Concrete lifting contractors fix broken, sinking slabs — but how do they do it? It starts with identifying the underlying cause (literally): voids.

A void under a slab of concrete undermines its support and threatens its longevity. With nothing beneath to support its weight, the slab will gradually sink. Is it possible to fix this type of damage? With experienced concrete lifting contractors on the job, the answer is yes.

The Source of the Problem

A void is what causes concrete to sink, but what causes the void? There was no void when the slab was poured, right?

Over time, soil settlement, erosion or both can contribute to a loss of stability beneath a slab. No matter how well the soil was compacted before the concrete was poured, air escapes over time and the concrete’s foundation gradually sinks. Sometimes this settlement can alter water drainage patterns and make erosion an issue. Also, sometimes erosion is a problem all on its own.

If it’s just settlement that’s causing the void, usually concrete lifting can fix the problem. But if water drainage patterns are causing erosion to get worse, it’s best to resolve this concern first, then use concrete lifting to stabilize the slab.

How it’s Discovered

How do concrete lifting contractors detect voids? Well, it’s easy to tell there’s a void if the concrete is sinking. But to be able to tell how large that void is, we use a technology called ground-penetrating radar. Using radio waves, the device provides a reading that shows the scope of the void so the repair professional can estimate how much material will be required to fill and fix it.

The Solution: Concrete Lifting

Using strong, stabilizing grout, we drill holes in the slab surface, then inject the amount necessary to adequately fill the void, lift the slab and stabilize the base. It’s an ingenious tactic that can prevent you from having to tear out your concrete and start over.

We’ll Level with You

It’s not always easy diagnosing and executing repairs, especially when there is significant damage, but Lift-Up Concrete is always up for the challenge. As the dependable choice among Utah’s concrete lifting contractors, we always offer transparent quotes and clear explanations for what we can do and what you should expect from the finished product. Get in touch with us today to learn more — we’re happy to help restore your concrete surfaces.

Concrete problems can come out of nowhere after a big rainstorm or an accident, but that’s not the norm. It’s more likely that concrete problems sneak up slowly over time. But will you notice them early enough to fix them before they get serious?

We’re here to help alert you to some of the most telling signs you may have a concrete issue in its early stages. We’ll also help find a solution before the problem escalates.

Cracks and Crumbling

Since concrete is one of the strongest building materials in the world, any significant wear and tear is cause for concern. Cracks and crumbling could be superficial and simply the sign of a weathering in Utah’s extreme elements, but it also could indicate a more serious underlying problem: the lack of foundational stability.

If the soil is eroding beneath the slab, cracks and crumbling could only be the beginning of the issue. Sinking and shifting could be next, so make sure you get a full assessment of the slab.

Pooling Water

Pooling water on the concrete isn’t good news. It means there is likely sinking or shifting beneath that is causing the concrete to hold precipitation and impede drainage. Since concrete is a porous material, it’s best not to have standing water on it for long periods, so raising the slab surface to facilitate drainage might help.

Porches or Patios Pull Away from Foundation

When you see your front stairs or your back patio begin to pull away from the foundation, it’s probably not the foundation that’s moving — it’s the concrete base of your steps or patio. This signifies a lack of support beneath and that the soil has shifted or eroded, so it’s imperative to lift and stabilize the structure before it causes further damage.

It Only Gets Worse, Unless You Take Action

Maybe you noticed a trend — we keep warning against waiting, encouraging you to act right away. That’s because sinking concrete doesn’t ever get better on its own. If you trust us to make repairs now, you may be able to avoid replacing the structure down the road.

Why Lift-Up?

Lift-Up Concrete is Utah’s preferred concrete lifting contractor because we aren’t just in the business of raising slabs and surfaces; we’re in the business of resolving concrete problems. Whatever we have to do to remedy the situation, you can trust we do it. Stop worrying and call Lift-Up today for a free estimate and speedy service.

Is sidewalk repair the responsibility of the nearest property owner, or is the city or town in charge of upkeep?

You might think there would be uniformity among Utah cities and towns regarding who is responsible for sidewalk repair, but the truth is that it can vary.

Towns like American Fork make it easier for homeowners by sharing the cost of sidewalk repair through their Safe Sidewalk Program, though cost-share projects are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget runs out.

But in Salt Lake City, the law is different. The homeowner is solely responsible for all sidewalk repair for walkways directly adjacent to their property. You won’t get any financial help from the city.

Signs You Need Sidewalk Repair

Regardless of who pays for repairs, if someone is injured due to lack of maintenance or repairs on a sidewalk in front of your home, there is a chance you could be held liable. Your homeowner’s insurance might protect you, but it’s still a claim and potential lawsuit you’d probably rather avoid.

If your sidewalks are significantly cracked and sinking, they could present a trip hazard. Severe crumbling on the edges and steeply sloped grades are all indications that it’s time for repairs.

Why Concrete Lifting Is a Great Option

What does it take to fix your sidewalks? Don’t worry — ripping them out and re-pouring them should only be your last resort. Concrete lifting is faster, cheaper and it works.

Using specialized tools, we drill a small hole in the concrete and inject a stabilizing grout beneath the slab, raising it up to its previous height. Using grinding techniques, we can ensure your sidewalk span is level and smooth. No more trip hazards or cracks — your concrete will be patched, sealed and look as good as new.

Call Lift-Up for a Quote

When you need sidewalk repair done the easy way — through concrete lifting — use the company that makes it easy: Lift-Up Concrete. We provide free quotes for homeowners who need to address the sidewalk problems adjacent to their property, and we do it quickly. Know today what you’ll pay for a fast, effective repair. Call us now!

