Northeast Pennsylvania homeowners will encounter dozens of repairs and headaches over the life of any home that can drive anyone crazy.
While an uneven foundation or concrete slab can feel incredibly irritating and even worrisome, there are easy and cost-effective solutions available right in your local area.
Using a unique technique called polyjacking, any certified local contractor can level a sunk or uneven piece of concrete in as little as an hour for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
This guide will discuss different options for leveling concrete when you discover that your concrete slab has sunk or settled.
Should I Replace or Level My Concrete Slab?
Many homeowners in NEPA may instinctively think that a damaged, cracked, or uneven concrete slab will automatically signal the need for replacement. However, in many cases, concrete can be repaired via leveling or a patching compound.
In the former case, concrete leveling can cost half the cost of replacement and last as many as 25-100 years if you invest in polyjacking. However, the longevity of concrete repair and leveling will depend on the method you choose.
Assessing Why Your Concrete Slab Is Uneven
Before deciding to repair vs. replace, your slab will be influenced by what you determine to be the source of the damage. The following is a table determining whether to level or replace your concrete, depending on its causes:
Source of Damage | Level or Replace? |
Settlement | Level with a polyurethane compound. |
Cracks from shrinkage | Repair with a patch or replace in extreme circumstances. |
Erosion or moisture intrusion. | Level for surface-level damage and replacement if the concrete is eroded enough. |
Chemical exposure | Patch or replace in extreme circumstances. |
Structural defects | Leveling for superficial repairs and replacement for deeper issues. |
Should You Level Concrete Yourself?
Another consideration is whether you should level concrete yourself. Self-leveling kits are ubiquitous on the market but should only be used for very small and superficial repairs. No self-leveling kit will be able to level a slab that has sunk due to settlement, as the slab will only continue to sink over time and require additional repairs.
The only true, long-lasting concrete leveling method is polyjacking, which requires access to specialized materials and tools. For this reason, you should always contact a professional when looking for concrete leveling and repair.
The Danger of Mudjacking
Many local companies may sell you on the cost-saving benefits of using mudjacking, but we highly caution our customers against this. Mudjacking uses a slurry of Portland cement, sand, and other additives that are forcibly shoveled or injected under the concrete to temporarily level it.
However, mudjacking has a number of issues, which include:
- Poor longevity: Mudjacking, on average, only lasts between 3-5 years, requiring new repairs or even leveling after the slurry has degraded due to erosion and other environmental factors.
- Intrusive installation: If done by a haphazard contractor, mudjacking could damage underground utilities and even the concrete slab itself.
- Environmentally wasteful: Mudjacking uses a number of heavy materials that need to be manufactured and only last for a short period of time.
- Long curing times: Most mudjacking cure times range between 48-72 hours, as opposed to polyjacking which cures in as little as 15 minutes.
How Do Professional Level Concrete?
Most industry professionals have turned to polyjacking as a safe, efficient, and long-lasting solution for concrete leveling.
Polyjacking works by drilling penny-sized holes in the concrete and filling voids underneath the slab with a self-expanding polyurethane foam.
Each contractor uses their own special foam mixture, but each is generally designed to conform to the proper density required to fill the void and support the slab.
Benefits of Professional Concrete Leveling
The advantages of polyjacking over other forms of concrete leveling include:
- Long-lasting solution: On average, polyjacking can last upwards of 25-75 years before requiring repair. Best of all, your contractor can use the same holes to fill the void once again.
- Water-resistance: Polyurethane foam will not erode from water exposure, unlike mudjacking slurries.
- Shorter cure times: Polyjacking foam cures in as little as fifteen minutes, allowing you to rip the yellow tape off your sidewalks or driveway.
- Less intrusive installation: The holes used to insert the polyurethane mixture are tiny and barely noticeable.
For long-lasting repair to uneven or settled concrete, contact the experts at EnergySmart for concrete leveling. We use the highest quality polyurethane foam that lasts for decades and takes as little as one hour to install. Get your free quote today!
FAQs
Can You Put Self-Leveling Concrete on an Existing Slab?
Yes, self-leveling concrete (SLC) can be applied to an existing concrete slab to level it out. SLC flows easily and fills low spots, creating a smooth surface. Ensure the existing slab is clean and properly prepared before application. It’s effective for minor leveling adjustments but may not fix severely damaged slabs. Only use SLC for surface-level cracks and not settled or sunk concrete.
How Much Does Concrete Leveling Cost?
Concrete leveling costs vary based on area size, method (mudjacking or polyurethane foam), local rates, and prep work. Traditional mudjacking costs $3-$6 per sq ft, while polyurethane foam ranges from $5-$8 per sq ft. Keep in mind that despite the savings mudjacking offers, it only lasts a short time.
