Are you looking to level an uneven concrete slab on your property? There’s a quick and easy solution: expanding foam, also known as polyjacking or polyurethane foam injection. This low-cost alternative provides a great way to level those uneven slabs without breaking the bank. Read on for more information about why expanding foam is an effective tool for leveling concrete slabs such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
How Do Concrete Slabs Become Uneven?
There are several reasons why concrete slabs can become uneven, including improper site preparation, expansive soil, erosion, and invasive tree roots. Let’s take a look at each one of these:
Improper Site Preparation
Improper site preparation is a common cause of uneven concrete slabs. During the preparation phase, the soil the concrete slab will be installed in must be compacted to prevent subsidence and shifting. If this is not done correctly, the soil beneath the slab may shift, causing it to become uneven.
Erosion Under the Slab
Some types of soil are prone to erosion. When this happens beneath a concrete slab, it can cause the ground to shift and settle, resulting in unevenness.
Expansive Clay Soil
This soil type expands and contracts with changing moisture levels, leading to gradual shifting of the slab over time.
Invasive Tree Roots
Invasive tree roots, when left unchecked, can penetrate beneath the concrete slab, causing it to become uneven. The pressure exerted by growing tree roots can cause concrete slabs to crack, shift, or even heave upwards. This can be particularly common in urban settings with mature trees.
How Expanding Foam Levels Uneven Concrete Slabs
Expanding foam is a highly efficient method for leveling an uneven concrete surface such as a sidewalk, driveway, or garage floor. The general leveling process goes as follows:
Step 1: Inspection
The first step in using expanding foam to level an uneven slab is to get an inspection. A trained technician will visit your property to assess the severity of the uneven concrete surface and determine the best course of action. They will look for signs of soil erosion, settling, or other potential causes of the uneven surface.
Step 2: Preparation
Once the inspection is complete, the technician will prepare the site for polyjacking using expanding foam. This usually involves cleaning the surface and marking the areas that need to be lifted.
Step 3: Drilling
Next, the technician will drill small holes through the concrete surface in the areas that are marked for lifting. These holes are the size of a dime and are strategically placed to allow the polyurethane foam to be injected at the right points.
Step 4: Injection
After drilling holes, the technician will insert ports that allow a poly gun to connect. Once connected, polyurethane foam can be injected through the hole into the void under the concrete. The foam will start spreading to fill the voids that caused the uneven surface. Then, it will expand and harden, raising the surface to its original level.
Step 5: Finishing
Once the polyurethane foam has raised the surface, the holes are patched with a compound that closely matches the color of the slab and the site is cleaned up. The treated area can be used within 15 minutes. Please note, in some cases, it will not be possible to match the color of existing concrete due to age, weathering, or if we are patching custom-colored concrete.
Why Expanding Foam Is Better Than Mudjacking for Leveling Uneven Concrete Slabs
Polyjacking is the preferred method for leveling an uneven concrete slab because it offers numerous advantages over mudjacking, including the following:
It’s a Quick Repair
One of the key benefits of polyjacking is that it is a faster and more efficient process than mudjacking. Since the foam material cures quickly, the slab can be used almost immediately after the procedure is complete–unlike mudjacking, which requires a longer curing time.
It’s Less Messy
Using expanding foam to level an uneven concrete slab produces less mess and disruption to the surrounding landscape than mudjacking, which uses a cement slurry.
It’s a Long-Lasting Solution
The foam material used in polyjacking is highly resistant to erosion, settling, and water damage, ensuring that the slab remains level and stable for years to come. This makes it a cost-effective and reliable option for property owners who want to avoid the hassle of repeat repairs and maintenance.
For more information, see our article Mudjacking vs Polylevel For Leveling Concrete Slabs.
How Much Does It Cost to Level an Uneven Slab Using Expanding Foam?
The cost of leveling an uneven slab using expanding foam varies depending on how much of the slab must be lifted and the presence of visible voids. Due to the unique circumstances associated with each job, it is impossible to give pricing here or over the phone. Most homeowners find that the price of polyjacking is significantly less than having the slab removed and replaced.
Expanding foam is also a faster solution, taking only a few hours compared to the weeks needed for traditional methods. This minimizes the disruption to daily activities and allows for quicker completion of construction or renovation projects.
Furthermore, expanding foam is eco-friendly and safe for the environment. The foam is made from non-toxic materials and does not emit harmful gasses or chemicals into the air either in use or after installation.
Where Can Expanding Foam Be Used to Level Uneven Concrete Surfaces?
In most cases, expanding foam can be used wherever there is an uneven concrete surface. This includes sidewalks, driveways, garage floors, patios, pool decks, parking lots, roads, etc.
What About DIY Concrete Leveling Using Expanding Foam?
DIY concrete leveling using expanding foam may sound like a quick and easy fix for your uneven concrete slabs or surfaces; however, it is not an advisable solution. Leveling concrete with expanding foam requires a high degree of expertise and precision. Without proper training, experience, and equipment, there is a high likelihood that the foam will be unevenly distributed or improperly applied, leading to more severe problems later on.
If you have an uneven concrete surface on your property, contact us today to learn more about expanding foam. We serve areas in four states: Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.
