How Does Concrete Leveling Work?

January 4, 2023 Baird Foundation Repair

How Does Concrete Leveling Work?

Concrete leveling is a method for repairing sunken, cracked, or uneven concrete slabs that surround your home. It has been a process used since the 1930s and is effective in filling and repairing any holes that appear in slabs of concrete after years of wear and tear.

The soil underneath the concrete slab shifts and compresses over time, which exposes it to moisture that can create holes in the soil. Without the upward pressure from the soil pushing against the concrete, these holes lead to the concrete slab cracking or sinking downwards.

Traditional Concrete Leveling

Also known as “mudjacking,” it is the process in which small holes are drilled into the concrete slab and filled with either a cement “slurry” or polyurethane foam to repair the damage. When this mixture is injected into the small holes, it fills the gaps and acts as a support between the concrete and soil by adding downward pressure to the soil and upward pressure to the concrete from the mixture.

Our Concrete Leveling Process 

The method that Baird Foundation Repair implements is similar to that of mudjacking, but without the mess or cost. The difference is the usage of our proven polyurethane foam injection mixture called PolyLevel® — it allows for non-invasive installation into the concrete slab and is adjustable to the size of any weight-bearing load. Additionally, it’s made from 100% recycled materials and cures quickly once installed!

PolyLevel® fills the gaps in the slab, stabilizes, and lifts the sinking or cracked concrete. The two-part urethane formula allows for accurate leveling of the concrete, as it has expansive properties which result in a waterproof repair that is more permanent than any form of mudjacking or other concrete repair method.

Comparing the Methods

Baird Foundation Repair’s PolyLevel® is a cost-effective way to level your concrete and has more advantages than traditional mudjacking:

  • The cure time is only 15 minutes as compared to 24 hours with mudjacking.
  • The hole size needed for the repair is ⅜”, which is the size of a pea and makes it borderline undetectable. Normal mudjacking leaves a 1” hole, which is much more noticeable at the size of a quarter.
  • PolyLevel® is 50 times lighter than normal mudjacking. It only weighs 2 pounds per cubic foot! This results in a lighter load being put on the soil underneath the concrete slab, allowing you to rest easy about your concrete repair for years to come. 
  • The fully sealed PolyLevel® injection is waterproof, meaning that any moisture that seeps in from the soil underneath the slab won’t cause future cracks or sinking. 

Signs You Need Concrete Leveling

There are many issues that can occur in your home due to an uneven or damaged concrete slab without you even realizing it. Call a professional to inspect and level your concrete if any of these issues are occurring within your home:

  • Your porch or deck appears misaligned or is beginning to “pull away” from the house.
  • Cracks develop in your chimney. 
  • Hardwood floors inside of your home are beginning to warp.
  • Tile floors inside of your home are cracking, lifting or sinking.
  • Walls have hairline cracks leading to the floor or are starting to unseal from the floor, resulting in a gap.
  • Cracks have developed in your driveway.
  • The exterior brick or siding on your home is beginning to crack or become misaligned. 

If you believe your concrete is in need of leveling, contact Baird Foundation Repair for a free concrete leveling estimate to get your home back in order.

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