
Groundworks can inspect your concrete structures and determine the root cause of damage around your home. We’ll then recommend repair solutions that solve the issue at hand.
How Do I Choose the Right Concrete Lifting Method?
Various concrete lifting techniques can help restore stability on your property, including:
Polyurethane Foam Injections
Most concrete repair specialists prefer this technique over traditional methods. It involves injecting high-density polyurethane foam through small holes drilled in concrete slabs. When the foam expands, it fills voids and lifts the slabs.
Groundworks’ PolyRenewal™ solution doesn’t wash away or damage the environment, making it a superior alternative to other concrete repair methods. It also cures in just 15 minutes, so you can use your concrete structures again shortly after installation.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking involves pumping a mixture of water, soil, and cement underneath concrete surfaces and lifting them to their original level. The problem with this method is that it’s time-consuming, messy, and invasive. For example, the mudjacking material can take up to 72 hours to dry and may damage your landscape and the surrounding environment.
Other repair methods include complete concrete slab removal and repouring or replacement. While you’ll have a new slab in place, it typically suffers the same damage over time because of failure to address the root cause.
What are the Benefits of Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting should be a quick and painless process that reinforces your Portland home’s structures without disruption to your daily life. Here are other benefits of this repair method:
- Improve Curb Appeal: Cracked, uneven concrete doesn’t look great, especially if you’re trying to sell your home. Investing in concrete lifting can improve the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
- Boost Home Value: Lifting damaged concrete enhances your property’s worth and makes it more appealing to buyers.
- Remove Trip Hazards: Uneven concrete is dangerous, especially if you have children or older adults in your home. Concrete lifting creates more stable surfaces, protecting your loved ones.
Why Choose Groundworks for Concrete Lifting in Portland?
Concrete is used for many interior and exterior surfaces throughout Portland homes, and it needs to be safe for everyone. You don’t have to worry about unsightly and uneven concrete areas once they have been repaired properly.
Groundworks understands local environmental factors that may lead to concrete damage on your property. Whatever the root cause of your problem, our experienced team can lift your concrete and create a safer living environment for your family. We offer free, no-obligation inspections, so get in touch with one of our friendly team members today.
Concrete Lifting FAQs
Concrete lifting works for a wide range of concrete structures, from small residential projects to large commercial or industrial applications. However, if the concrete is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely.
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.
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.
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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.