Concrete repair isn’t always the most exciting topic, but it’s necessary when your structures need work. Unfortunately, there are some myths out there about concrete repair. Don’t believe everything you hear!

Myth #1: It’s Extremely Expensive

The most pervasive myth is that fixing concrete is expensive. This is false, but it’s clear why many people continue to believe it. It is expensive to tear out a concrete structure and replace it with a new one. When you count the cost of re-landscaping the area around the new slab, it’s even more.

But repair only — that means working with the structure to restore it to its previous stable condition — isn’t expensive at all, not when you compare it to the alternative. You can cost-effectively restore your damaged, sinking slab without spending more than you can afford.

Myth #2: It’s Easy to Do on Your Own

While repair is cheaper than replacement, trying to cut corners by doing the repair yourself isn’t the best idea. Concrete is one of the most popular building materials in the world, and in some cases you can pour and set concrete on your own, without much experience. But making repairs? That’s something best left to the professionals.

Slabjacking requires specialized tools that aren’t sold at home improvement stores. If you want to get the longest-lasting results from concrete repair, it’s better to hire an experienced team — you’ll save time and money.

Myth #3: It’s Always Effective and Fast

It is possible to repair most concrete structures, even when it seems like they are past their useful lives, but don’t be fooled — concrete repair isn’t a simple project. Many homeowners have issues that are easy to resolve in just a few hours, but many factors, from the extent of the damage to the temperature outside, can impact your project.

It’s best to schedule a free consultation with a professional before you bank on a fast concrete repair.

Myth #4: Your Slab Is Flat and Level — You’ll Never Need Repairs!

Just because your concrete looks good now does not mean it always will. Many structures are affected by outside forces, such as soil erosion. You can talk with our team now, before you have any concrete damage, and we can help you prevent future issues by addressing water drainage problems and more.

Myth #5: Just Fill Surface Cracks

Don’t depend on a repair as the ultimate cure. If your concrete is cracking and sinking, you need to address the root cause of the problem and fix that too! Otherwise, no repair will last long.

At Lift-Up Concrete, we do more than just basic concrete repair. We ensure the highest quality performance of your concrete structure by fixing superficial damage but also digging deep and uncovering the bigger problems. You can trust our team to manage your project with care, just like we would fix the concrete at our own house. Call us today to set up your free consultation.

It’s common for concrete problems to grow slowly over time, until the homeowner is shocked at how drastic the issue has become. The key to careful concrete maintenance is knowing where these hidden problems could come up and planning a repair — before the damage is too extreme for a simple fix.

At Lift-Up Concrete, we see countless hidden concrete problems that plague our clients, but there are common three signs that something is about to go wrong.

The Surface Is Too Smooth

There’s a reason you see indents in most poured concrete surfaces. They’re called control joints and they’re vital for limiting any future cracking.

After concrete is poured, the curing process, temperature changes, soil settlement and more all have an effect on how the slab solidifies. Control joints allow for concrete movement — if the concrete cracks, it will happen along the control joint, not randomly. This helps preserve the look of your slab as well as reduces the chance of excessive cracking and weakening of the surface.

If your concrete is super smooth, meaning there are no control joints, it’s time to call the installation contractor — you have a problem. No control joints, or control joints placed in the wrong locations, have the potential for major cracking.

Hairline Cracks That Are Slowly Widening

Concrete cracks are a fact of life. But small hairline cracks aren’t anything to worry about, right?

Here are the facts: You should monitor all concrete cracks. It’s easy to ignore or overlook a crack that’s not too large, but then you might notice the crack is suddenly growing much wider. When did this happen?

If the crack goes deep enough, you could start to see water seeping up from beneath the slab, and the cracked portion of the concrete could start to sink. Call a repair contractor right away!

Natural Subgrade Movement

When erosion carries away the subgrade on either side of your concrete slab, it’s clear you could soon be dealing with sinking concrete.

But some subgrade movement is hidden — it’s impossible to spot. Settlement can open air pockets deep underneath the slab. Groundwater can dissolve sandstone particles and wash away some of the concrete’s support. Natural gas extraction can also cause subgrade to shift, affecting your slab’s stability. It can cause issues that you don’t notice until after the fact, but not to worry — you can still fix it with Lift-Up Concrete’s help.

Call us today to get affordable, fast repairs for all your concrete problems. We are here to help!

