Did you know that even the ancient Romans used concrete in their construction? They valued it for its strength and for its ability to be molded into different forms. They formed concrete from volcanic ash and lime, which were a bit different from the materials used today, but the substance was very similar and used for similar purposes. Today, concrete contractors carry on the ancient Roman tradition, making everything from patios to counter tops from concrete. These creations last for years and require little maintenance. We think concrete is amazing, and we hope you'll share that opinion after reading the articles provided here.
Edwin Robertson
If you are a general contractor hoping to specialize in concrete, or are already a concrete contractor and just want a refresher, then you should know about concrete lifting. Concrete lifting is an alternative to replacing an entire slab where water and concrete mix are pumped underneath the slab, above the foundation. This is generally preferred over replacing the entire concrete slab, but it does come with the risk of further fractures.
Pumped Down Underneath
Concrete lifting is the process of drilling into a concrete slab that has sunk or otherwise damaged in some way and filling the interior with water, concrete, and other materials in order to raise the concrete slab to where it's meant to be. This process is also called mud-jacking. If you are fixing a damaged slab of concrete, this will probably be your go-to way to resolving the issue. There are other options — you can also replace the entire concrete slab entirely, or use polyurethane foam raising for the same effect as mudjacking but with a different material injected within.
Quicker And Cheaper
One of the most important reasons why concrete lifting is preferred by both concrete contractors and customers alike is that it's generally less expensive and quicker than having to replace the entire concrete slab. Replacing an entire concrete slab requires the labor, tools, and time needed to take out the entire concrete slab, dispose of it, and replace it entirely. Additionally, it's a lot of concrete mix to add. However, concrete lifting allows you to fix sunken in slabs with less concrete and effort. Plus, it generally dries in 24 hours, as opposed to the days needed for new slabs.
Risks
Concrete lifting is not the perfect solution many in the concrete industry would prefer. For starters, pumping water beneath concrete slabs has it's own risks, as it will almost certainly expand and shrink throughout the seasons. Additionally, the drilling required to add the water and concrete mix solution can damage the structural integrity of the slab itself, leading to more cracks later. Finally, concrete slabs tend to sink and break down due to a faulty foundation — adding more concrete on top of the foundation may stress it further, making a foundation leveling more likely.
Concrete lifting is an important part of a concrete contractor's work. It's quicker and less expensive than other concrete repair options, but it does carry the risk of further fractures. When completing a concrete repair job, make sure to understand the advantages and drawbacks of the technique you choose.
To learn more, contact a concrete lifting service in your area.