What’s the best way to restore a cracked, uneven concrete surface? As the go-to crew for concrete leveling in Wichita, KS, we at Arise Concrete Leveling regularly fix problems like yours. Read on as we compare polyurethane concrete lifting vs. replacement, so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Concrete Slab Lifting?
As the name suggests, slab lifting is the process of leveling uneven concrete slabs instead of completely replacing them. Contractors drill small holes directly through the concrete and inject a pressurized material (such as expanding polyurethane foam) into the space beneath it.
As the material fills the void, it exerts a powerful upward force that carefully jacks the heavy concrete back to its original level. Professionals will then remove the injection nozzles and patch up the access holes with a durable concrete grout.
Reputable repair teams always prioritize this treatment whenever possible because it brings the following worthwhile advantages:
- Massive cost savings: The cost of concrete lifting is typically half the total of a tear-out and replacement.
- Minimal property disruption: You don’t have to worry about loud jackhammers, heavy demolition equipment, or messy debris destroying your lawn.
- Lightning-fast turnaround: The entire process usually takes just a few hours, not days. You can also walk or drive on lifted concrete within minutes, whereas new concrete requires days to cure.
- Preserved aesthetics: Your existing concrete stays put, avoiding the patchy look of mismatched, bright-white new concrete next to old slabs.
When Concrete Replacement Is the Only Solution
When comparing polyurethane concrete lifting vs. replacement, it’s clear that lifting often wins in terms of cost and convenience. However, this treatment isn’t always possible.
Some cases require a complete overhaul that begins by smashing the old, sunken slab with jackhammers and hauling away the debris. Workers then firmly compact the underlying soil with fresh gravel (and install reinforcements if necessary) before pouring fresh concrete. After smoothing the surface, the slab must cure for at least 24 hours before it can handle foot traffic.
We only recommend this expensive, time-consuming process under the following circumstances:
- Extensive deterioration: A lift and minor patch repairs may not be enough to restore the integrity of slabs with multiple deep cracks and significant surface wear.
- Subpar support: When the soil underneath is too unstable or prone to shifting, it’s better to address it properly with fresh preparation and reinforcements rather than just lifting the slab.
- Upgrades desired: If you’re planning to install underground utilities or completely update the look of your space, replacing the concrete can provide a clean slate.
Trusted Polyurethane Foam Injection Specialists in Wichita
Tackle sunken concrete sooner rather than later. Fixing the issue early helps prevent further damage and eliminates trip hazards before someone gets hurt.
When deciding between polyurethane concrete lifting vs. replacement, it never hurts to get a professional opinion. The Arise Concrete Leveling team will always recommend the best long-term solution for your specific situation.
Contact us today at (316) 867-6565, or explore more and learn about the causes of sidewalk cracks.
