You’ve finally snagged that dream home or have been in your current place for a while. Everything is pretty Instagram-worthy until you notice the walkway or the driveway starting to look more like a skate park than a smooth path—uneven, cracked, and just screaming for a sprained ankle. Enter concrete lifting, favored for its wallet-friendly price tag and almost magical ability to make concrete even again in a relatively short period of time.
But here’s the million-dollar question that nags at homeowners and property managers alike: “How long does concrete lifting last?” The durability of concrete lifting isn’t just about the clock ticking; several factors play pivotal roles. What impacts the lifespan of concrete lifting? How and what can you do to guarantee long-lasting lifted concrete?
Concrete Lifting: A Quick Overview
Before we discuss the longevity of concrete lifting, it’s crucial to understand the process. Think of it as a facelift for your property’s concrete surfaces. Over time, underground processes (like soil settling or erosion) can create voids beneath concrete slabs. These slabs can sag or crack without proper support, making them unsafe for walking and unsuitable for curb appeal.
Concrete lifting, or slab jacking, involves drilling holes into the sunken concrete and pumping a mixture beneath the slab to raise it back to its original position gently. This technique is efficient and environmentally friendly, recycling the existing concrete and being less invasive to the surrounding landscape. Concrete lifting is a quick and efficient method, and you don’t have to rip out and repour new concrete, saving you time, mess, and money.
Concrete lifting is the hidden gem in home improvement. It’s not as glamorous as a kitchen remodel or as exciting as installing a hot tub, but it’s crucial for maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of your property. Suppose a concrete slab settles again due to incomplete ground compaction or soil erosion. In that case, you can repeat the concrete lifting process on the same slab, and the same drilled holes can be used to lift the slab back into place. Plus, it’s a smooth move to ensure your home remains the sanctuary it should be.
Factors Influencing How Concrete Lifting Will Last
Several factors can affect concrete lifting longevity. Imagine concrete lifting as a facelift for the ground beneath us. Like skin, the surface we walk on ages, sags, and sometimes needs some help to regain its former glory. Well-mixed, younger concrete with minimal previous damage is more likely to endure a lifting process than older, extensively worn concrete.
However, how long this rejuvenation lasts can depend on several key elements:
- Quality of Materials: Just like choosing high-quality serums over generic lotions can improve skin health, selecting superior materials for concrete lifting ensures a longer-lasting lift. High-quality concrete and lifting foam can better resist wear and tear, keeping the ground level and stable for years.
- Expertise of the Technician: The expertise of the professional doing the concrete lifting matters immensely. Experienced technicians know how to treat different problem areas, and their expertise ensures that the procedure is done correctly, providing a longer-lasting result.
- Underlying Soil Conditions: The condition of the soil beneath the concrete plays a crucial role. Soil that’s too wet, dry, or unstable can affect the longevity of the lift. Soil prone to erosion or poor compaction can lead to the slab resettling.
- Water Drainage: Proper drainage away from the lifted concrete helps prevent water from pooling, which can undermine the lift. Proper water management around lifted concrete areas can significantly extend their lifespan.
- Usage and Load: Heavy loads and constant traffic can damage concrete over time. Knowing how much “stress” your concrete will face can help predict and extend its lifting longevity.
- Maintenance Practices: Regular concrete maintenance is like a good daily skincare routine. Minor repairs like sealing joints to prevent water from eroding the soil further and ensuring the surrounding soil is draining correctly (ensure gutters and downspouts are leading water away from your slabs) and upkeep can prevent significant issues and extend the life of the concrete lift.
- Environmental Elements: Just as extreme weather conditions can test skin resilience—from the harsh winter cold to the blistering summer sun—similar environmental factors can challenge lifted concrete. Extreme temperatures and conditions test the durability and stability of the lift.
Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Life of Lifted Concrete
Concrete lifting is a process that can last a considerable amount of time. Polyjacking, which is long-lasting and resistant to degradation and compression, can last 10 to 20 years, or even more, before the concrete slab requires lifting again, depending on various factors.
Regular maintenance is one of those factors that play a significant role in extending the life of lifted concrete. To keep your lifted concrete in prime condition, you should provide consistent care methods to ensure it stays durable and visually appealing. Here are some tips to help you maintain your lifted concrete:
- Eliminate the Cause of the Settling: The number one thing to ensure the longevity of a concrete lift is to identify and eliminate the cause of the initial settling such as improper drainage. After the concrete is lifted you will need to relocate any downspouts that may be sending water on a path that erodes the soil under the concrete.
- Routine Clean: Regular cleaning removes debris and stains that can prematurely age the surface. This makes your lifted concrete look welcoming and well-cared-for.
- Seal Joints: Sealing joints will help prevent water from seeping between the slabs.
- Prompt Repairs: Addressing small cracks can prevent more significant complications later. Fixing cracks and chips keeps the structure sound and the surface smooth, avoiding more significant headaches later.
- Chemical Caution: Just as you choose products carefully for your skin to avoid irritation, be selective about what comes in contact with your concrete. Steering clear of harsh chemicals, especially deicers, protects its surface from damage that can lead to a worn appearance.
- Weight Management: Consider how much weight your concrete bears. Excessive weight or pressure can stress it, leading to cracks.
- Expert Eye: Occasionally, bringing in a professional to assess your concrete can uncover issues you might overlook. This expert intervention can ensure your concrete remains in top shape.
By following these simple practices, you can help maintain the functional and aesthetic value of your lifted concrete and improve the overall look of your space. Consider it a partnership where a little care can go a long way in preserving its strength and beauty for years to come.
Professional Concrete Lifting
DIY concrete lifting kits are available and often seen as a way to save a few bucks. However, you’re shooting in the dark without the right equipment, materials, and know-how. The results might look okay for a while, but without the precision and quality materials, your slab might sink again or, even worse, crack. DIY can be tempting and fun, but it can be a learning experience on why professionals exist in the first place.
When it comes to durability, professional concrete lifting typically takes the crown. The pros have access to high-quality materials designed for longevity and the expertise to address underlying issues that DIY efforts might miss. Many concrete lifting companies offer warranties or guarantees on their work. Understanding what these protections cover can provide peace of mind about the longevity of your project. While the upfront cost is higher, you pay for a more durable and long-lasting fix.
By choosing the right contractor and adhering to best practices for care and maintenance, you can ensure that your concrete lifting investment provides a stable, level surface for years to come.
Do you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal in or around Duluth, Georgia? If you answered yes, then Signature Polyjacking can help you achieve that. Our concrete lifting services fix sunken or uneven concrete. We offer expert home improvement services with a 5-year warranty to ensure you are delighted with the results. Contact Signature Polyjacking today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a beautiful, welcoming home.