Concrete Repair FAQs
Why Does Concrete Settle?
Poor Soil Conditions: As soils become saturated with water, the clay expands and loses strength. This condition, common in Houston, causes concrete slabs to sink and require repairs or leveling services – just like standing in wet mud. This can occur from heavy rains, melting snow or plumbing leaks.
Poor Compaction: Many homes are built on backfilled soils in the Houston area, causing concrete slabs to need leveling services and repairs. If the soil is not compacted correctly before construction, backfill will gradually compact unevenly, sometimes over a year, which allows slabs to settle.
Tree Roots: Trees and large shrubs can consume up to 30 gallons of water a day. If located near concrete, the loss of water in the soil will make the osil contract and can cause the slabs to settle or crack. In Houston, concrete slabs often need crack repair services due to the damage caused by many different types of trees.
Poor Drainage: Improper drainage can cause soil instability by creating saturated soils, which allows the slabs to settle. Poor drainage can be typical of an area, or as minor as a misplaced downspout.
Many homeowners make the mistake of waiting until the problem worsens and then end up spending 3-5 times the amount of money to replace, rather than raise their sinking concrete. Until the concrete slab is repaired and leveled, your Houston home remains at risk
What Signs to Look For...
Concrete problems can come out of nowhere after a big rainstorm. Usually a concrete slab problem on your Houston property is an underlying issue that happens slowly over time. But will you notice them early enough to fix them before they get serious?
We’re here to help alert you to some of the most telling signs you may have a concrete issue in its early stages. We’ll also help find a solution before the problem escalates.
Cracks and Crumbling – Since concrete is one of the strongest building materials in the world, any significant wear and tear is cause for concern. Cracks and crumbling could be superficial and simply the sign of weathering, but it also could indicate a more serious underlying problem: the lack of foundational stability. If the soil is eroding beneath the slab, cracks and crumbling could only be the beginning of the issue. Sinking and shifting could be next, so make sure you get a full assessment of the slab. Crack repair services for concrete slabs is a specialty of Houston’s Generocity Concrete Leveling & Repair.
Pooling Water – Pooling water on the concrete isn’t good news. It means there is likely singing or shifting beneath that is causing the concrete to hold precipitation and impede drainage. Since concrete is a porous material, it’s best not to have standing water on it for long periods, so raising the slab surface to facilitate drainage might help. To prevent pooling water, Generocity Concrete Leveling & Repair in Houston recommends leveling and repairing your concrete slab.
Porches or Patios Pull Away from Foundation – When you see your front stairs or your back patio begin to pull away from the foundation, it’s probably not the foundation that’s moving – it’s the concrete base of your steps or patio. This signifies a lack of support beneath and that the soil has shifted or eroded, so it’s imperative to list and stabilize the structure before it causes further damage.
It Only Gets Worse, Unless You Take Action – Maybe you noticed a trend – we keep warning against waiting, encouraging you to act right away. That’s because sinking concrete doesn’t ever get better on its own. If you trust us to make repairs to your concrete slab in Houston now, you may be able to avoid replacing the structure down the road.
What Areas do you serve?
We also service Anahuac, Angleton, Arcola, Bayou Vista, Baytown, Bellaire, Brookside Village, Bunker Hill Village, Clear Lake Shores, Clute, Danbury, Deer Park, El Lago, Freeport, Galena Park, Galleria, Hedwig Village, Hilshire Village, Hitchcock, Houston, Iowa Colony, Jacinto City, Jamaica Beach, Jersey Village, Katy, La Marque, La Porte, Lake Jackson, Liverpool, Manvel, Meadows Place, Missouri City, Mont Belvieu, Morgan’s Point, Nassau Bay, Piney Point Village, Shoreacres, South Houston, Southside Place, Spring Valley Village, Stafford, Sugar Land, Surfside Beach, Taylor Lake Village, Texas City, West Columbia and West University Place
What concrete surfaces do you typically raise and level?
Raising and leveling concrete is a process that can be used to repair and restore a variety of concrete surfaces including: driveways, sidewalks, patios, slabs, foundation, garage floors, pool decks, parking areas, streets and recreational concrete.
