Slab Settlement: The PolyLEVEL™ System

Is your driveway sinking? Are you constantly tripping over your uneven sidewalk? These could be signs of concrete settlement. Baird Foundation Repair is your best option for quality foundation services. Our team of dedicated professionals is ready to help at a moment’s notice. We want all of our customers to maintain the safest, healthiest home they can. That’s why we’re here to help!

What Causes Slab Settlement?

Concrete settlement is likely to occur due to drying or shrinking of soil under a slab, soil being poorly compacted before slab is poured, and soil being washed out. When any of these occur there is a void created under the slab, causing unstable concrete to break, crack, and settle.

As the soil softens during rain or moisture, the weight of the concrete could cause the slab to sink. When the soil dries out, it shrinks and might not be able to support the concrete slab. Also, sometimes the way the homebuilder compacted the soil in the first place might cause it to easily wash away – leaving an empty void under the concrete.

Slab Settlement Repair Options

Slab Replacement

Slab replacement requires the existing concrete that is settling to be broken up with a jack hammer and being hauled off. Then new concrete is poured, however new concrete is noticeably lighter in color compared to the old slab that is not being affected. The new slab cannot be driven on until the concrete is completely dry. Slab replacement is costly and is not a permanent solution. The underlying soils are still going to settle and cause the new concrete to crack and break.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking like slab replacement takes time before the slab can be driven on. Holes are drilled throughout the slab and grout is pumped underneath. Once the grout hardens it can cause even further slab settlement due to the excess weight being added to the soil. Once complete the large holes that were drilled are noticeable.

PolyLEVEL™ System

Baird Foundation Repair recommends the Foundation Supportworks™ PolyLEVEL System™. The PolyLEVEL System™ is similar to mudjacking however it utilizes a high density foam polymer that is injected in holes drilled throughout the slab to expand and lift the slab. These holes are only about the size of a penny. After injection the holes are cleaned and covered with new cement. Access to driving on the slab occurs only minutes after in comparison to days!

Get The Best With Baird

If you are experiencing slab settlement problems Baird Foundation Repair can help. We are committed to your project, and we always get the job done right. Call us today at 1-210-534-4110 to set up a free estimate or fill out our contact form for more information.