Uneven Concrete Can Be a Safety Concern
Uneven concrete surfaces like patios, driveways, and sidewalks can be a safety concern. Shifting, water erosion, and tree roots can lead to rough concrete that could damage your foundation or cause your home’s walls to crack. Fortunately, there are affordable options to fix concrete that will not break the bank or compromise your curb appeal. One is concrete lifting, also known as mudjacking or foam leveling.
Water puddles on concrete can be caused by compacted soil, poor drainage, or heavy rain. These puddles can lead to cracking and other damage. In most cases, these puddles can be fixed using Concrete Lifting Cincinnati. This process involves pumping a slurry of cement under the slab, which raises it back into place. When done properly, it will solve your water ponding problem and also help prevent the issue from occurring again.
Cracks in concrete are the result of a variety of factors, including environmental conditions and volume changes. They can also be a sign of deterioration. Structural cracks are a tripping hazard, especially for uneven sidewalks and driveways that could cause people to fall. They can also be a safety risk for vehicles like scooters and bicycles that can easily get caught on uneven surfaces.
Non-structural cracks can also lead to problems, such as allowing moisture into the structure, which may corrode the reinforcement steel. This can weaken the structure and make it unsafe to use. Concrete repair products, such as a rebar patch or epoxy, can repair cracks. Apply these materials to the cracked concrete, making sure to level out the surface with a trowel afterward.
The freezing and thawing of the winter weather in many parts of the country can cause concrete to shift and settle. This is particularly true of driveways, garage slabs, and interior concrete.
Changing soil conditions can also lead to shifting. For example, if the soil is poorly compacted, it can leave gaps between the concrete and the ground below it. This can eventually lead to shifting and cracking, making the slab unlevel and creating tripping hazards.
If you notice that your concrete is shifting or sinking, it’s time to call a professional. This will ensure that your property remains safe and attractive.
The process of concrete lifting involves injecting expanding polymer into the soil under the sunken or shifting concrete. Once it reaches the voids underneath, the material expands and pushes back up to its original level. This solution is fast, efficient, and less expensive than tearing out and replacing the slab. Depending on its condition, it can be applied to the entire surface or only the damaged section of the concrete.
One of the biggest reasons these puddles happen is that concrete sometimes sinks or tilts due to improper installation. This can occur on a driveway or sidewalk, which can be quite a serious concern.
If this is the case, it may be necessary to have the concrete lifted and replaced. However, this should only be a last resort, as this can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor. For the most part, however, there are several steps that can be taken to fix this issue and ensure that your concrete is always puddle-free.
Curb appeal is a key factor when selling a home, and it can help you sell your home for more money than comparable homes on the market that are in bad condition. In fact, improving curb appeal can add 7 to 10% to your home’s appraised value, according to a joint study by the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington.
Concrete curbing is a great way to improve your home’s exterior appearance and make it more welcoming to visitors. It can be poured in many different forms and styles, and it can come in several colors and patterns.
Repairing cracks in your driveway, sidewalk and patio is a smart way to enhance your curb appeal and prevent potential water damage to your property. Broken concrete can look unsightly, and it can create a safety hazard for cars and pedestrians.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to fix cracked and sunken concrete that can be completed in a weekend. In addition, concrete leveling is often a lot less expensive than replacing concrete with new.
