Thinking about hiring someone to level your concrete sidewalk, driveway, or patio? If so, you might be wondering if it’s even worth it. Would it be better to simply dig up the uneven slab and pour new concrete? In most cases, the answer to this question is no. Most uneven concrete slabs can be leveled in a few hours using a cost-effective technique called polyjacking. In this article, we’ll review why concrete slabs become uneven, how the pros use polyjacking to lift and level them, why DIY concrete leveling is a bad idea, and more.
Why Do Concrete Slabs Such as Sidewalks and Driveways Become Uneven?
Concrete slabs such as sidewalks and driveways are prone to becoming uneven due to a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Soil settlement – One of the main causes of uneven concrete is soil settlement beneath the slab. Over time, the soil may shift or compress, causing the concrete to sink and become uneven. This is particularly common in areas with unstable soil or poor drainage.
- Freeze-thaw cycle – Another common cause of uneven concrete slabs is the freezing and thawing of the ground. During the winter months, water can seep into the soil beneath the concrete and freeze. As the water freezes, it expands, causing the soil to heave and the concrete to become uneven. This process can repeat year after year, exacerbating the problem.
- Heavy loads – Heavy vehicles or equipment, can stress the concrete and lead to cracking or unevenness.
- Improper installation – Inadequate compaction of the soil before pouring the concrete can also contribute to unevenness.
Why You Don’t Want an Uneven Driveway, Sidewalk, or Patio
- Safety hazard – An uneven surface, especially when it is slippery or wet, can cause individuals to trip, slip, or fall. This can result in injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or head injuries.
- Property damage – Uneven surfaces can cause damage to cars, bicycles, and other items that are wheeled over them. The impact of bumps and dips can cause damage to wheels, axles, and tires. Additionally, uneven surfaces can cause water to pool in certain areas, which can lead to water damage or erosion.
- Aesthetics — An uneven driveway, sidewalk, or patio can look unsightly and affect the overall appearance of your property. Uneven surfaces can also make it difficult to add outdoor furniture or decorate the area.
What Is Polyjacking and How Does It Compare to Concrete Replacement?
Polyjacking is an innovative technique used to level concrete slabs that have become uneven over time, such as driveways, sidewalks, and patios. This process involves injecting a polyurethane foam underneath the slab, which then expands and lifts the slab back to its original position or as close as possible without causing damage. Many people who are considering concrete repair wonder if polyjacking is cost-effective compared to concrete replacement.
The good news is that polyjacking is generally much less expensive than concrete replacement. The cost of concrete replacement can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the size of the area that needs to be replaced, the thickness of the concrete, and the difficulty of the job. In contrast, polyjacking is typically less expensive because it is less labor-intensive and requires fewer materials.
One of the biggest factors that affects the cost of polyjacking is the size of the area that needs to be leveled. However, even for larger areas, polyjacking is almost always less expensive than concrete replacement. Additionally, polyjacking is quicker than concrete replacement, allowing homeowners to quickly restore their sidewalks and driveways without having to endure lengthy construction projects.
Another advantage of polyjacking is that it is an environmentally friendly option for concrete repair. Because polyjacking requires fewer materials and produces less waste than concrete replacement, it is a more sustainable choice for homeowners who are concerned about reducing their environmental impact.
The Polyjacking Procedure
Step 1: Inspect and Evaluate the Sidewalk
The first step in polyjacking is to inspect and evaluate the sidewalk to determine the extent of the damage. This involves looking for cracks, unevenness, and signs of settlement. A professional polyjacking contractor will assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Step 2: Drill Injection Holes
Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to drill small injection holes into the concrete slab. These holes are typically dime-sized in diameter and located strategically in the affected area.
Step 3: Inject Polyurethane Foam
After drilling the holes, a polyurethane foam solution is injected into the voids beneath the concrete. The foam is a two-part mixture that reacts and expands quickly, lifting the slab.
Step 4: Monitor and Adjust the Lift
As the foam expands, it will start to lift the concrete slab. The contractor will monitor the lift closely and adjust the injection process as needed to ensure the slab is lifted evenly without causing damage to the concrete.
Step 5: Seal Injection Holes and Clean Up
Once the lifting process is complete, the injection holes are sealed with a concrete patching compound. The area around the sidewalk is cleaned up, and any excess foam is removed.
Polyjacking is a cost-effective and efficient way to level an uneven sidewalk without the need for costly and time-consuming replacement. The process can be completed in a matter of hours, and the sidewalk can be used immediately after the injection process is complete.
Polyjacking vs. Mudjacking
Polyjacking and mudjacking are both techniques used to fix uneven concrete surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, or patios. However, there are significant differences between the two in terms of effectiveness, cost, and durability.
Mudjacking is an old school technique that involves pumping a slurry mixture of water, cement, and soil underneath a sunken concrete slab. This technique has been around for decades and has been relied on by many contractors to fix uneven concrete surfaces.
Polyjacking uses high-density polyurethane foam to lift and level concrete slabs. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
While mudjacking may be a less expensive option than polyjacking, it is also messier and more prone to erosion over time. The slurry mixture used in mudjacking can wash out and erode, causing a less durable repair result. Additionally, mudjacking can take longer to dry and may require more cleanup after the process is complete.
Polyjacking, on the other hand, offers many advantages over mudjacking. The holes used are smaller, and it’s a cleaner and faster process that requires less equipment.
Why You Don’t Want To Do DIY Concrete Leveling
DIY concrete leveling may seem like a cost-effective solution for uneven concrete surfaces in your home, but it is not a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, it requires a considerable amount of skill and expertise to perform the task correctly. Without proper knowledge and experience, you may end up creating more problems than you solve.
Secondly, concrete leveling involves the use of specialized equipment, which can be difficult to handle on your own, assuming you can even obtain them. The process requires precision and accuracy, and any mistakes can result in structural damage to your property.Lastly, DIY concrete leveling may not be a permanent solution to your problem. The underlying cause of the uneven concrete surface may still exist, and without addressing it, the problem will resurface, leading to additional costs and headaches. A professional is able to determine and address the root cause of the uneven surface.
Contact Us Today
If you need concrete leveling in the Atlanta, Georgia, Metro area, contact Signature Polyjacking today to schedule a free evaluation and receive a repair estimate.
