Concrete leveling is a process of using a liquid to raise the sunken concrete and fill voids under your concrete. The product used in this process is called PolyLevel, produced by Supportworks. It is a polymer that expands as it cures, raising the concrete slabs back to their original level. This leveling process has been used in the industry for over 20 years, but has only recently become popular with homeowners because of its cost-effectiveness and ability to be installed quickly.
The following article provides you with a step-by-step guide on what to expect from the concrete leveling process. It is an easy-to-read outline that breaks down the project into small tasks so you can get a better understanding of the overall installation.
This page will cover:
PHASE 1: PREPARATION
PHASE 2: INJECTION & CLEANING
PHASE 3: CURING & FINISHING
PHASE 1: PREPARATION
Before starting any work, our crews will walk around your property to locate any problem areas where your concrete has settled or sunken. They will then mark these areas with spray paint so they are easy to identify during the installation process.
The concrete leveling process is a fairly straightforward undertaking, but it’s important to understand the steps that are taken, what you can expect, and what preparations should be made.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the process from start to finish.
What Is Concrete Leveling?
Concrete leveling is a common term used for a variety of processes that lift and level sunken concrete. There are two main methods used to lift and level sunken concrete: slabjacking and foam leveling. Each of these methods involves filling in the void below the slab with some type of material – either a cementitious grout or an expanding polyurethane foam that raises your concrete back up to its original position.
Once the concrete is lifted and leveled, it will be able to support weight again and be more resilient against future sinking.
Concrete lifting is a lot like filling a tire with air. We use special equipment to inject a mixture of water, sand and cement under the concrete slab. The pressurized mixture expands beneath the slab, lifting it up and filling any voids in the soil below.
The process is called mudjacking, or pressure grouting. It’s relatively quick, and it’s much more affordable than removing and replacing concrete slabs that have settled.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from the leveling process:
1. We’ll drill holes into the concrete slab that need to be lifted. Usually, we drill about one hole for every square foot of concrete.
2. We’ll pump our grout mixture into those holes until it fills the voids beneath your slab and lifts it up to its proper position.
3. When we’re done, we’ll patch up those holes so they’re barely noticeable (or not noticeable at all).
That’s it! You can walk or drive on your new concrete surface as soon as we clean up our equipment and patch the holes where we injected the grout mixture
A-1 Concrete Leveling and Foundation Repair has a network of locally owned and operated concrete contractors across the US. Find your local contractor here.
Our trained professionals will use a special product to inject beneath your concrete, lifting and leveling the slab by filling in the voids with expanding foam.
Before starting the process, our technician will go over what to expect during the job and answer any questions you may have.
To start the leveling process:
1. Holes are drilled in existing slab.
2. Foam is injected beneath the concrete slab, raising it to the desired level.
3. Compaction is performed on the foam to ensure proper adhesion and stability of the slab.
4. Slab is smoothed out and holes are patched for a seamless look.
Concrete leveling is a very common problem for homeowners who have concrete foundations or concrete driveways. As soil beneath the concrete foundation settles, it causes the concrete slab to sink or settle. This can be a major problem because it creates uneven and unsafe surfaces, drainage issues in some cases, and significantly diminishes the curb appeal of your home.
There are many options available to homeowners who have problems with their sinking concrete. The most common solution is mudjacking. Mudjacking is a process in which a drilling expert drills small holes into the sunken concrete and uses pressurized hydraulic cement to fill the voids created by soil settlement. This results in a more level, safe surface that can be used immediately following the repair. Mudjacking has been used for over 100 years and is one of the least expensive ways to fix sinking concrete.
Another option is polyurethane foam leveling. Polyurethane foam leveling uses lightweight polyurethane foam that expands underneath your slab and lifts it back into place above soil settlement. The benefits of using polyurethane foam are that it is less messy than traditional mudjacking and can support more weight per cubic yard than traditional mudjacking slurry. However, there are some drawbacks to using polyurethane
Concrete lifting and leveling is a quick, convenient, and cost-effective method for repairing damaged concrete. The process involves drilling five-eighth inch holes into the concrete slab. Holes are drilled approximately every two feet. Slabjacking material is then injected under the surface of the concrete through these holes. This method lifts the slab back to its original position and level.