Concrete lifting foam is used to level, raise or lift concrete. It is a procedure that works to correct uneven concrete by affecting the soil beneath it. Since the early 1900’s slab jacking or mud jacking has been utilized as a means to repair and lift concrete slabs. This was done by pumping “grout” through the concrete which pushes it up from below. This grout was made from crushed limestone, water, and cement.
Cracks in your concrete or a difference in height between concrete slabs are a few of the indications that your concrete is sinking. Your home may be new, it may even be less than 10 years old but the concrete around your home is showing signs that it is sinking (the driveway or steps are falling away from the house.) You’d like to blame the contractor, but it is not their fault. Concrete that is sinking or cracking may due to the fact that the soil underneath the concrete slab (driveway, sidewalk, patio or deck) has consolidated, the soil conditions are drier than they once were or the drainage system around your house is adding to the problem of sinking concrete.
Foam Lifting is a Modern Approach
A more modern approach to concrete leveling is through the use of expanding polyurethane foam that provides a wider range of benefits than traditional mud jacking/grout techniques.
The Foam Lifting Technique is a fine-tuned system that is unique to every job that is tackled. It is just not a matter of drilling a few holes and filling them with foam. An experienced foam lifting contractor has to have in-depth knowledge of the product and the nuances of the equipment. They have to have experience with the product in all kinds fo weather conditions. This experience will also be a precursor for lifting the concrete successfuly. Concrete Raising Systems tests every batch of foam they receive from the manufacturer. They test to make sure the quality, fluidity, and curing of the foam is consistent from batch to batch. They
Use an expert- You won’t regret it
The weather, humidity, and weight of the foam (available in 3-8 pound lots) and experience can also affect the success of the foams’ ability to expand, raise the concrete and cure in differing conditions. Only someone with a lot of experience working with polyurethane foam can work with it in various conditions successfully.
And only an expert who consistently works with the Foam Lifting process to repair a sunken concrete slab will do it precisely and effectively every time. When these pre-check systems are put in place it results in a job that does not have to be re-done (i.e. concrete sinks again in many traditional mud jacking jobs). Foam lifting with polyurethane is impervious to moisture, erosion or settling. Cured foam retains its shape and volume which greatly reduces the chances of a new void forming.
When you do only do one thing- you do it exceptionally well
Concrete Raising Systems only does one thing: they raise concrete with foam. Concrete Raising Systems only uses polyurethane foam to lift, level and raise a concrete driveway, sidewalk, patio or porch. When you only do one thing and only do it one way, you do it exceptionally well. When considering which approach to take for your cracking or sinking concrete, make sure to get all the information you can to make the best decision for your sunken concrete. Choose the best product and the best company with a proven track record for success. Choose Ken and Jason of Concrete Raising Systems of Kansas City.
This article was originally posted in August 2013 and has been updated.