Kingsport, TN
Just behind water, concrete is the most widely used substance on the planet. Concrete poured for patios, sidewalks, driveways, swimming pools and basements seems indestructible. But over time, cement can age, crack and sink. More often than not, the true culprit for damaged concrete lies underneath it. Over time, the soil under concrete erodes, leaving the concrete slabs above susceptible to sinking and cracking.
Two of the most popular repair methods for old or damaged concrete are polyurethane foam injections and mudjacking. They both have similar purposes and results — they both inject material under concrete to lift and level it — but they also have a few key differences. Our concrete leveling experts in the Tri-cities area recommend and use science-backed polyurethane foam for concrete leveling. While it may be a bit more expensive than mudjacking on the front end, the durability and longevity of the foam save money in the long run.
What is mudjacking?
Mudjacking is more traditional and less expensive than polyurethane foam for repairing concrete. Mudjacking starts similarly to polyurethane foam raising: they both begin with concrete leveling pros like ours in the Kingsport area drilling small, 1” in diameter holes in the damaged concrete. A slurry of sand, topsoil, cement and other materials are mixed into mud and pumped into the holes to lift and level the concrete slab. The soil under the concrete slab over time may not be able to hold the additional weight of the slurry, now combined with the weight of the concrete slab. And since the materials used in the slurry aren’t waterproof, chances are high that rain and other elements will erode it in time, causing the concrete to sink again.
What is polyurethane foam raising?
Our team of concrete experts in Bristol uses a science-backed, geo-technical expanding polyurethane foam instead of a slurry to lift, level and stabilize concrete slabs. Just like with mudjacking, our concrete leveling specialists in the Tri-cities area drill holes in the affected concrete and then inject the foam into the holes. A chemical reaction causes the foam to expand — up to 7 feet per drilled hole — and it fills all the voids under the concrete. As the foam applies even pressure under the concrete, it rapidly raises the slab to its original position and creates a strong, stabilizing bond between it and the surrounding soil particles. Unlike the slurry used in mudjacking, polyurethane foam does not break down over time.
Concrete Lifting in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City
Mudjacking may be the less expensive option, but that doesn’t mean it’s the better value. The polyurethane-foam-raising method used by our concrete experts in Johnson City saves money in the long run because it’s more durable and lasts longer. At Top Notch Raising, we use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide our customers with the best concrete leveling services around. Our results will save you time and money. To learn more about concrete leveling, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact us at (423) 482-8383. We provide top-rated concrete lifting and repair services to the Tri-Cities area, including Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City.