Is Concrete Lifting a DIY Project?

Sunken and settled concrete is a common problem many homeowners face. The good news is that sunken slabs can be repaired quickly, cost-effectively, and in an environmentally friendly way! Lifting and levelling concrete with polyurethane foam has become one of the most popular concrete repair methods available today. Polyurethane concrete lifting, also known as foam jacking, continues to grow in popularity because it's convenient and an excellent alternative to replacing concrete slabs, which can be time-consuming and expensive. You may be wondering, is concrete lifting a DIY project? The short answer is no. Some home improvement enthusiasts will try to take on this project themselves, but we think you should leave this one to the professionals! Let us tell you why.

Concrete slabs can settle over time, creating all kinds of problems. If left to their own devices, broken or uneven concrete slabs will cause damage to surrounding areas and create opportunities for water to leak into your home or business. Polyurethane concrete lifting is the process of raising sunken concrete slabs back to their original position. It's commonly used for repairing driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, garage and basement floors and even highways! Concrete levelling and lifting is done by injecting polyurethane foam underneath the slab, which lifts it back to its original position. The process is simple but needs to be carried out by a professional to ensure that the suitable materials are used, and the job is done correctly. Concrete lifting has many benefits and is ideal for repairing sunken concrete slabs over replacement.

Concrete settling is when a concrete slab starts to sink into the ground and makes the surface uneven. Concrete settles due to erosion in the ground underneath it caused by water or improper drainage during installation, tree roots (especially if you live near oak trees), and natural settling over time as soil and rocks beneath your slab shift due to changes in temperature or moisture content under the slab itself as well as around it in the soil above too (i.e., clay soils swell when wet). Some other common causes for concrete settling are poor soil compaction during construction, freeze/thaw cycles, heavy vehicles on the slab and poor quality of concrete or installation. If any of these are the reason for your sunken driveway or sidewalk, then there's no more need to research further into DIY methods; you should hire a professional.

Polyurethane foam is the best way to lift concrete, and there are a few reasons why. Polyurethane foam is a lighter option than concrete mud jacking when it comes to materials. It's also much easier to apply! With polyurethane foam, you need a smaller crew and less time and labour. We begin by drilling small holes in the slab and injecting the polyurethane foam into the ground below. The polyurethane foam expands under the slab, filling in the voids underneath and lifting the slab back into its original position. Once the concrete slab is lifted, the holes are patched, and the job is done! Lifting and levelling concrete with polyurethane is a fast, efficient, environmentally friendly and long-lasting solution to sunken and settled concrete slabs.

While it is possible to lift concrete slabs yourself, it's generally not a good idea, and we suggest hiring a professional. Attempting the job yourself will likely not go the way you think it will. The reason is that lifting concrete is much more complex than you might think. Without the proper equipment and supplies, DIY concrete lifting projects can go wrong, and you may end up causing more damage to the slab or creating other serious issues around your home. Homeowners who attempt to lift sunken slabs themselves often try various methods, which can be expensive and lead them right back where they started, sunken and settled concrete. To avoid more severe issues or more costly repairs, we recommend hiring a professional to do the job. This way, you won't have to worry about more problems down the road. 

Concrete lifting is not a DIY project. Attempting to lift your sunken slabs by yourself can risk your home's safety, and you might end up paying more money than you would have spent hiring a professional. We know that DIY can be very tempting, especially when trying to save money. But trust us, you don't want to do this one yourself. It's better to hire a professional, so you know that the job will be done right the first time. At Sanremo Poly-Foam, we offer expert concrete lifting and levelling services that will fit your needs and budget. If you need a sunken slab levelled, contact us today! We'll get you lifted in no time!