Common concrete problems affect lots of homeowners, but it doesn’t mean you have to live with subpar concrete. It’s possible to fix it — that’s the good news. But before you think about remedies, it’s important to identify the problems.

Uneven, Tilting Slabs

When a void forms underneath a slab, possibly due to soil erosion or settlement, it creates an unstable environment. There is no longer a reliable foundation for the surface, and as a result, you might notice large areas of your driveway, walkway, patio or sidewalk starting to sink.

This creates an uneven, hazardous area, and the tilting gradually gets worse. Unless you find a way to restore the stability, the problem will only continue to grow.

Sinking Staircases

The same problem can affect your concrete steps, only in this case it’s even more dangerous. You can’t have your guests walking up and down slanted, pitched steps. That is a recipe for disaster in the form of a trip-and-fall accident, and you could be held liable for the injury.

Crumbling, Cracked Surfaces

Sometimes tree roots grow beneath slabs and displace the concrete, creating cracks which begin to crumble at the edges.

Perhaps during the initial installation not enough control joints were placed to minimize major cracking. Freeze/thaw-cycle damage could also cause this issue, which occurs when the concrete absorbs water, then refreezes and expands, putting stress on the material.

Scaling, Spalling or Crazing

Is your slab starting to flake and chip? This is known as scaling or spalling and is typically caused by freeze/thaw damage, improper curing or incomplete finishing. Luckily, this issue can be fixed by simply refinishing the surface — it doesn’t pose much of a structural threat. It’s simply an aesthetic issue.

Tiny cracks on the surface of the slab are referred to as crazing. These microscopic cracks don’t extend into the slab, so they aren’t cause for concern.

What Does Concrete Lifting Fix?

You don’t have to settle, and neither does your concrete! Lift-Up Concrete can help. We can quickly fix common concrete problems, such as the major trip hazard your sinking concrete walkway is causing.

Concrete lifting can stabilize and level countless concrete structures — basically anything that’s made of concrete and sinking! Let us offer cost-effective solutions to your common concrete problems. We start by giving you a free quote, so call today!

The search for a concrete repair contractor who cares about your interests, puts you first and offers high-quality, long-lasting results is on. You’ll want to interview candidates, read reviews and look at before-and-after pictures. And don’t forget to ask questions about your specific project.

Will Concrete Lifting Work for Me?

You may think slabjacking could solve all your concrete problems, and you’re probably right — it does fix quite a few ugly issues with concrete structures. However, before you sign a contract, ask your concrete repair contractor for details. How exactly do they plan to resolve the problem? What will the finished product look like?

You should get a straight answer from your contractor if they’re experienced, but have realistic expectations about what they will achieve.

How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

Speaking of experience — how long has this concrete repair contractor been in business? Ask them how many projects they’ve completed in the past year and for the names and phone numbers of their most recent clients. Get specific.

Before you invest in a professional’s services, you should know who you’re dealing with, and there’s no better way to find out than by asking their previous clients.

What Kind of Equipment Do You Use?

You can tell a lot about a company by the condition of their equipment. Ask them what machines they use to fix concrete slabs and how each one works. They should be able to fully outline the process, explaining the function of each piece of equipment. It’s a sign of a contractor who respects the work process and the tools they use to earn their living.

Do You Offer a Workmanship Warranty?

Will your contractor be around to follow up on any issues that plague your concrete down the road, or are they a fly-by-night company that’s here one day and gone the next?

Make sure the company you choose has a history of thoroughness and dedication to customer satisfaction. You should be able to depend on them to guarantee their work.

Are You Licensed?

Many states require licenses and insurance to practice. Ask the contractor of your choice if they have all the right paperwork to show they’re working legally and safely. You don’t want to be held liable for any worker injuries on your property, and you want to make sure you’re dealing with an upstanding business.

Trust Lift-Up Concrete

With years of experience and a fully licensed, insured and bonded staff, there’s no better concrete repair contractor than Lift-Up Concrete. We serve Utah home and business owners who are looking for affordable, quality solutions to their concrete issues. Call us today for a free quote.

Concrete driveway oil stains might not bother you on someone else’s property, but when they’re on yours, you know you need solutions! Stains take away from your curb appeal and your enjoyment of your property. Get rid of those concrete driveway oil stains once and for all.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Scrub

Your first instinct may be to get a huge bucket of soap and water and a thick, hard-bristled scrub brush and get to work. Beware: Elbow grease isn’t going to solve this one.

