Concrete Leveling Processes

Concrete slabs or blocks that comprise a home's foundation or the property surrounding it may sink over time. The sinking process is often associated with poor drainage, erosion, and the improper installation of concrete. A piering system, grout, and foam products are often used to correct problems associated with an unlevel basement or hardscaping materials.

An Inspection Process

Concrete leveling will require a bracing system to be placed underneath concrete that has been affected. A piering system involves the use of galvanized steel. An injection leveling process may require the use of grout or a foam insulator. All of the leveling processes will require that an inspection is conducted first. The weight of a concrete item and the age of the concrete may have a bearing on what type of leveling process will be conducted.

During an inspection, a concrete contractor will test the strength of the concrete. If a concrete slab is damaged, it may be able to be salvaged. Concrete patching products can be used to strengthen concrete that has been compromised. If concrete is unsalvageable, it will need to be replaced in its entirety. A client can choose to have a sublayer installed, prior to having new concrete poured. This will protect new concrete from sinking.

The Leveling Processes

Leveling a concrete basement may require the use of a hydraulic system. Hydraulics will lift the foundation up. This will allow a contractor to install the galvanized sections that comprise a pier system. This process may require a considerable amount of manpower. One person may be responsible for operating the hydraulic system. A spotter may oversee the machine operator. Other concrete repair people may work together, to install a pier system.

Leveling processes that require that a material is injected through the concrete will not require as much manpower. With a grout or a foam insulation leveling process, a tool will be used to inject either material through the concrete. First, holes will be drilled into a concrete slab. The holes will be placed strategically, to prevent the concrete from becoming visually damaged.

After either product is injected through the concrete, the material will settle below a concrete slab. As the material settles, the concrete will begin to rise. A leveling process may be performed along one section of a concrete slab or along several sections of one. A filling agent will be used to cap the holes that were installed in each concrete slab that was leveled.