What Causes Concrete To Settle?
Poor or improper compaction of the base before concrete was poured: The weight of the slab will further compact the base after curing, and sometimes settlement can happen quickly.
Soil Types: Where heavy clay soils exist, concrete is prone to heaving and sinking, expanding when wet and contracting when dry.
Tree Roots: A large tree can consume as much as 400 litres of water a day, drying out the ground around it and causing nearby concrete to settle. If your driveway or sidewalk is close to a large tree, this may be causing your concrete to settle.
Climate: Freezing and thawing causes slabs to expand when frost is in the ground. When the ground thaws, the concrete will settle again, but many times not to where it was originally. This results in trip spots between shifting slabs. On the opposite end of the climate spectrum, heat and drought can cause expansive clay soils to shrink, causing the slabs to settle. When the clay soils receive rain, and expand once again, the concrete slabs shift and become uneven.
Erosion: Damaged water and sewer lines, improperly placed downspouts and excessive rain can all lead to a washout of base materials under concrete causing the slabs to settle. Remember, polyurethane foam will not erode like traditional mudjacking.
Machine/Traffic Vibrations: Concrete slabs may shift or settle on highways or in industrial settings where there is frequent heavy vibrations or loads being transported. The vibrations from machinery and passing traffic can lead to the base compacting and slabs settling or moving.
How Big Are The Holes?
Raised Concrete Solutions drills a nearly invisible 5/8” hole (size of a dime) while traditional mudjacking companies use an injection hole that is 1 5/8” – 2”. Not only are our holes far less visible but more importantly, due to their size, help maintain structural integrity of the concrete.
How Long Does The Work Take?
Obviously that depends on the size of the job. However, the average residential job can be completed in 2 – 3 hours.
How Long Will The Area That Is Raised Be Out Of Service?
In almost all cases, most areas can be used immediately after we finish.
What Is Void Filling?
Void filling simply put is the injection of polyurethane foam into voids left under a slab through soil erosion, settlement, or animal incursion. When the void is filled, the concrete will then be supported, as originally intended.
When Can Polyurethane Lifting Be Done?
Any concrete lifting is dependent on the weather. Therefore, in our Saskatchewan climate, outside work is generally done from May 1st through mid-November. Generally speaking, if there is frost in the ground we cannot raise concrete. However, interior slabs in heated buildings can still be raised. Do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to let you know if it can be done.
Do I Need To Be Present When The Work Is Being Done?
Generally not, as long as the work being done is outside. However, if work is being done on an interior location like a garage floor, in a locked yard, or pet considerations need to be made; then an adult over the age of eighteen is required to be present.
What Do You do With The Holes After?
The holes are patched with a portland cement/concrete mix.
Will There Be Heavy Duty Machines On My Property?
Because we are using polyurethane to repair your concrete, a hose is ran straight from the truck/trailer to the repair site without driving a single piece of equipment on your lawn. Raised Concrete Solutions can work up to 150’ away from the truck/trailer unit.
Get a Quote to Raise Your Concrete
We can help with raising or levelling your driveway, walkway, patio, sidewalk and more! Fill out the form below and we’ll provide you with a quote promptly.