Concrete is hardwearing and long-lasting, which is why so many property owners use it for their surfacing needs. However, just like any other construction material, it’s also vulnerable to wear, tear, and other issues.
One common problem that homeowners deal with is sunken concrete. When concrete slabs on a driveway, walkway, or patio sink, they not only develop ugly cracks but also create trip hazards and, in worse cases, structural damage. This is why it’s critical to enlist polyurethane concrete lifting services as soon as possible.
Having professionals stabilize your concrete helps you enhance the appearance of your property and keep everyone safe from tripping accidents. However, this leads to the important question: how much does polyurethane concrete lifting cost? More importantly, does this concrete leveling process work? We’ll delve into some estimated figures and answer these questions below.
What Is Polyurethane Concrete Lifting?
Also referred to as polyjacking, this concrete lifting method uses a specialized solution that creates a high-density, geo-technical expanding foam that’s rigid enough to lift and stabilize concrete.
Many property owners prefer polyurethane concrete lifting because it only requires smaller and fewer injection holes on the existing concrete slab. Despite being lighter than sand or slurry used in other lifting methods, polyurethane foam is effective at filling voids and does not easily break down over time.
Polyurethane foam concrete lifting can be used on:
- Home foundations
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Garage floors
- Patios
- Pool decks
How Much Does Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Cost?
Polyurethane concrete lifting is an economical solution that can save you around 75 percent compared to tearing out and replacing your old concrete. Home Advisor’s estimates show that it can cost around $6 to $25 per square foot, but the overall expenses can be affected by factors such as:
- The void or gap to be filled. The general idea is that bigger voids or gaps need more polyfoam to raise the slabs to a normal level. Consequently, the greater the elevation to be done, the higher the cost of materials and labor.
- Access to the work area. Concrete lifting projects done in easily accessible areas simplify setup, potentially reducing costs. On the other hand, same-size projects at hard-to-reach locations, such as the back of a house or a tight space, can make it difficult for repairers to access the concrete slabs to be raised, therefore driving time and labor costs.
- Nearby drainage issues. Drainage issues can cause poor drainage and soil erosion over time, making concrete sink. Failing to identify and address any nearby issues before having your slab lifted will only keep the problem coming back – forcing you to enlist concrete leveling services repeatedly.
Nevertheless, polyurethane foam concrete lifting is an affordable solution that can save you from the stress, disruption, and added expenses associated with replacing broken concrete. To get specific answers to questions like, “How much does concrete lifting cost?” it’s a good idea to take advantage of companies that offer free inspections and estimates.
How Does Concrete Lifting Work?
Compared to traditional concrete replacement and mudjacking, concrete lifting with polyurethane foam is fast, simple, and minimally invasive.
Technicians start by drilling penny-sized holes through the concrete slabs and into the subgrade. A tapered delivery port is then inserted into the holes, where the injection gun will be connected. These devices deliver the polymer lifting solution to the voids underneath the slab. Technicians use incremental injections to ensure accurate results.
Polyurethane foam expands within seconds as it cures, compacting loose soil, creating a solid base for your concrete, and raising the slabs back to a level position. Once done, the pumps are removed, the holes are filled with grout or concrete, and the work area is cleaned up.
The most significant advantage of polyurethane concrete lifting is that the lifting foam only takes minutes to fully cure. This means your sunken concrete driveway or walkway can be stabilized in less than an hour – and you can use the space again immediately.
Reasons to Use Polyurethane Concrete Lifting
Here are some reasons why polyurethane foam is one of the best concrete lifting solutions available.
- It Can Be Done Within an Hour
Polyurethane foam injected beneath your slab only takes 15 minutes to cure or harden. Moreover, the whole project can be done within an hour, allowing you to use your concrete surfaces again in no time.
This is far more convenient than waiting days for mudjacking slurry or a newly poured concrete slab to dry.
- It Offers a Permanent Solution
Polyurethane concrete lifting compresses the soil supporting concrete slabs. This fixes the root cause of your sunken concrete problem rather than simply lifting the slabs, which consequently offers a more permanent solution than traditional leveling methods.
- It’s Non-Invasive and Non-Disruptive
Only dime-sized holes are needed to pump the foam under your concrete driveway or patio. This means you won’t have to worry about heavy equipment or noisy machinery tearing up your driveway or yard.
With minimal equipment and time for setting up, polyjacking restores your concrete surfaces without disrupting your routine or schedule.
- It Uses Lightweight Foam
Does concrete lifting work in stabilizing concrete? If you’re considering polyurethane concrete lifting, you can rest assured that the process won’t cause your slabs to sink again. The foam that compacts the soil supporting your concrete only weighs around 2 to 4 pounds per cubic foot.
That’s far lighter than mudjacking slurry, which usually weighs around 100 pounds per cubic foot. The weight of the mixture in traditional mudjacking often causes slabs to sink further when the soil beneath them can’t support the load.
- It Helps Prevent Erosion
Polyurethane foam is inert and waterproof, which means it remains still and will not get washed away, even if in contact with water. It also helps seal the bottom of the foundation to prevent water seepage and, ultimately, secure your concrete surfaces from erosion.
Get Your Concrete Surfaces Back to Normal With Expert Help
Polyurethane concrete lifting is an affordable, time-efficient, and effective method for fixing sunken concrete. It can help you save as much as 75 percent compared to getting a complete concrete replacement and allow you to use the repaired area within an hour after the repair job.
The average cost of lifting concrete starts at $6 to $7 per pound of polyurethane foam, and factors like your location, the gap to be filled, and nearby drainage issues can affect the overall price. Your best bet is to request a free quote from your trusted contractor to better understand how much your concrete lifting project would cost.
If you know it’s time to fix the uneven slabs in your home, The Driveway Company is here to help. Our trained team uses eco-friendly, commercial-grade products to level your concrete surfaces. More importantly, we repair cracks and caulk joints to keep water out and prevent your concrete from sinking again.
Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free inspection or learn more about concrete lifting. We’d love to help restore your concrete areas to safe and enjoyable spaces for you and your loved ones.