The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Leveling in Fort Wayne, IN
Sinking sidewalks, shifting driveways, and other uneven concrete structures look unsightly and could be a major trip and fall hazard. That’s why you should consider leveling concrete slabs and restoring them to their original position. Doing so can improve curb appeal, preserve your home’s worth, and increase the safety of guests and loved ones.
But what does concrete leveling involve? When do you need it? And how much does it cost? Learn more below.
What Is Concrete Leveling?
Despite being a powerful material, concrete can deteriorate over time. Environmental conditions in Fort Wayne, IN, often contribute to this issue.
Take clay soils, for example, which are common in our part of the world. This soil type expands when wet and contracts when dry, potentially causing concrete slabs to shift and lose their stability. Freeze-thaw cycles, which occur frequently during the winter months, also cause concrete to move and become uneven.
Concrete leveling can overcome these challenges. It involves correcting uneven concrete slabs and restoring them to a more stable state. This prevents trips and falls and creates a more aesthetically pleasing property.
When Do You Need Concrete Leveling?
You might need concrete leveling if your concrete slabs are sinking, settling, tilting, or are at a different height than other surfaces.
Uneven concrete often accompanies other problems, such as:
- Concrete cracks
- Sinking concrete foundation
- Slab foundation cracks
- Uneven floors
- Basement wall cracks
Serving Fort Wayne, Allen County, and the surrounding areas, Groundworks specializes in a concrete repair service that benefits local homeowners. If you notice any of the signs above, contact one of our team immediately. We can inspect your concrete and recommend repair solutions tailored to your needs and budget.
How Does Polyurethane Foam Level Concrete?
One of the most popular concrete lifting techniques is polyurethane foam. It’s an alternative to mudjacking and other outdated repair methods. A concrete repair specialist can inject this foam under your concrete slabs to lift and potentially level them, resulting in a more even look.
Groundworks’ PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam expands to around 15 times its original volume after application, which can fill voids under concrete and possibly restore slabs to their original position. PolyRenewal™ cures quickly, doesn’t wash away, and won’t do any damage to your yard or the environment.
Our installation process for PolyRenewal™ is as follows:
- Drilling small holes into your concrete slabs
- Inserting injection ports into the holes
- Injecting PolyRenewal™ into the injection ports
- Waiting for the foam to expand and fill voids under your concrete slabs
- Removing the injection ports and sealing the holes, leaving no obvious signs of repair
Concrete Leveling Cost
The cost of concrete leveling depends on the method you use, the company you work with, the severity of concrete damage, and other factors.
Here are a few scenarios to consider:
- If you have larger surface areas that need leveling, such as an uneven driveway, expect the concrete leveling cost to be higher. Big areas often require more labor and materials, which can add to your bill.
- Minor concrete unevenness may only require small fixes, reducing the overall repair cost. Extensive concrete sinking, on the other hand, can cost more money to fix.
- Polyurethane foam cures much quicker than mudjacking, often in as little as 15 minutes. This can speed up repair work, resulting in a lower concrete leveling cost.
How Groundworks Restores Your Concrete
If your concrete is sinking, Groundworks can help. Our custom-engineered solutions, such as PolyRenewal™, potentially level concrete slabs, creating a safer living environment. Get in touch with our team today to learn more about uneven concrete repair.