When you need concrete repair, your do-it-yourself tendencies might try to take over! It seems simple (and inexpensive) to buy concrete mix and handle the job yourself. The problem arises when the concrete repair is more complex than you anticipated. You could end up doing more harm than good if you try to fix the problem on your own.

Do you need to hire a professional for concrete repair? Why should you hire a professional?

Before you embark on any concrete repair on your own, it wouldn’t hurt to get a free assessment to find out if your concrete problem is something you can fix yourself. And if it isn’t, below are the top five reasons to trust an experienced team like Lift-Up Concrete to handle the project.

1. Save Time

Concrete lifting or crack repair might seem like a quick fix — and it can be — but only if you know how to do it efficiently. You could spend hours on something that would take a professional a few minutes, simply because you lack the right tools or experience. Save your weekend for other projects that need your personal touch and give this job to Lift-Up Concrete.

2. Add Value

When concrete repair is done right, it can add significant value to your home. A well-repaired sidewalk, driveway or patio can boost curb appeal and make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.

3. Save Money

You may think that handling concrete repair yourself is cheaper, but the opposite may be true. From purchasing or renting tools to buying materials to the time the job and the cleanup takes, you might come out ahead of you let a pro take the reins.

4. Avoid Mistakes

If concrete is repaired incorrectly, it won’t look or function the way it should. Mistakes can be costly in terms of time, money and aesthetics. When you let a professional take control, you don’t have to worry about missteps along the way.

5. Prevent Further Damage

On every concrete repair project we do, we get to the root of why the surface was sinking or cracking in the first place. We don’t just cover up the damage — we offer long-term solutions so our fixes last. This also helps prevent further damage — it’s an investment in your concrete!

What to Look For

When you’re hiring a professional, make sure they are licensed and insured, and check their references. What do their past customers say about them? Lift-Up Concrete has countless happy customers because we aren’t satisfied with our concrete repair work until you are! Call today to schedule your free consultation.

Maybe you think winter concrete repair isn’t an option. Meanwhile, the season continues to take a toll on your driveway, walkway and patio. As your concrete sinks lower, so do your hopes for even, presentable surfaces. Your curb appeal and your spirits take a hit. But what if you could get it repaired right now? Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Moisture Can Quickly Freeze

The main challenge concrete repair teams face is temperatures below freezing. Water is a component in the material formulated to pump beneath sinking concrete slabs. Once the material is injected beneath the surface, it has to cure in order to remain stable for a long time. If it freezes too quickly, it puts internal pressure on the grout and weakens it, threatening the stability of the repair.

Is the Ground Frozen?

Also, if the ground is frozen, it’s more likely for the concrete to stick to the soil. This means that when we begin injecting the grout beneath the sinking area of the slab, the concrete may break apart rather than raise like we intend it to. It’s better to wait until the ground thaws to reduce the risk of this happening.

Our Step-by-Step Process

So if outdoor temperatures fall below freezing and the ground is frozen too, how can we execute winter concrete repair? Well, honestly, we can’t until the weather warms a bit. However, you can contact us for winter concrete repair, and we will watch the temperatures and come out to complete the project as soon as we believe it is safe and effective to do so.

But there are many other steps in the concrete repair process we can take care of in advance. We can estimate the labor and materials it will take to restore your concrete to its previous level state. We can put together a complete, transparent, itemized quote for you to review. And when the temperature begins to cooperate, we can get you on our schedule for repair!

When You Need Answers

Call Lift-Up Concrete when you’re assessing the condition of your concrete and weighing the pros and cons of mudjacking versus replacing the entire slab. Also, give us a call if you’re interested in finding out whether winter concrete repair is possible given the temperature in the region.

We don’t make promises we don’t keep! When you need to find a trusted contractor you can depend on for winter concrete repair, look to Lift-Up Concrete.

Estimating concrete lifting costs is one of the most important parts of this repair job. While technicians can never fully understand the extent of the job before beginning work, we can use our many years of experience to gauge the scope of the project and give you the most accurate price range possible.

What goes into our estimate? Below are a few questions we ask as we conduct our assessment.

How Big Is the Surface?

The size of the slab you need to be repaired is one of the main factors that determine price because it determines material and labor costs. It also affects our technique. We may need to drill many more holes for a large driveway than if we are simply raising a small patio or staircase.

How Dramatic Is the Damage?

The extent of the damage will also play a role in factoring the cost. For example, a small crack and a slight dip in a walkway is minor compared to a steep recession in a pool deck. If the issue will require major repairs, more material is needed and the costs rise. Also, extensive damage could mean additional hours on the job.

How Long Will it Take?

In general, concrete lifting projects are usually completed in a couple of hours. At most, they take one day. Still, for major repairs or complications that come up along the way, more labor hours mean a higher cost for you. We do our best to clearly estimate the number of hours it will take to complete the work.

Don’t Replace if You Don’t Have To

One way to determine the return on investment for concrete lifting costs is to also estimate how much it would take financially to rip out and replace the slab. When compared with the typically minor concrete lifting costs, the two options present a clear conclusion for homeowners who would rather be proactive and save money, versus being forced to react once the slab declines even more significantly.

Lift-Up Concrete offers free, transparent estimates on all concrete lifting costs before we begin work, so our customers know how much they need to budget. We want to make concrete repair as affordable and fast as possible — that’s our commitment to you.

Call us today to set up a time for us to come to your property and review the damage. When we’re able to see the problem close up, we can give you the most accurate estimate for concrete lifting costs. We also may be able to complete the repair on the spot, giving you the fast fix you’re looking for. Trust Lift-Up Concrete — we’re on your side.