Sunken and uneven concrete surfaces can present all kinds of problems if left unaddressed. Concrete raising provides a simple, effective, and long-term solution that can solve these issues completely within a matter of hours. Throw in the fact that modern concrete raising techniques are commonly 50% or more cheaper than a total (and often unnecessary) replacement project, and it is plain to see why repair beats replacement every time. Here are a few of the most common reasons why residential and commercial customers choose to raise their concrete surfaces.
Prevent Further Decay
Once your concrete begins to sink you can be certain of one thing – the problem is going to get worse, and usually quicker than you probably expect. Surface flaws always indicate much greater problems below the surface that can rapidly degrade further, especially when paired with drainage issues and/or frequent heavy load-bearing requirements.
Raising your concrete with quick-drying polyurethane foam not only restores an even surface but also rectifies those subsurface problems. The sooner you take action the less expensive the project will be.
Address Water Damage
Subsurface water damage is a major issue and you should look to take action the moment you notice sinkage starting to take hold. Surface sinkage is the last warning sign that water is causing serious problems and that can rapidly spread to structures. No matter whether you have noticed this on a parking lot, doorstep, sidewalk or yard – once those cracks appear they will spread to those much more valuable parts of the property (and your neighbors).
Polyurethane foam expands underneath the surface over the lifting process and can penetrate even the narrowest and slightest subterranean cracks and crevasses. As it dries it will seal those issues completely and protect your property against water damage for many years to come. Well applied foam is just as effective as brand-new concrete for solving this problem.
Avoid Liability
Over 8m Americans visit the ER each year because they have tripped over and injured themselves. A good proportion of those are caused by sunken damaged concrete – and needless to say, that leads to billions of dollars being claimed in liability payouts. Liability is a complicated issue but even where someone accepts let’s say 25% of the liability for injuring themselves, the property owner will still be looking at paying them several thousand dollars or more in compensation.
If people (including employees and guests) routinely use your damaged concrete surface then you are going to be held liable sooner rather than later. Repairing that concrete costs small change compared to making those payouts.
Easier than Replacement
Even if money was no issue there are still plenty of good reasons for raising and repairing your existing concrete instead of signing off on a replacement. Most concrete can be repaired to ‘good as new’ quality and the process causes far less disruption. It is no exaggeration to say that your raised concrete should be good for normal use within a matter of hours instead of the days or weeks a replacement project often takes. If downtime and disruption matters (and it should) then raising that concrete is always the handiest and most effective solution.
Better for the Environment
Don’t forget about the environmental impact either. Most Polyurethane foam comprises a high percentage of non-toxic recycled materials that are far better for the ground than brand new concrete! Do the planet a favor and opt for the smarter, greener alternative instead. All quality concrete raising contractors will discuss their materials and processes with you in detail to ensure your green credentials are always kept to the forefront.
