Concrete Leveling Dallas fills voids under sinking concrete slabs to return them to an even position. This repair method is ideal for driveways, patios, porches, and more.
Uneven concrete in your driveway or garage isn’t just an eyesore; it can also damage your car and be dangerous for those using the area. Fortunately, there are affordable options to fix the issue without replacing it.
Concrete leveling using polyurethane foam injections is a cost-effective, quick, and durable alternative to traditional concrete replacement methods. With most jobs completed in a few hours, this method offers several advantages over digging up and replacing sunken slabs such as sidewalks, driveways, patios, and garage floors. In this blog post, we discuss why concrete becomes unlevel, how the process of leveling concrete with foam works, and the benefits of choosing this innovative repair technique.
The process of leveling concrete with polyurethane foam injections begins with a thorough inspection of the damaged area and an examination of soil conditions surrounding the slab. Once the technician has determined the best course of action, small holes are drilled into the concrete in strategic locations. Polyurethane is then injected through these holes, where it expands and fills voids. This allows the technician to raise the concrete back to its original height and prevent future damage.
Unlike the older mudjacking method, the polyurethane foam does not need to be compacted, leaving a stronger and more enduring slab. Moreover, the foam can be adjusted to meet specific geotechnical requirements, including displacing underground water.
This versatility makes concrete lifting with polyurethane a preferred solution for both commercial and residential settings. It is particularly useful in places that require high levels of efficiency and stability, such as warehouse floors or industrial sites with heavy machinery.
If your concrete slab is cracking, sinking, or uneven, it can be dangerous and unsightly. In addition to tripping hazards, unlevel concrete can also steal value from your property and make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors. Fortunately, cutting-edge concrete leveling technologies such as polyurethane foam injections can help you get rid of these unsightly and dangerous problems in no time. In this blog post, we’ll explore how polyurethane foam injections work and their numerous benefits compared to other concrete repair techniques such as mudjacking.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking, also known as slab jacking, is a process that lifts concrete that has sunken over time. Mudjacking uses a combination of sand, cement and other materials to fill in voids and raise the concrete back up. The material used is pumped under the sunken concrete through holes that are drilled into it. The mixture of mud and cement is pushed under the sunken concrete using hydraulic pressure. Mudjacking can be a less expensive option than replacing the concrete altogether.
It is important to remember that mudjacking should only be done on concrete slabs that are still in good condition. If the concrete has been severely damaged by water or other factors, it may not be able to be lifted and will need to be replaced. Additionally, if the original concrete isn’t 4″ thick or has significant cracking or crumbling, it cannot be raised with this method.
The advantage of mudjacking is that it reuses the existing concrete, which helps save on cost and environmental impact. It also eliminates the need to match the new concrete with the rest of the existing slab, which can be a challenge and a tripping hazard.
Mudjacking can be performed in areas that are not accessible with other concrete leveling methods, such as when utility lines run through the area. It is important to have a professional evaluate the area and mark out any lines that could be affected by the work.
A reputable concrete leveling company will provide an estimate of the costs involved before beginning the project. This will include a breakdown of the price per square foot and the factors that influence pricing. For example, a professional will consider the depth of the voids under the slab as well as the amount of lifting needed to determine an accurate price for the service.
Both mudjacking and poly leveling can help with a range of concrete repair issues, such as uneven slabs, sinking or settling foundations, and void filling. However, a thorough evaluation of the extent of damage and the soil conditions will help determine which method is best for your home or business.
Self-Leveling Concrete
Concrete is an excellent material for floors and it looks great with a wide range of flooring materials. However, when concrete is uneven or cracked, it can become unsightly and present tripping hazards. Concrete leveling techniques, like polyurethane foam injections or self-leveling concrete, can help resolve these issues by creating a smooth and even surface for laying other flooring materials.
Unlike traditional concrete, which requires extensive mixing and pouring to achieve liquid consistency, self-leveling concrete is premixed and ready for use right out of the bucket. This saves time and money on labor costs while also providing a more consistent product. Self-leveling concrete is made from a mixture of cement, polymers, and sometimes fibers that work together to create a denser and stronger mix than regular concrete. This means that it can withstand heavier loads than traditional concrete and is an ideal solution for residential or commercial use.
Self-leveling concrete is easy to install and dries quickly. Once it has reached the desired thickness, it is spread with a gauge rake and lightly broken up using a tool called a smoother. Depending on the product used, it may be ready to use within a few hours and can be covered with carpet or other flooring materials as soon as it is dry.
A unique feature of self-leveling concrete is that it can be colored with additives to match the style of the floor. This allows homeowners and builders to customize the look of their new concrete floor to suit a particular design theme or complement existing flooring. In addition, this type of concrete can be installed with a lower cost than traditional concrete because it uses less cement and can be mixed with coarse rather than fine aggregate, making it more affordable to ship over long distances.
While self-leveling concrete is a great solution for many surfaces, it shouldn’t be used in areas where harsh chemicals or heavy machinery will be operating. While it will keep your floors looking great and safe to walk on, it won’t provide the same strength and resilience as traditional concrete.
Laticrete NXT Level Plus
The LATICRETE line of self-leveling underlayments (SLU) includes a variety of options for different installation scenarios. For example, NXT Level Plus is a high-performance SLU that can be poured directly over more compromised substrates than other SLU products, saving time and resources by eliminating extra steps in the process. It also offers a higher compressive strength and comes with Microban antimicrobial product protection, which reduces the growth of stain-causing bacteria.
It is a cement-based, free-flowing underlayment that provides a surface for the application of floor coverings. Its rapid setting formula can be placed from 1/8″ to 34″ in a single lift and is compatible with all types of flooring, including carpet, resilient and ceramic tile. NXT Level Plus is easy to work with and can be troweled smooth and scoured rough for proper bonding. It can be finished with a concrete sealer or pea gravel extension (consult LATICRETE Technical Services for guidelines).
Another SLU that is compatible with many different installation scenarios is NXT Level Flow. This dynamic entry-level SLU can be poured up to two inches thick and is effective at 1/8″ thin when poured over a moisture barrier, according to the manufacturer. It also has greater compressive strength than other SLUs and is equipped with Microban antimicrobial product protection.
Lastly, there is NXT Level Plus Lite, which is a premium lightweight SLU that can be used in projects with load-bearing concerns. It is designed to level a variety of interior plywood, OSB and gypsum substrates prior to the installation of floor coverings. Its low cured weight allows it to be moved around the jobsite more easily and can eliminate the need for staggered applications due to its high pour depth.