3 Benefits of Concrete Leveling
Kingsport, TN Concrete slabs are commonly used for sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and in a variety of construction projects. While concrete may seem strong and sturdy, it’s essential that the substance is level and poured on a properly prepared surface. Level concrete is necessary if you want it to be stable, last for the long term and be safe to use. Unfortunately, even the best-poured concrete can eventually crack, sink or become uneven. Many homeowners assume that damaged concrete must be removed and new concrete gets poured. The good news is that your concrete can be repaired with minimal disruption to your day or your property. Your leveled concrete will look nearly as good as new! Today on the blog, Top Notch Raising shares why it’s essential for your concrete slab to be level, and what homeowners or business owners should do if they need concrete repair services in Kingsport. Benefit 1: Level concrete reduces accident risk Damaged, cracked or sunken concrete could pose a trip-and-fall hazard that results in serious injuries. As the homeowner, you may be aware of and remember where these problem areas are as you walk on your concrete, but visitors may not be familiar with where they should walk and places to avoid while on your property. Additionally, cracked or sunken concrete that is not repaired may worsen the more that you use it. This is especially true in areas where you drive or park your vehicle, like the driveway or garage. Benefit 2: Helps save money You may wonder how spending money on concrete repairs can actually save you money. Although there are costs involved in concrete leveling in Kingsport, neglecting your damaged concrete could cost you more in the long run. Uneven concrete may cause water to pool on the surface, which could further crack the concrete during freezing winters. Additionally, rainwater could leak into the cracks and lead to erosion, washing away the soil holding the concrete slab. Unfortunately, if the water pooling or leaking reaches your home’s foundation, you could end up with a much bigger and more expensive problem on your hands. Benefit 3: Reduces structural damage Uneven or cracked concrete next to your home or a pool could cause significant damage to those structures. From soil erosion to water leaks, these issues could quickly lead to structural damage to a home’s foundation or a pool, if you have one. A home’s foundation could crack and settle, compromising the home’s structure entirely. And for pools, damaged concrete may lead to a leak, rendering your pool unusable until it is repaired. With concrete lifting, we level your concrete and seal any cracks to prevent this type of damage to your home or property. Concrete Repair in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee Our team at Top Notch Raising has 15 years’ experience in concrete repair. We provide concrete lifting and leveling services for home and business owners using a spray foam solution that is lightweight so that it does not add weight to the soil but is durable enough to support the concrete, reducing the risks of trips and falls or additional damage to your property. We are also happy to evaluate your damaged concrete to provide an estimate before providing any services. To find more, schedule a consultation today by calling (423) 482-8383.
Why Concrete Leveling is Essential for a Safe and Stable Property
Kingsport, TN Uneven or cracked concrete can impact the aesthetics of your property, create a safety hazard and be difficult to repair. Inevitably, soil erodes, shrinks, or compacts, which affects the concrete slab by creating an uneven or cracked surface. Concrete patios, sidewalks, pool decks and driveways may eventually crack due to this compaction or settling of the soil. If you’ve noticed cracks or uneven concrete on your property, spray foam concrete leveling may be right for you. Improves home value Your home’s value can decrease due to a concrete area that is sunken, cracked or uneven. Potential buyers may see the damaged concrete as a sign of neglect and assume that the other areas of the home have not been kept up as they should. While some home buyers welcome the challenge of a fixer-upper or DIY project, the amount of work that your home or property requires will reflect in their offer. Therefore, if your concrete is in disrepair, your home’s value may decrease or, at worst, turn away potential buyers. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, value matters if you’re trying to apply for a home equity line of credit or refinance your mortgage. Reduced safety concerns Damaged concrete poses a significant hazard to you, your family or anyone else walking on your property. Cracks or uneven concrete could easily cause someone to trip and fall. While some individuals may escape an incident with a few scratches or bruises, tripping and falling on concrete could result in knocking out a tooth, facial injuries or even broken bones. Chances are, you probably aren’t in a position to be laid up for several weeks because you fell and broke your arm in your driveway. Furthermore, a visitor who trips and falls could sue you for damages and liability. Therefore, repairing damaged concrete helps reduce safety concerns or the liability of someone being injured. Keeps moisture out Concrete cracks are subject to rainwater infiltration. This may not seem like a bad thing, but eventually, the rainwater could worsen the concrete cracks, and even leak water into nearby structures like your home’s foundation. It may take time before you notice, but eventually, rainwater running into cracked concrete leads to erosion. This means that the rest of the concrete slab, even the part that seems unaffected by the crack, could eventually sink and develop deeper cracks. If these cracks are forming in your pool deck, the issue should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent damaging your pool, which could lead to a much more expensive repair. How can I fix cracked or sinking concrete? At Top Notch Raising, we offer a simple solution to repair damaged concrete. The good news is that in most cases of cracked or sunken concrete, you won’t have to start all over by pouring new concrete. Instead, we inject a polyurethane foam material that is lightweight but tough enough to support the weight of the concrete. We also can seal the existing concrete cracks once the concrete is level. The spray foam sets quickly so you can use your driveway, patio or pool deck on the same day as your repairs take place. Fix cracked concrete in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee If you would like to learn more about concrete repair in Kingsport or want to schedule a consultation, please call Top Notch Raising at (423) 482-8383.