When can we use the concrete once it is raised?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes we offer a 2 year warranty on our work.
Will we need to clean the work area?
What surfaces can not be raised?
How much does concrete leveling cost compared to replacing concrete?
The cost of raising and leveling concrete will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the area being worked on, the condition of the existing slab, and the distance to the job site. Generally raising concrete costs half of what it would cost to replace the concrete.
Is the Polyurethane foam used to raise concrete harmful in any way?
In general, polyurethane foam is not harmful when used as intended. It is a strong and stable material that can support the weight of a concrete slab without any problems. However, as with any chemical or building material, it is important to handle polyurethane foam with caution and follow proper safety procedures when using it.
For example, when injecting polyurethane foam under a concrete slab, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid contact with the foam. In addition, it is important to allow the foam to fully cure before walking or driving on the raised slab.
Overall, polyurethane foam is a safe and effective material for raising and leveling concrete slabs, as long as it is used properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
What is Mudjacking?
Mudjacking is often used to level sidewalks, driveways, patios, and other concrete surfaces that have sunk or become uneven over time due to soil settlement, water damage, or other factors. It is a cost-effective alternative to replacing the entire concrete slab, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
The process of mudjacking involves drilling a series of holes into the settled concrete slab, typically about the size of a quarter. The holes are spaced about two feet apart and are typically drilled to a depth of about six inches. A slurry mixture, consisting of cement, water, and soil, is then injected into the holes using a special pump. The mixture fills the voids underneath the slab and lifts it to its original position. The holes are then sealed and the surface is finished to match the surrounding concrete.
Mudjacking is a relatively simple and fast process that can usually be completed in a single day. It is a cost-effective way to level and repair settled or sunken concrete surfaces, and can help extend the life of the concrete and improve the appearance and safety of the area.
What is spalling concrete?
There are several signs that concrete may be experiencing spalling, including the presence of cracks or fissures on the surface of the concrete, the formation of pits or divots on the surface, and the presence of flakes or chips of concrete. Spalling can occur on any type of concrete surface, including sidewalks, driveways, foundations, and walls.
If spalling concrete is not addressed, it can lead to more serious problems, such as structural damage, water infiltration, and the need for costly repairs. To prevent spalling, it is important to use proper materials and techniques during the construction of concrete surfaces and to properly maintain and protect the concrete from harsh weather and other factors that can cause damage. If spalling has already occurred, it may be necessary to repair or replace the affected concrete to restore its structural integrity and prevent further damage.
Can all concrete be raised and leveled? Or is some concrete too old and damaged?
If the concrete slab is in good condition and has not suffered from extensive damage or deterioration, it is likely to be a good candidate for raising and leveling. On the other hand, if the concrete slab is severely damaged or has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer structurally sound, raising and leveling may not be a viable option. In these cases, it may be necessary to tear out and replace the existing concrete slab.
Another factor to consider is the cause of the unevenness or sinking. If the unevenness or sinking is due to a problem with the soil or foundation beneath the slab, raising and leveling the slab may not be a permanent solution. In these cases, it may be necessary to address the underlying issue before attempting to raise and level the slab.
Overall, the feasibility and effectiveness of raising and leveling concrete will depend on the age and condition of the slab, as well as the cause of the unevenness or sinking. It is always a good idea to consult with a professional contractor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
If you have questions about your concrete contact us for a free evaluation.
Is raising and leveling concrete a good do it yourself project or is it better to hire a concrete contractor or professional?
Professional contractors have the necessary training, equipment, and experience to properly assess the condition of the concrete slab and determine the best approach for raising and leveling it. They can also ensure that the work is done safely and to the required standards.
Additionally, raising and leveling concrete can be physically demanding and may require the use of heavy equipment and tools. It is important to consider whether you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to handle this type of project on your own before attempting it.
In summary, while it is technically possible for a homeowner to attempt to raise and level concrete on their own, it is generally recommended to hire a professional contractor to handle the work. This will ensure that the job is done safely and to the required standards, and can save you time and effort in the long run.