Concrete Sinking Issues

Concrete leveling is a commonplace method for repairing a driveway or sidewalk. The procedure may entail one of two techniques: concrete grinding or leveling. What are the differences between concrete grinding and leveling? Each of these methods have their respective advantages, and an evaluation from a professional at Align Foundation Repair will determine which method is appropriate for a residential or commercial job.

Concrete Grinding

Concrete grinding is exactly what its name suggests. A tool is used to grind the concrete surface. This removes the rough outer portion, revealing a smooth surface. Concrete grinding is mainly a cosmetic procedure and is commonly used in areas like home driveways, public sidewalks, and warehouse floors. Concrete grinding is also used when home or business owners wish to install hardwood or tile over the concrete. Concrete grinding in this instance is often a pre-installation requirement to ensure a flat surface.

Other applications for concrete grinding include:

• Restoration of spalled areas
• Restoring surfaces too rough for bare feet
• Removal of old paint, adhesives, and mastics

So, how do you grind material as hard as concrete? Modern grinding equipment include synthetic diamond tools. Depending on the type of concrete, the diamond is sorted according to grit and mesh for producing the desired results.

Leveling

Leveling is also known as mudjacking. The method is employed to raise a concrete that is uneven or settling to the bottom. In the procedure, polyurethane is pumped into the area below the concrete to fill any voids and gaps. In lieu of polyurethane, the process may also include using a slurry mixture of soil, water, and cement.

Regardless of filler type, once the mixture cures and hardens, it raises the concrete so it’s even and flush with the surrounding surface. The process is non-invasive; contrary to popular belief, it does not involve digging up the concrete. The polyurethane or cement mixture filler is injected below the concrete via a drilled hole about one-inch in diameter.

The entire process can be completed in a matter of hours. The hole for pumping the polyurethane is also patched upon completion and completely unnoticeable. Leveling is a common procedure in the Dallas Fort-Worth area due to the porous soil conditions.

We Restore Sinking Concrete

So, concrete grindings vs leveling: which is right for your foundation repair? Call Align Foundation Repair for an inspection. After an initial evaluation, a technician will recommend the best method for your residential or commercial needs. Leveled concrete is integral from both a functional and cosmetic standpoint. No need to debate over which method to use — let a qualified professional from Align Foundation Repair make the determination as part of your free estimate.

Many homeowners are under the assumption that concrete, due to its rock-hard composition, can last a lifetime. In some instances, this is true. Unfortunately, this is often not the case for concrete driveways and walkways in the Dallas Fort Worth area. The concrete is vulnerable to damage due to the ever-shifting soil conditions beneath. The good news is that solutions are readily available, namely in the form of concrete raising and concrete replacement.

Concrete Raising

Concrete raising goes by other names, such as concrete leveling, slab jacking, and mud jacking. Often, the concrete itself is undamaged and simply settling to the bottom due to expanding and shifting soil. It is not necessary to replace an otherwise good slab of existing concrete. Rather, a cost-effective procedure is to raise the concrete back to its original position.

With concrete raising, a small hole approximately one-inch in diameter is drilled into the slab. A pump is inserted into the hole where some type of filler – usually polyurethane or cement mixture – is pumped into the ground below the concrete. This fills in the gaps underneath; once the filler hardens, this effectively raises the slab so it’s back in alignment with the surrounding concrete.

Concrete Replacement

Concrete replacement may be the only recourse if the concrete sustained damage beyond repair. Typically, a technician will recommend a replacement if there is more than one crack per slab. At this point, the concrete’s structural integrity is severely compromised and may not be able to safely support a foundation or additional weight.

A replacement may also be in order if the concrete has settled more than eight inches beneath ground level. At this stage, the void beneath the slab is too great for slab jacking to restore. If the damage is due to tree root intrusion, then the solution usually also requires concrete replacement.

While a replacement is more expensive than simply raising the concrete, this may be the sole option if the damage or settlement is beyond restoration.

We Raise and Replace Concrete

When it comes to concrete raising vs concrete replacement,  it is not about which method is better, but which is more appropriate to your particular foundation problem. If you see signs of settling or cracks in concrete, then call Align Foundation Repair for an evaluation. As part of your free estimate, we will determine which method is the most cost-effective and best for the given situation.