Concrete Leveling vs. Replacement: Which is the Better Option?
Kingsport, TN For many people, buying a home represents the biggest financial investment in their life. You want to protect that investment, and maintain it. You might know what to do if you have electrical or plumbing problems, or who to call if you need a new roof. But if you have an issue with a concrete area on your property, do you know what to do? An uneven sidewalk or tilted patio can be an eyesore as well as a safety hazard. When it comes to fixing an issue with a concrete surface, you have two main options: leveling or replacement. Which one is right for you? Today on the blog, we explore that topic. The difference between leveling and replacement Before we proceed, we need to make sure to explain these two procedures. Concrete leveling entails lifting the slab of concrete back into its original position. At Top Notch Raising, we complete this process by injecting a polyurethane foam. Replacement removes the existing concrete slab and then pours a new slab. Leveling or replacement: which one is right? There are some situations where replacement is the only option. These scenarios include: If the concrete has multiple breaks that are less than a square foot in size; The concrete is showing signs of deterioration or crumbling; or The concrete is sliding down a slope or hill. Replacement The pros: There’s nothing like a new, freshly poured concrete space. You can also seal your new concrete slab once poured, helping to protect it from additional damage. Newly poured concrete also won’t contain any cracks or breaks. You can also plan every aspect of the new pour, such as its location, its slope and where it’s going to drain. When these flaws do appear, you can caulk them and alleviate additional wear. A new pour of concrete also can be customized to better suit your wants and needs. Replacement also is the best solution if it’s part of a large project, such as adding a drain or rerouting a system of pipes. The cons: Replacement has a higher cost. While the price of each job varies individually, replacement could cost up to 70% more than leveling. Replacement also takes more time. A driveway project takes up to three days to pour and two more days to cure. It takes another four weeks for the concrete to cure to the point it avoids damage. The larger the area, the longer it takes to pour and to cure. New concrete also will wrestle as the ground compacts under the weight of the slab; this might create new problems and cracks within as little as five years, leading you back to the leveling or replacement dilemma yet again. Leveling The pros: As mentioned, there are situations that leveling cannot solve but leveling has multiple benefits. First and foremost, because the foam is injected directly into the space, there is no demolition. Replacement requires total removal of the existing slab first, which causes a huge mess and warrants significant cleanup. Leveling also takes less time–sometimes the job can be completed in a few hours, rather than a few days. It’s less expensive, because the process takes less material, doesn’t use heavy equipment, and can be completed more quickly. The cons: We can’t fight gravity. If a slab is descending down a hill or slope, leveling isn’t going to help. The holes that are drilled before the foam is placed are not going to be an exact match to the concrete, although a skilled company can blend the holes into the existing slab to make them appear as inconspicuous as possible. A lift also won’t do anything to alter the current appearance of your concrete, if you’re displeased with the look of the surface or any existing cracks. Concrete leveling in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee If you have a concrete area that is problematic at your home, you want to have it repaired. Leveling could be the best solution. To fully answer the question of whether leveling or replacement is right for you, you should consult a concrete professional for a consultation – a professional like the experts at Top Notch Raising. To find out more, call (423) 482-8383 to schedule your consultation today.
