Do you have a sinking concrete patio? It’s not just a cosmetic issue; it can also be a safety hazard. An uneven patio can lead to tripping and can make your outdoor space less enjoyable. This problem needs a solution, and concrete lifting might be the best one. In this article, we’ll explore why concrete patios sink, explain what concrete lifting is, and describe the process and benefits of lifting your concrete patio.
Why Concrete Patios Sink
Several factors can cause a concrete patio to sink. Understanding these reasons can help you take preventive measures and choose the right solution.
Soil Settlement: Over time, the soil beneath your patio can settle. This settling happens because the soil wasn’t properly compacted during the initial installation. As the soil compresses under the weight of the concrete, it creates empty spaces that cause the patio to sink.
Water Erosion: Water is a common enemy of concrete patios. Poor drainage systems can lead to water pooling around or under the patio. When water seeps into the ground, it can wash away the soil, creating voids underneath the concrete. These voids eventually cause the patio to sink.
Tree Roots: Nearby trees can also impact the stability of your patio. As tree roots grow, they can push up parts of the concrete or create hollow spots underneath it. These changes can lead to an uneven, sinking patio.
Heavy Loads: Placing heavy objects, like large planters or outdoor furniture, on your patio can add extra pressure on the soil beneath it. This additional weight can cause the soil to compress and shift, making the concrete sink over time.
Natural Soil Changes: Different types of soil expand and contract with changes in moisture levels. For instance, clay soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry. These cycles of expansion and contraction can destabilize the concrete and cause it to sink.
What Is Concrete Lifting?
Concrete lifting is an effective method for raising and stabilizing sunken concrete slabs. It addresses the problem at the source by filling the voids beneath the concrete and restoring it to its original position.
Definition: Concrete lifting, also known as slabjacking or mudjacking, involves injecting a special material underneath the sunken concrete. This material fills the empty spaces and lifts the concrete back to its original level.
Polyurethane Injection: One popular technique for concrete lifting uses polyurethane foam. This method involves injecting the foam through small holes drilled in the concrete. The foam expands and hardens, filling the gaps beneath the concrete. Polyurethane is lightweight yet strong, offering a durable solution without adding much weight to the foundation.
The Process of Concrete Patio Lifting
Concrete patio lifting is a straightforward process designed to fix sunken sections of your patio effectively. Here’s how it works:
Drilling Holes: First, small holes are drilled into the sunken areas of the concrete. These holes are strategically placed to ensure even lifting and minimal disruption to the existing patio.
Injecting Material: A specialized material, often polyurethane foam, is then injected through the drilled holes. As the foam or material is injected, it expands and fills the voids underneath the concrete. The expansion lifts the concrete back to its original level.
Sealing the Holes: Once the concrete is lifted and levelled, the injection holes are sealed. This step ensures that the patio looks clean and the repair work is hardly noticeable.
Final Inspection: The last step involves inspecting the patio to ensure it is level and stable. Any minor adjustments are made to achieve the desired results.
This process is quick and efficient, usually taking only a few hours. Once completed, the patio is immediately ready for use, making it a convenient option for homeowners.
Benefits of Lifting Your Concrete Patio
Concrete lifting offers several advantages that make it an ideal solution for sunken patios. Here are some key benefits:
Cost-Efficient: Lifting your concrete patio is generally less expensive than replacing the entire slab. It provides a durable fix without the high costs associated with new concrete installation.
Quick and Convenient: The lifting process is fast, often completed within a few hours. This means you can enjoy your patio again without lengthy downtime.
Minimal Disruption: The procedure requires only small drill holes, which are barely noticeable after sealing. There’s no need for heavy machinery or extensive demolition, making it a cleaner option.
Long-Lasting Solution: By filling the voids underneath the concrete, lifting prevents future sinking and stabilizes the patio. The use of durable materials like polyurethane foam ensures a long-lasting repair.
Eco-Friendly: Concrete lifting is more environmentally friendly than replacing the slab. It reduces waste by reusing the existing concrete and requires fewer resources.
Improved Safety: An even patio surface reduces the risk of trips and falls, making your outdoor space safer for family and friends.
Conclusion
Understanding why patios sink and knowing how concrete lifting works are important steps to fix the issue effectively. The concrete lifting process is straightforward, cost-efficient, and quick, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily life. With numerous benefits like improved safety, durability, and eco-friendliness, lifting your concrete patio is a smart choice.
If your patio is showing signs of sinking, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us at Level Best Concrete Lifting today to get professional concrete lifting in Vancouver and enjoy your outdoor space once again.