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The Power of Polyrenewal: The Proven Solution for Lifting and Repairing Concrete

polyrenewal injection in driveway

In Memphis, the expansive clay soil type expands when wet and contracts when dry. This constant movement causes concrete to shift, crack, and become uneven over time. The combination of your area’s soil type, extreme weather fluctuations, heavy rainfall, and poor drainage systems creates a recipe for concrete damage – signaling that your home may need professional concrete repair.

If you’ve started to notice concrete cracks or an uneven sidewalk or driveway, it’s not just an eyesore, but it’s also a safety hazard and a potential indicator of deeper structural issues. It’s important to understand the potential causes and the risks of leaving your concrete cracks untreated. But don’t worry – we’ll explain how our poly solution can lift, repair, and stabilize your concrete while restoring your home’s appearance.

What Are The Signs That Your Concrete Needs Repair? 

  • Cracked or unlevel driveway
  • Sunken or cracked pool deck
  • Breaks or gaps in concrete patio or porch
  • Split or sunken sidewalk
  • Fractured or uneven slabs

How Did Your Concrete Damage Occur?

  • Soil Displacement: Both soil washout and soil erosion involve the displacement of soil. Soil washout refers to the rapid removal of soil due to heavy rain, flooding, or poor drainage. It often happens suddenly and can create voids beneath concrete, leading to sinking or cracking. Soil erosion is a slower, ongoing process where wind, water, or other natural forces gradually wear away the topsoil over time. This can weaken the ground’s stability and contribute to foundation issues.
  • Tree Roots: Tree roots can cause concrete damage by growing underneath or around it, exerting pressure that leads to cracking, lifting, and uneven surfaces. As roots expand, they displace soil, creating voids that weaken the concrete’s support.
  • Sinking Concrete Foundation: Whether there is too much weight on one side or not enough support on one side, a sinking concrete foundation is a problem. 
  • Poorly Poured Concrete: Improperly poured concrete can cause sinking, cracks, and uneven surfaces early on.
  • Too Much Weight on the Concrete: Excess weight on concrete, whether indoors or outdoors, can lead to cracks and sinking, especially soon after adding heavy items. This often causes localized damage in the affected areas.

Why Can’t You Fix Concrete Yourself?

Although some people may think they can tackle sidewalk leveling or driveway cracks on their own, common DIY materials often fail over time. Concrete patch mix is too rigid, causing cracks to reappear. Silicone caulk is easy to apply but lacks structural strength. Hydraulic cement hardens quickly but crumbles with soil shifts. Epoxy kits don’t address underlying soil instability, and masonry sealant only provides temporary surface coverage.

For a lasting concrete sidewalk repair, hiring a professional is the best choice. Our Memphis area experts will properly diagnose the issue by identifying the root cause and implementing a permanent solution – PolyRenewal™.

What Is Polyurethane Concrete Lifting?

Our advanced polyurethane, or “poly” foam injection method is PolyRenewal™, a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly solution for concrete repair that should only be installed by trained professionals. It requires a few small, dime-sized holes to lift and stabilize concrete quickly and effectively. 

Unlike traditional methods, poly cures in just 15 minutes, allowing you to use your driveway or sidewalk the same day. It’s waterproof, resistant to weather conditions, and won’t wash away or degrade like soil. Plus, it’s safe for the environment and doesn’t release harmful chemicals into your yard or water supply.

How Does PolyRenewal™ Work?

Holes are Drilled: 

Penny-sized holes are drilled for the team to inject the Polyrenewal solution, and at the end of the installation process, the holes are filled and become virtually invisible.

unlevel concrete driveway before poly injection

Insert Injection Ports: 

After drilling small holes, our crew sets up injection ports to transport poly beneath the concrete.

groundworks field working drilling small holes into concrete

Injection Begins:

The injection process follows, where PolyRenewal™ fills voids and hardens quickly, allowing you to use your driveway or sidewalk the same day. It’s a mess-free process that lifts your concrete back to its original position in no time.

concrete driveway lifted with polyrenewal

Seal and Smooth Injection Points: 

The small holes are filled and smoothed, and once complete, your concrete is restored to its original position with added support that resists weak soil.

leveled concrete driveway after poly injection
Groundworks Work Truck

Ready To Repair Your Concrete?

Our polyurethane concrete lifting method provides a long-lasting and reliable fix. It restores structural integrity and offers a professional, quick, cost-effective solution with minimal disruption. 

Polyurethane concrete lifting also helps prevent future damage by reinforcing the foundation against shifting soil and environmental wear. While built for durability, regular maintenance and inspections can provide added peace of mind. Our team is available to ensure your driveway, porch, pool deck, or sidewalk remains strong and stable. 

Get started with Groundworks by scheduling a free inspection with our local experts to assess your concrete concerns.

Yes, improper DIY repairs can worsen cracks by trapping moisture or failing to address the root cause, leading to more extensive damage.

It’s fast, strengthens the soil base, minimizes downtime, and eliminates the need for costly excavation. 

Uneven or sunken concrete can result from soil settling, erosion, or insufficient support beneath the slab.

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.