How does Concrete Leveling Work?
Kingsport, TN Do you have a patio that’s uneven, a sidewalk that tilts or a sunken driveway? In any of these situations, concrete leveling is the solution. Through this process, you restore the functionality and appearance of the affected area or surface, while avoiding massive repairs or a total rebuild. If you’re considering concrete leveling, you might be wondering how the process works. Read on as Top Notch Raising explains the science behind concrete leveling. Polyurethane foam injection One exciting technological advance in the field of concrete leveling is the use of polyurethane foam. This material is injected underneath the affected concrete slab. Two components in the foam, when combined, release carbon dioxide. This release occurs after the injection; the carbon dioxide expands the foam, filling any voids and spaces in the concrete and lifting it back to its original, level position. Top Notch Raising is the only concrete lifting company in the area of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee that uses geotechnical polyurethane foam. This material is not only sturdy and effective, but also environmentally friendly. Factors to consider There are two keys to any concrete lifting or leveling process. You must consider both gravity and weight distribution. It’s inevitable that the soil underneath a concrete slab is going to settle and shift with the passage of time. This can create voids in the dirt, which is what leads a slab to sink. Gravity can accelerate this process. Foam, once injected and expanded, fills those gaps and voids to provide a refortified foundation for the slab. This prevents additional sinkage and allows our team of professionals to lift the slab back into its initial, level position. The advantages of leveling with foam In leveling, the alternative to using polyurethane foam is mudjacking, which entails placing mud under a building, driveway or other sunken area of concrete to level the surface. Using foam instead of mudjacking has several advantages It’s faster – Mudjacking entails the use of heavy equipment, and waiting for that equipment to arrive at the work site, do its job, and then be removed safely. It’s more precise – The foam can be injected exactly where it needs to be without wasting any excess material or time. It lasts longer – The foam bonds with the particles of the soil, strengthening them. Experience matters Many homeowners have a do-it-yourself mentality when it comes to maintaining or repairing their property. Certain jobs, however, should be left to the professionals; anything that involves concrete lifting or leveling falls into that category. You only want to use a company with significant training, knowledge, and experience completing jobs of this type. The team at Top Notch Raising has the expertise you need. Mike and Jeremiah Hein founded this company in 2008 and our technicians undergo frequent additional training to remain at the forefront of the field. Concrete leveling in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee Now that you know more about the science of concrete leveling, if you have an area that needs to be addressed, the team at Top Notch Raising is here to assist. We pride ourselves on offering long-term solutions and quality results, while providing top-notch customer service. To find out more, call (423) 482-8383 to schedule your consultation today.
Common Causes of Concrete Settlement and How to Avoid Them
Kingsport, TN Are you tired of stubbing your foot on your uneven sidewalk? Do you cringe every time you drive over your bumpy driveway? If you can answer yes to either of these questions, then we’ve got good news for you. Settled, cracked, or uneven concrete can be irritating, but it’s also dangerous. Thankfully, Top Notch Raising offers a simple solution that lifts and levels damaged concrete without having to replace the slab entirely. Polyurethane concrete lifting utilizes a lightweight spray foam that’s injected into small entry points drilled into the slab. But what causes concrete settling and how can you avoid this issue? Today on the blog, our concrete leveling professionals answer these questions and share what to do if your concrete has settled. Change in soil moisture Soil moisture is nearly impossible to avoid. But unfortunately, the amount of moisture in the soil impacts the stability of concrete. Soil with a high amount of clay is likely to dry out, causing the clay to sink. And inevitably, once the clay sinks, so does the concrete. Unfortunately, when soil retains too much moisture, the soil expands, which may crack and raise concrete, creating an uneven surface. Poor soil compaction Fill soil should be used to level the ground and create a flat foundation before pouring concrete. Contractors should be aware of and practice this technique when building homes and pouring concrete. However, that may not always be the case and could occur when homeowners attempt do-it-yourself projects. If the soil is poorly compacted or not compacted at all, you risk concrete settling, which becomes cracked, uneven, and unsafe. Soil erosion Soil erosion may occur when water runs underneath a concrete slab. This may occur due to cracks and could be caused by plumbing leaks, or heavy rainfall, and can even occur naturally. Soil erosion may also occur if your property is sloped or you do not have proper drainage. In some cases, lifting and leveling the concrete will repair the damage, but you may still need to add proper drainage or build a retaining wall to prevent damage to the concrete again. What’s the best way to fix sunken concrete? At Top Notch Raising, we work with polyurethane foam–the only concrete lifting or leveling company in the areas of Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee that offers this procedure. Through the use of this foam, we can repair damaged concrete in a day, and the surface is ready for use in as little as 30 minutes. We inject the foam into pre-drilled holes referred to as access points, each of which is as small as a coin. Then, we inject the foam into the access point to raise the concrete. Once the concrete is level, we seal the access points and cracks so that it blends with the rest of your slab. Level Uneven Concrete in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol Dealing with unsightly or uneven concrete can be a hassle, but also a hazard. We understand that you take pride in your home, and want every aspect of your property, including your concrete, to look appealing and be safe. Therefore, if you are interested in concrete lifting or want to find out how much it costs to level uneven concrete, contact Top Notch Raising by calling (423) 482-8383.
