Concrete lifting is a technique that can be used to address concrete slabs that have started to sink or settle. 

It’s very common for concrete to move over the course of time, especially when the soil beneath is prone to changes in moisture levels. Seasonal variations in the weather can cause settling and sinking, and concrete can also move if the soil compaction beneath is weak. 

If you have a concrete path, for example, you might be thinking of replacing the slabs that have shifted and sunk. The good news is that with concrete lifting, you don’t have to choose this option. 

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What exactly is concrete lifting?

 

Concrete lifting is a process that can be used to lift slabs or pieces of concrete that have moved due to changes in the composition or compaction of the soil or fluctuating moisture levels. If your driveway is made from concrete panels, for example, and some of the slabs are sunken, you end up with an uneven surface. This could potentially increase the risk of accidents, as well as having a negative impact on the aesthetic of the exterior of your home or business. While replacing concrete is an option, there is a more practical and cost-effective solution.

With concrete lifting, you can revitalize concrete patches to create a smooth, even surface. Concrete lifting produces impressive results in a matter of minutes, creating a base that is suitable for vehicle use after just 30 minutes.

What does concrete lifting involve?

 

Concrete lifting involves using polyurethane foam, which fills the cracks and gaps, causing the slab to lift. The foam is injected into pre-drilled holes. Once the foam starts to flow through the gaps underneath the surface of the concrete, it expands to fill any voids, pushing the slab upwards. When using high-strength polyurethane foam, the process takes minutes, and you can start enjoying the results almost immediately.

What are polyurethanes?

 

Polyurethanes are versatile, lightweight, hard-wearing materials that have a wide range of uses and applications within the construction and manufacturing industries. These materials are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and fast-acting, and they are designed to last. At Rhino Foundation Systems, we strongly recommend using polyurethane foam, rather than cement, because it is much lighter. This means that it won’t add more weight to the soil that is already weak and compromised underneath the concrete slab.

When can concrete lifting be used?

 

Concrete lifting can be a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative to digging up and replacing settled or sunken concrete, providing that the general condition of the concrete is fair or good, and there are few visible cracks.
If you’re unsure whether or not concrete lifting is a viable option for your home, our experienced team will be able to help. We can answer questions and provide tailored advice based on your needs and preferences.
If you’re interested in concrete lifting, you have queries, or you’d like to find out more about this service, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We look forward to hearing from you.

FAQs

How much does concrete lifting Cost?

When we are asked how much concrete lifting costs, generally our customers want to know if it is less expensive than removing and replacing the concrete all together. After all, who wouldn’t love a brand new driveway, walkway or patio?

Typically you will pay half of what it costs to lift your concrete than to remove it and replace it. Obviously,  this only helps if you know what you are going to have to pay  someone to remove and replace the slab. Note: This does not include paying your cousin, dad or friend to do the work.

We have found that in a stable economy, you will pay $7 – $10 per square foot to replace your flatwork. This is assuming that you are going to pour back a standard 4” slab with non colored or stamped concrete, without rebar, gravel underlay, or strengthening fiber. If you are looking for a stamped pattern with coloring, your price is going to move up to $12 – $15 per square foot. Each of these pricing categories should also include removing and hauling away what you have down already as well as sealing the concrete during and after the pour.

Why is my concrete Lifting?

Here are the top 3 reasons your concrete is lifting.

  • A tree root, even if it is far away could be growing underneath your concrete slab and causing it lift.
  • As odd as it may sound, you could actually have expansive soils below your driveway walkway, or patio. Expansive soils can be literally expand or heave if water is introduced to them.
  • And for extra credit, here is a tricky one. Some concrete will heave during the winter and drop back down as the weather warms up. Why is this? Well, during the winter months the moisture in the soil can freeze and push the slab upward. Once the soil thaws out below the slab, it will settle back down into its original resting place. Crazy, Right?!

How do you lift concrete?

  1. Small, ⅜” holes are drilled in the surface of the slab.
  2. Expanding structural foam is injected into the holes.
  3. Voids below the slab are filled with the expanding foam.
  4. Once the holes are filled, the pressure from the expansion pushes against the earth and raises the foam back into place.

How long does concrete leveling last?

Depending on the severity of the problem, concrete leveling with polyurethane foam should last a lifetime. Here is what we mean. If the slab is placed on top of deep excavation, like right next to a foundation wall with a basement wall, the lift could be compromised over time because there is so much fill that can still settle below the foam we inject.

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