Concrete Leveling Can Be Done On Slabs Of All Sizes And Even On Concrete Steps
Concrete leveling is the practice of raising a sunken slab of concrete. The slab can be large or small, and it's even possible to raise and level sinking concrete steps. It's common for a contractor to use closed-cell poly foam to level concrete, but contractors sometimes use a slurry mix that looks like mud and is made of cement. Here's a look at the advantages of concrete leveling using foam.
The Cost Is A Lot Less Than Replacing Concrete
It only takes hours to level concrete with foam unless you have a big area that needs work. Because work goes fast, labor costs are low. Plus, the work is easier. If you think you need to replace sinking entry steps or a driveway slab, talk to a concrete-leveling contractor first. They might raise the slab instead and save you a lot of money.
Your Property Isn't Torn Up Too Much
Heavy equipment isn't needed on your property since the tanks of chemicals are kept on a truck and all that's needed is a long hose to reach the work area. The contractor then pumps the liquid for the foam mix through the hose. They need to drill holes in the concrete, so that might be a little noisy and make some dust, but it's usually not necessary to tear up your yard.
The Work Is Checked To Make Sure It's Level
When the liquid is pumped under the concrete, it turns into foam right away. The foam expands and lifts up the concrete. The contractor can control the expansion, but they also check with a level to ensure the slab is level or has a slight slope for drainage if needed.
The foam material gets hard quickly. It can cure in several minutes, so you don't have to wait too long to start using your steps or patio again. The foam gets hard enough to create a stable base for the lifted concrete to rest on, so the repairs could be permanent. The foam doesn't crack, so it shouldn't deteriorate, and it won't wash away.
The Access Holes Shouldn't Be Too Noticeable
Once the foam injections are complete, the holes used to inject the foam are filled to keep rain from leaking under the concrete. Once filled, the holes may be visible, but they shouldn't be too noticeable. It depends on where the holes are located and how many there are. You might consider adding a decorative or plain cement overlay if it's important to hide the repair holes. Pressure washing might help too since it can brighten old concrete so it's a closer match to new concrete.