Can I Repair the Concrete around my Pool?
Kingsport, TN If you have an in-ground swimming pool, you likely spent a small fortune on your backyard oasis. One of the worst things you could encounter is your concrete patio cracking. This can be very disheartening and may leave you wondering how to deal with this problem. You may wonder if you’ll need to invest in a whole new concrete patio (what a mess that would be!) or if the damage can be repaired. So, today on the blog, we answer the question, can I repair the concrete around my pool? First, what causes cracks in concrete patios? Erosion and weather are often to blame for broken concrete. When heavy rain washes soil out from under the edge of the concrete, erosion occurs, leaving little support for the concrete. Soil expansion is also to blame for cracks in the concrete pool patios. Soil expansion occurs when too much water soaks into the soil, it swells, and then dries out, leaving voids under the concrete. Cracks and uneven concrete can be unsightly and could lead to trip and fall accidents, additional erosion and damage, and drainage issues. Ignoring cracked concrete could decrease the value of your home. Unfortunately, you cannot detect when this will happen, but thankfully, Top Notch Raising offers a simple solution to this problem. How to repair cracked concrete around a pool In the past, mud jacking was a method used to pump concrete under an area needing repair in an effect to “jack up” the uneven concrete. Unfortunately, this method only adds more weight to the soil and could result in worsening the problem over time. Instead, Top Notch Raising uses a polyurethane injection material at the repair site to lift and even the concrete. The injection material is lightweight, so it won’t add additional weight or lead to more cracks and erosion. How fast can I get my pool deck repaired? Homeowners are quite surprised to learn that our concrete lifting service can be completed in one day. This means that if you have a pool party planned, you’ll be good to go once the material cures and sets. We start by drilling small holes into the concrete. The holes are only about 5/8” thick. They are access points to inject the foam. Then, we inject the polyurethane foam to fill voids and lift the concrete. The polyurethane material cures in about 30 minutes and leaves no mess. Once the injection process is complete, we seal the access holes so that they blend in. Get my concrete pool deck repaired in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee It’s the height of summer and you should be able to enjoy your pool without worrying about tripping or staring at unsightly cracked concrete. Top Notch Raising serves the East Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia areas. Don’t waste your money by installing a new concrete pool deck. Instead, find out how our foam injection service can restore your concrete to as good as new. Learn more by calling Top Notch Raising at (423) 482-8383.
What are the Different Ways to Raise Sinking Concrete?
