FAQ

What is polyurethane concrete lifting?
Polyurethane concrete lifting is a technique used to lift and level sunken or settled concrete surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios. The process involves drilling a series of 5/8" holes (about the size of a dime), and then injecting a specialized polyurethane foam underneath the affected area. The polyurethane expands and hardens, raising the concrete back to its original level. The holes used for injection are then filled with cement.

How does polyurethane concrete lifting differ from traditional concrete lifting methods?
Polyurethane concrete lifting differs from traditional concrete lifting methods such as mudjacking or slab replacement in a few ways:
  1. Injection Process: Polyurethane concrete lifting involves injecting a specialized foam underneath the affected area, whereas mudjacking uses a slurry mixture of water, soil, and cement. Slab replacement involves completely removing the sunken or settled concrete and replacing it with new concrete.
  2. Material Properties: The polyurethane foam used in concrete lifting is lightweight, durable, and waterproof. The slurry used in mudjacking can be messy and heavy; the new concrete used in slab replacement may not have the same strength or durability as the original concrete.
  3. Time and Cost: Polyurethane concrete lifting is often faster and cleaner than traditional concrete lifting methods. The injection process is typically quicker and requires less equipment and labor, and the estimate is often 1/2 the cost of replacement with new concrete.

Overall, polyurethane concrete lifting is a more efficient and modern method for lifting and leveling concrete surfaces.

Is polyurethane concrete lifting environmentally friendly?
Polyurethane concrete lifting is an environmentally friendly option for concrete lifting and leveling. The polyurethane foam used in the process is non-toxic, contains no CFCs, and is not harmful to the environment. Cured foam is fully inert and does not leach into groundwater. The injection process is minimally invasive and only requires small holes to be drilled into the affected concrete surface, which are easily filled after the injection. This means there is minimal disturbance to the surrounding area, and no need for heavy equipment or excavation that negatively impact the environment. The process of lifting and leveling concrete with polyurethane foam reduces waste by extending the life of existing concrete surfaces rather than replacing them entirely.

How long does the polyurethane injection process take?
The polyurethane injection process for concrete lifting typically takes a couple hours to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the project. The process involves drilling small holes into the affected concrete surface, through which the polyurethane foam is injected using specialized equipment. The foam expands quickly and begins to lift and level the concrete. The injection process itself usually only takes a few minutes per hole, but the overall time required will depend on the number of holes needed and the size of the area being lifted. After the injection is complete, the holes are filled with cement or other materials to match the surrounding surface, and the area is ready for use almost immediately!

What is the cost of polyurethane concrete lifting compared to other methods?
The cost of polyurethane concrete lifting can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the project, condition of the concrete, and the location of your property. In general, polyurethane concrete lifting is typically around 1/2 the cost of replacing the same concrete. Ultimately, the cost of raising or stabilizing concrete is a direct reflection of how much leveling material the project will require.

Polyurethane concrete lifting also requires less time to complete your project, which can result in significant cost savings versus replacement.

Is polyurethane concrete lifting a long-term solution for concrete settlement issues?
The polyurethane foam used in our process is durable and resistant to water, chemicals and other environmental factors, which means that it will maintain its structural integrity and lifting capacity for many years.

The cause of settling needs to be determined and assessed prior to lifting. In some cases, if the underlying soil or substrate is unstable or prone to erosion, additional settlement issues may occur.

Some possible causes of settling:
  • Improperly placed downspouts,
  • Broken pipes,
  • Animal damage,
  • Poor or improper original concrete installation,
  • Heavy traffic and/or vibration,

The cause of settling must be addressed to prevent further movement and provide long-term stability of the area.