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Concrete damage is common, particularly in older properties and flood-prone areas. Whether you rent, own, or lease, uneven concrete surfaces likely appear somewhere around your residence. Despite seeing them every day, these issues are often overlooked. Don’t let your concrete issues worsen — schedule a free inspection today.
This article explores concrete leveling and repair, how to address the issue and what might cost it to repair. Let’s get started.
What is concrete leveling?
Concrete leveling corrects damaged, uneven, or sinking surfaces by restoring them to a level position. This process enhances safety, structural integrity, appearance, and overall property value. Concrete leveling addresses uneven sidewalks, driveways, garage floors, patios, and more.
What causes concrete damage?
Many factors can affect concrete, and understanding these causes is essential to prevent future issues. The most common causes of concrete damage include:
- Soil erosion: Water runoff can wash away the soil beneath slabs, creating voids and instability that cause concrete sinking and other damage.
- Poor soil compaction: Inadequate soil compaction during initial construction can lead to settlement and sinking slabs over time.
- Freeze-thaw cycles: In cold climates, freeze-thaw cycles cause the ground beneath the slab to expand and contract, leading to concrete movement, cracks, and sinking.
- Tree roots: Large tree roots that grow beneath slabs cause concrete cracks and sinking.
Identifying and addressing the underlying issues of concrete damage promptly prevents further damage and expensive repairs.
How does concrete leveling work?
Concrete leveling is a highly effective process. Here’s how it works:
- Assessment: A foundation repair professional assesses the concrete damage to determine the appropriate repair method.
- Drilling: Small holes are drilled into the damaged concrete areas.
- Injection: A leveling mixture is injected through these holes to fill the voids beneath the slab, lifting the concrete. We discuss the various techniques in the section below.
- Sealing: After leveling the slab, the holes are sealed and smoothed to blend with the surrounding concrete surface.
- Curing: The newly leveled slab cures, solidifying the concrete repair.
When the curing process is complete, the concrete surface is ready for full use. Concrete leveling enhances the structural integrity of the slab and improves appearance.
Types of concrete leveling
Several concrete leveling techniques are available, each suited to different situations. Let’s discuss the three primary methods.
1-Polyurethane foam injection
This innovative technique involves a specialized polyurethane foam injection to lift and level concrete slabs. The environmentally-friendly, waterproof material is lighter and less invasive than other leveling methods, providing smooth, long-term results by addressing the underlying cause of concrete damage—unstable soil. Polyurethane foam injection is a minimally invasive and cost-effective solution for many homeowners and commercial businesses, offering same-day concrete leveling without disrupting the landscaping or surrounding areas.
2 - Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a traditional concrete leveling method that involves injecting a mixture of cement, sand, and water beneath the slabs. While it raises the slabs, it's often a messy and ineffective solution that fails to address the underlying causes of concrete damage, unlike polyurethane foam. Mudjacking may be unsuitable for slabs supporting heavy loads, as the slurry often can't withstand the weight. It can also be disruptive to surrounding landscape areas.
3 - Stone slurry grout
This method injects a pulverized limestone and water mixture beneath the concrete slab. It's more environmentally friendly than mudjacking, though it may require longer cure times compared to polyurethane foam injection. Stone slurry grout does not address underlying soil issues and is weaker than other materials, making it less suitable for areas with heavy traffic or loads.
What is concrete repair?
Concrete repair involves restoring damaged or deteriorated concrete surfaces to their original condition. It includes patching, resurfacing, sealing, or reinforcement. Repair techniques vary depending on the severity of damage and specific needs.
Indoor vs. outdoor concrete repair
Concrete repair needs differ depending on whether the issue is indoors, such as a basement floor, or outdoors, like a sidewalk. Here’s what to consider:
Indoor concrete repair
Indoor repairs, such as basement or garage floors, require a smooth finish and often involve self-leveling concrete. Since indoor areas are usually protected from the elements, concrete repairs focus on achieving a smooth, visually appealing floor surface rather than treating underlying soil issues.
Outdoor concrete repair
Driveways, sidewalks, and patios must withstand rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations, requiring more durable moisture-resistant repair solutions. Outdoor concrete repair, like polyurethane foam injection, lifts and stabilizes concrete slabs without being affected by the elements.
What is self-leveling concrete?
Self-leveling concrete is a specialized mixture that flows freely into place, leveling itself without manual spreading or invasive drilling. It is ideal for indoor applications, like basement floors, where the existing concrete is only slightly uneven, cracked, or damaged. Self-leveling concrete provides a durable, smooth floor surface that’s ready for finishing, restoring floors with minimal effort.
How much does concrete leveling cost?
Concrete leveling costs vary based on several factors. However, on average, homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for concrete leveling. Large, complex jobs may cost more.
Factors influencing concrete leveling costs include:
- Area size: Larger areas require more material and labour, increasing costs.
- Method used: The concrete leveling materials affect cost. Polyurethane foam injection is the most cost-effective, as the repair lasts much longer than mudjacking.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas or those requiring extra preparation may cost more.
- Soil conditions: Unstable, wet, and clay-rich expansive soil significantly impacts leveling costs.
Concrete leveling is more affordable than complete slab replacement. Contact a concrete repair professional for a detailed estimate tailored to your specific project.
How to choose a concrete repair professional
Selecting the right concrete repair professional ensures a long-lasting, high-quality repair. Here are a few tips to guide your choice:
- Experience: Seek a contractor with extensive concrete leveling and repair experience. Ask for references and a portfolio of their completed projects.
- Licensing and insurance: Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. This crucial aspect protects you in case of accidents or damage during the repair process.
- Warranty: Reputable professionals back their work with a service warranty.
- Reviews and restimonials: Check online reviews. These provide critical, non-biased insights into the reliability and quality of their work.
- Detailed estimate: Request a detailed cost estimate and project timeline to help prevent unexpected expenses and ensure you understand the scope of the work.
Choosing a qualified professional is the difference between a quick fix and a long-lasting solution. By understanding the options, costs, and factors involved, you can make informed decisions about when and how to address uneven concrete.
What’s next?
Concrete leveling and repair are vital to maintaining your property's safety, appearance, and value. If you are unsure where to begin or need expert guidance, consider contacting the highly trained professionals at Groundworks. They offer free inspections and provide tailored foundation and concrete repair solutions across Calgary, Edmonton, and Greater Toronto. With Groundworks, you can trust in a straightforward and reliable experience.
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.