Kingsport, TN If you have damaged concrete that is sinking or cracked, you probably are researching ways to repair it without having to totally replace your concrete slab. Many concrete repair companies in Kingsport offer three options to repair sinking concrete. But homeowners may not be sure which option is best for them. There are pros and cons to each option and the one that’s best for your concrete will depend on several circumstances. It’s best to have a professional concrete repair company, like Top Notch Raising, assess your concrete and determine which option is right for you. But today on the blog, we discuss three common ways to fix sinking concrete and highlight the option that yields the best results overall. Replace the damaged concrete If your concrete is badly damaged, you may assume that replacing the slab is better than repairing it. But chances are, your new concrete will not match the old section that is not replaced. And new concrete may not address the underlying reason that your concrete was sinking in the first place. Therefore, to prevent your newly poured or repaired concrete from sinking again is to understand the cause of it and address that issue first. Concrete often sinks or cracks due to unstable soil conditions underneath the slab. Soil erosion, compaction, or expansion directly affects the surface or your concrete. Opting for new concrete may only solve your problem for a short while unless the soil problem is addressed first. Additionally, getting new concrete poured is by far the most expensive option in these cases. Mud jacking Mud jacking is another popular way to repair sinking concrete. It works by lifting the settled concrete slab and pupping grout underneath the concrete to push the concrete slab. You may also have heard this process referred to as slab jacking or pressure grouting. The process begins by making small holes in the sunken concrete. Then, a dense, finely crushed limestone aggregate or Portland cement is pumped into the access holes, slowly lifting the concrete and making it even. Mud jacking requires a long time to cure before you can utilize the area again. This can be inconvenient if you’re dealing with a high-traffic area like your front porch or your driveway. Additionally, mud jacking adds more weight onto the soil, which could increase the risk of the concrete sinking or cracking again in the future. Polyurethane foam At Top Notch Raising, we see the best results from injecting polyurethane foam into the concrete and lifting it until the slab is even. We prefer this method because the foam is extremely lightweight, but durable enough to hold the weight of the concrete slab. The injection process is similar to mud jacking, it’s just that we use a foam spray instead of a limestone mixture. The foam cures in about 30 minutes, which means that you can use the repaired area shortly after we leave the job site. Additionally, the foam does not retain moisture and therefore, will not wash away. Concrete lifting services in Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, Tennessee Let us help make your old, uneven, and sinking concrete look new in no time with a quick call to Top Notch Raising at (423) 482-8383. We will have your concrete restored in no time and you’ll be glad that you opted for concrete lifting repair instead of pouring new concrete.
Why does Concrete Sink?
Kingsport, TN Whether concrete leveling is a new concept to you or you’ve researched it and made your appointment with our Tri-cities concrete leveling specialists, you’re probably curious about what happens during the concrete leveling appointment. Before beginning work, our concrete repair professionals will provide a free estimate after evaluating the concrete to be repaired. You will understand the scope of the work in detail before our Kingston concrete leveling specialists begin work. Work on the day of the appointment will look like this: Step 1 — Hello First, you can expect to be greeted by our friendly Johnson City concrete leveling specialists. They will likely ask where a nearby water spigot is, and they will work with you — and anyone in your home — on an estimated timeline for the work, helping formulate action plans for anyone who may need to use a car or access the home while work is underway. Step 2 — Prep Concrete leveling is our specialty, and our professionals are efficient and knowledgeable. They will quickly set up and prepare any needed equipment for the leveling job. Step 3 — Drill Our Bristol concrete lifting experts will drill small holes — about 1” in diameter — at strategic locations in the sunken concrete slab. These holes serve as access points to place injection ports to reach the areas underneath the concrete that need filling and lifting. Step 4 — Pump Polyurethane foam is injected into the ports to fill voids underneath the concrete. The foam’s chemical reaction causes it to expand and fill the voids under the concrete. As the foam applies even pressure under the concrete, it rapidly raises the slab to its original location and creates a strong, stabilizing bond between the foam and the surrounding soil. This process can be used on interior or exterior concrete surfaces. Step 5 — Plug Access points are sealed to blend with the top layer of concrete, helping it look like a brand-new concrete slab. Step 6 — Clean Once the process is complete, our crew will add any finishing touches, clean any leftover messes and pack up all tools and equipment. We’ll be sure you’re happy with the services we provided before leaving you with your refreshed, leveled concrete. Professional Concrete Leveling in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol To learn more about our professional concrete leveling — or to schedule an inspection — contact Expert Concrete Lifting at (423) 482-8383. We provide free estimates and will explain your project’s scope in detail before beginning any work. We proudly provide our services for residential and commercial concrete lifting needs in the Tri-Cities.