Scrubbing doesn’t work because all it does is spread the oil everywhere. Since concrete is a porous surface, this means more of the oil is absorbed, enlarging the stain and simply making your job harder.

The Keys? Absorption and Patience

There are two keys to success when it comes to ridding your concrete of oil stains: absorption and a large dose of patience.

Instead of pushing the oil farther into the concrete with a scrub brush, you need to draw it out. And you’ll have to allow some time for this to happen — there is no instant fix.

Follow These Steps

First, mix one ounce of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with one cup of water and mix thoroughly. Then add one cup of absorbent material. You could use baby powder or talcum powder. Once mixed, it should look like a white paste.

Wear gloves and protective eye gear and spread this paste over the stain with a trowel. It should be about a half-inch thick.

Let the paste dry for the next 24 hours. Make sure it doesn’t get wet. Once you’ve waited a day, scrape away the paste and dispose of it. Use a nylon brush and water to clean the area. Wire brushes can leave behind steel particles and lead to rusting.

You will see the stain has started to fade, but it will likely need two to three additional rounds of paste, unless it’s a new stain. It’s possible to get most of the oil out of the concrete, though you may still notice a slight discoloring, especially if the stain was there for quite some time.

What Else Is Wrong with Your Concrete?

Chances are, concrete driveway oil stains aren’t the only issue with your eyesore of a surface. Many homeowners deal with cracking, leaning and sinking areas of their concrete slab as well. Is this an issue for your home?

There’s a remedy for that too — Lift-Up Concrete. Using slabjacking, we quickly and affordably stabilize your sinking concrete, level out the surface and seal the cracks.

By dealing with concrete driveway oil stains and taking advantage of our on-site assistance with sinking concrete, you can have your driveway looking as good as new this summer. Call us today for a free quote.

Passing home inspection is the final hurdle to scale before you can officially slap that “sold” sticker on the sign out in the front yard. From the day you start preparing your home to sell to the date of your first showing is a long, stressful process that most homeowners are happy to see come to an end.

If you’re at this stage of the home-selling process and you’re having concerns about some underlying issues you fear the inspector may bring up, or if you’re still at the beginning, starting to prepare your house to go on the market, consider this: Concrete lifting could help resolve two of the most common reasons home inspectors warn buyers against — water damage and structural issues.

The Home Seller’s Nemesis: Water Damage

Home inspectors will take note when water routinely pools near a home’s foundation. In many cases, this is due to improper soil grading or poor landscaping. It could also be caused by slanted, broken concrete that directs water toward the foundation instead of away from it.

No matter the reason, home inspectors view poor drainage as a potential basement leak, which could be costly to the new homeowner.

What’s Even Worse? Structural Damage.

Structural damage is by far the biggest problem your home could have. The reason inspectors notice water damage and improper drainage immediately is because they know it could be one of the main causes of structural damage.

A soaking-wet foundation can crack and jeopardize the home’s stability. This is why it’s important to address both of these issues before your inspector comes calling, and concrete lifting can help.

How Concrete Lifting Can Save the Day

Concrete is commonly used for landscaping purposes, whether for a driveway, patio or staircase. Soil erosion can cause these structures to tilt and sink, potentially causing water to pool around your home’s foundation.

Concrete lifting is a method of injecting a stabilizing mixture beneath the concrete surfaces, raising them back up to their previous level. Not only does this make them safer to walk on, it can also easily resolve any water pooling issues plaguing your home that can make it unlikely you will pass your home inspection.

Here’s more good news: Concrete lifting is a fast, affordable procedure that can be completed in one day. You can call your inspector to come over and take a look right after — the problem will be resolved.

Get Your Home Fixed, Get Your Home Sold

Lift-Up Concrete uses concrete lifting to fix these two major property issues, providing a functional foundation for the future and above all else, peace of mind.

Contact us today for a quote and learn more about the process and how it works. Let us help you pass your home inspection so you’re free to finalize your sale and move forward.

Every homeowner should know the pros and cons of concrete lifting before they hire a contractor to fix their sinking driveway, patio or pool deck. If you’re new to this concrete repair method, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. You aren’t always required to tear out and re-pour concrete structures — there’s a better way!

