Is Foam Jacking a DIY Project?

Concrete settlement is a common problem many homeowners face in the Edmonton area. Sunken and settled concrete slabs aren't just an eyesore; they can be dangerous. The good news is, we have a quick and cost-effective to lift sunken and settled slabs! Polyurethane concrete lifting! Polyurethane concrete lifting, also known as foam jacking, is growing in popularity because it is a durable and long lasting alternative to replacing concrete slabs and more traditional concrete lifting methods like mudjacking. You might be thinking, is this something I can do myself? Is concrete lifting and levelling a DIY project? The short answer is no. Homeowners may be tempted to take on this project themselves, but this is a project that should be left to the professionals! Let us tell you why.

What is Polyurethane Concrete Lifting?

Polyurethane concrete lifting is the process of lifting and levelling sunken concrete slabs back to their original position using polyurethane foam. It is commonly used for repairing driveways, walkways, garage floors, basement floors and patios. You may think the process seems relatively straightforward, but it needs to be performed by a professional to ensure that the right materials and methods are used. Foam jacking has many benefits and is an ideal alternative to repairing sunken concrete slabs over replacement. Sunken and settled concrete slabs can create all kinds of problems. If not repaired, sunken slabs can cause damage to surrounding areas, create opportunities for water to leak into your home and eventually need to be replaced entirely.

Why Does Concrete Sink and Settle? 

Concrete settling is a common problem in the Edmonton area. Concrete sinks and settles due to factors like erosion, improper drainage around the slab, tree roots and the shifting of soil and rocks beneath the slab due to temperature or moisture content changes. Some other common causes for concrete settling are poor compaction during construction, the natural freeze/thaw cycle, heavy vehicles, and poor quality concrete or installation. There are many reason concrete begins to sink and settle; luckily, we can lift and level your sunken slabs quickly and efficiently! 

Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Should Be Left to Professionals.

While lifting sunken concrete slabs yourself may be possible, it is not a good idea. We always suggest hiring a concrete lifting professional. The job will likely not turn out how you think it will if you attempt to do it independently. DIY concrete lifting projects are very likely to go wrong without the proper equipment and supplies. As most homeowners don't have access to the proper supplies and equipment, there is a chance of causing more damage to the slab or creating other severe problems around your property. Many of the DIY concrete lifting products available are not permanent solutions. This will lead them right back where they started, with sunken and settled concrete slabs. Hiring a concrete lifting and levelling professional is the best way to avoid more severe issues or more costly repairs. This way, you will not have to worry about more problems later on. 

Polyurethane Concrete Lifting is the Best Method to Lift Concrete.

Polyurethane concrete lifting, or foam jacking, is the best way to lift concrete, and there are many reasons why. Our polyurethane foam is a much lighter option than mud jacking in terms of materials. It's also much less invasive and easier to apply! We begin by drilling 5/8 holes in the top of the slab, and then we inject the polyurethane foam into the ground below. The polyurethane foam expands beneath the slab, filling in the voids underneath and lifting it back into its original position. Once the concrete slab is lifted, we patch the holes, and the work is done! Lifting and levelling concrete with polyurethane foam is a fast, efficient, environmentally friendly and long-lasting solution to sunken and settled concrete slabs. For the process to be done correctly, it must be completed by a professional.

Polyurethane Concrete Lifting isn't as Easy as it Looks.

Foam jacking is simply not a DIY project. If you attempt to lift your sunken concrete slabs by yourself, you can risk your home's safety, and you will end up paying more than you would have spent hiring a concrete lifting professional. We know that DIY projects are very tempting, especially if you are trying to save money. But trust us, you don't want to do this yourself. To ensure that the work will be done right, hiring a professional is always a better idea. At LVL Concrete Lifting, we offer expert concrete lifting and levelling services. We have over a decade of experience in the concrete lifting industry. Our experts can help you fix your sunken and settled slabs before they cause more damage. We operate on the belief that you should treat people how you want to be treated—with honesty, trustworthiness, and friendliness. If you have sunken slabs, we want to help you lift them! Contact us today!