The Importance of Fixing Uneven Concrete for Safety Reasons
Kingsport, TN Whether concrete leveling is a new concept to you or you’ve researched it and made your appointment with our Tri-cities concrete leveling specialists, you’re probably curious about what happens during the concrete leveling appointment. Before beginning work, our concrete repair professionals will provide a free estimate after evaluating the concrete to be repaired. You will understand the scope of the work in detail before our Kingston concrete leveling specialists begin work. Work on the day of the appointment will look like this: Step 1 — Hello First, you can expect to be greeted by our friendly Johnson City concrete leveling specialists. They will likely ask where a nearby water spigot is, and they will work with you — and anyone in your home — on an estimated timeline for the work, helping formulate action plans for anyone who may need to use a car or access the home while work is underway. Step 2 — Prep Concrete leveling is our specialty, and our professionals are efficient and knowledgeable. They will quickly set up and prepare any needed equipment for the leveling job. Step 3 — Drill Our Bristol concrete lifting experts will drill small holes — about 1” in diameter — at strategic locations in the sunken concrete slab. These holes serve as access points to place injection ports to reach the areas underneath the concrete that need filling and lifting. Step 4 — Pump Polyurethane foam is injected into the ports to fill voids underneath the concrete. The foam’s chemical reaction causes it to expand and fill the voids under the concrete. As the foam applies even pressure under the concrete, it rapidly raises the slab to its original location and creates a strong, stabilizing bond between the foam and the surrounding soil. This process can be used on interior or exterior concrete surfaces. Step 5 — Plug Access points are sealed to blend with the top layer of concrete, helping it look like a brand-new concrete slab. Step 6 — Clean Once the process is complete, our crew will add any finishing touches, clean any leftover messes and pack up all tools and equipment. We’ll be sure you’re happy with the services we provided before leaving you with your refreshed, leveled concrete. Professional Concrete Leveling in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol To learn more about our professional concrete leveling — or to schedule an inspection — contact Expert Concrete Lifting at (423) 482-8383. We provide free estimates and will explain your project’s scope in detail before beginning any work. We proudly provide our services for residential and commercial concrete lifting needs in the Tri-Cities.
What to Expect During a Concrete Leveling Appointment
Kingsport, TN Whether concrete leveling is a new concept to you or you’ve researched it and made your appointment with our Tri-cities concrete leveling specialists, you’re probably curious about what happens during the concrete leveling appointment. Before beginning work, our concrete repair professionals will provide a free estimate after evaluating the concrete to be repaired. You will understand the scope of the work in detail before our Kingston concrete leveling specialists begin work. Work on the day of the appointment will look like this: Step 1 — Hello First, you can expect to be greeted by our friendly Johnson City concrete leveling specialists. They will likely ask where a nearby water spigot is, and they will work with you — and anyone in your home — on an estimated timeline for the work, helping formulate action plans for anyone who may need to use a car or access the home while work is underway. Step 2 — Prep Concrete leveling is our specialty, and our professionals are efficient and knowledgeable. They will quickly set up and prepare any needed equipment for the leveling job. Step 3 — Drill Our Bristol concrete lifting experts will drill small holes — about 1” in diameter — at strategic locations in the sunken concrete slab. These holes serve as access points to place injection ports to reach the areas underneath the concrete that need filling and lifting. Step 4 — Pump Polyurethane foam is injected into the ports to fill voids underneath the concrete. The foam’s chemical reaction causes it to expand and fill the voids under the concrete. As the foam applies even pressure under the concrete, it rapidly raises the slab to its original location and creates a strong, stabilizing bond between the foam and the surrounding soil. This process can be used on interior or exterior concrete surfaces. Step 5 — Plug Access points are sealed to blend with the top layer of concrete, helping it look like a brand-new concrete slab. Step 6 — Clean Once the process is complete, our crew will add any finishing touches, clean any leftover messes and pack up all tools and equipment. We’ll be sure you’re happy with the services we provided before leaving you with your refreshed, leveled concrete. Professional Concrete Leveling in Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol To learn more about our professional concrete leveling — or to schedule an inspection — contact Expert Concrete Lifting at (423) 482-8383. We provide free estimates and will explain your project’s scope in detail before beginning any work. We proudly provide our services for residential and commercial concrete lifting needs in the Tri-Cities.