How Does it Work?

Concrete lifting is the process of raising a slab by injecting stabilizing grout underneath. First, your contractor uses a small drill to create holes in the sunken portion of the slab. Then, they attach a pump which fills the void beneath the slab with material that’s strong enough to raise it back to its original position.

Once the slab is securely in place, they patch and seal the hole and your structure looks as good as new! It’s a straightforward process, and homeowners across the country depend on it for repairs. When you’re trying to decide if it’s the right repair option for you, learning about the pros and cons of concrete lifting can help.

Check Out the Pros:

Here are the top three reasons homeowners depend on concrete lifting, also known as mudjacking or slabjacking:

1. It’s Extremely Affordable

Your service appointment doesn’t take long. You don’t pay for hours and hours of labor as you would with a tear-out project. You also don’t pay much for materials — you only need a small amount of grout to fill voids underneath your slab. It’s the most affordable way to fix your sinking concrete, no question.

2. It’s Fast and Effective

You don’t have to wait weeks for the concrete to cure — you can walk and drive on the surface the same day. It works on even the most dramatically sunken slab surfaces, enacting major transformations in an extremely short time.

3. It Preserves Your Landscape

You don’t have to worry about concrete demolition ruining your landscape. Your yard doesn’t become a construction zone. Your flower beds stay intact.

Any Cons You Should Know About?

As a home concrete repair method, concrete lifting is one of, if not the best option. But still, you should think about its long-term effectiveness before you invest any money in this repair, no matter how minimal the cost.

Make sure to address the underlying reason your concrete is sinking. For instance, if soil erosion due to poor drainage is washing away the earth that supports your concrete slab, concrete lifting isn’t going to be effective for long. You will only have the same problem once again.

On the other hand, if you’re able to solve the root problem for the sinking concrete, the fix will last.

Want to learn more about the pros and cons of concrete lifting? Give our team a call and we will explain why this is the top repair method, the one you should count on to revamp the look of your home. Lift-Up Concrete offers free estimates personalized to your needs!

Is concrete repair as important as a fresh coat of paint and lawn fertilizer?

Yes, especially if you’re serious about selling your home.

Curb appeal is how you make a positive first impression on a potential buyer — it’s one of the most important aspects of the selling process. Concrete repair isn’t any less important if you plan on living in your home for years. In fact, it may be even more of a priority.

When you repair cracks and sinking slabs, you’re making your home look good, which can make you feel happier about living there, but you’re also eliminating safety hazards that put you, your family and your guests at risk.

Lack of Curb Appeal Doesn’t Just Lower the Price

Concrete repair offers many benefits, but there’s no denying that one of the main advantages is that it boosts the look of your property to another level.

When homeowners think, talk or read about curb appeal, a common theme is how it makes a home more valuable. If you watch any home renovation television show, boosting curb appeal is one of the main ways the sellers make a profit on their investment.

What you may not stop to realize is that ignoring the visual aspects of your home that need updating can turn away potential buyers. You may not just lose out on a higher profit — you may sacrifice the ability to sell the home at all.

Concrete Repair Helps Your Curbs

The first way concrete repair boosts your curb appeal starts with the actual curb.

Damaged, crumbling curbs are a definite eyesore. It makes the front of your home and your whole neighborhood look bad, and you need a potential buyer to love the look and feel of your neighborhood as much as they love your home.

Concrete repair can fix sinking sidewalks. You can also have cracks filled in and surfaces leveled. These may seem like minor issues, but it’s the details that create the full picture.

Your Driveway Is Key

The next area of your property that may need concrete repair is probably the largest — your driveway. This is where you can show potential buyers that you legitimately care about maintaining your home.

No one wants a cracked, sinking driveway. The message it sends is clear: If they buy this house, they have lots of work ahead of them. An even, crack-free driveway helps potential buyers picture themselves playing a game of hoops there safely.

Make Sure Your Hardscapes Are Flawless

Another way to use concrete repair to enhance curb appeal is to fix crumbling, unsafe steps and sinking patios. Your hardscapes provide an outline for your plants and flowers — they’re important too.

Need affordable, effective concrete repair? Contact Lift-Up Concrete today, and share the details with our team. We will personally come to your property to examine the damage and give you a free quote. Take the next step — get your home ready to sell.