You want to hire a concrete repair company that’s honest, dependable and most importantly, delivers high-quality results. Your concrete structure, whether it’s a driveway, patio, staircase or home foundation, was a big investment and must be maintained properly.

Ask any potential company on your list to answer the following six questions. Depending on their answers, you will know exactly which one you should hire.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Having a license to work in the local county or municipality is a must. You want to make sure the contractor you choose operates legally.

You should also make sure any company you hire carries adequate insurance coverage so their workers are protected on the job site — your home or business. Otherwise, you could be on the hook for any workers’ compensation claims if an injury occurs.

2. Will You Provide a Quote Up Front?

Giving potential customers a free quote on how much the project will cost shows professionalism and experience. When a contractor can assess accurately the expenses associated with repairing a specific concrete condition, you know the company has completed similar jobs before. When they are willing to share an itemized list of labor and materials, you know they respect you as a potential client.

3. Do You Have Quality References?

A reputed concrete repair company will not only have names and phone numbers of satisfied customers, they will also be able to show you pictures of their past work depicting how they have transformed degraded surfaces.

4. Can You Give an Accurate Timeline for Completion?

Part of a reliable company’s honest disclosure process should involve clearly telling potential clients when their company is free to begin work and how long the project will take.

5. What Type of Material Do You Use?

An upstanding team will not be too general about what products they use. They will be able to tell you in detail which products are used for sealing, crack repair and stabilization and why the products they have chosen are better than others. If they can do this, you will know without a doubt that you have decided on the best concrete repair company in the area.

6. Do You Stand by Your Work?

Will the company be around to answer questions and follow up if a problem arises after the project is complete? All reputable companies offer warranties on their workmanship for a period of time following the end of the work contract.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete for an experience with a concrete repair company that will leave you fully satisfied with the quality and comprehensive attention to detail your property needs.

Concrete requires maintenance through freezing winter temperatures to guard against cracking and other damage.

Even though concrete is an extremely durable building material used in all manner of structures, it requires regular maintenance, especially when winter’s freeze/thaw cycle threatens its stability. Since it is porous, it absorbs moisture, which can freeze in the winter and result in the eventual cracking and disintegration of the surface.

The following maintenance guidelines can help prevent this issue and keep your concrete driveway, patio, steps or pool deck safe.

Consider Applying a Sealer

The high-quality sealers on the market today can increase your concrete’s imperviousness to moisture absorption. Sealant is especially important to apply if your concrete is freshly poured and about to go through its first winter.

Sealers are normally painted or sprayed on and should be applied before the temperatures drop too low.

Remove Snow Immediately

In the winter, it’s all about eliminating moisture. A key part of this proactive approach is to remove snow and ice before it has the chance to build up on the surface.

If you believe you will be unable to immediately remove snow or ice, consider hiring a professional service to keep your concrete surfaces clear and as dry as possible. Commercial businesses often take this approach with their parking lots and walkways so moisture penetration is reduced and the freeze/thaw cycle is less destructive.

Avoid the Use of De-Icing Salts

De-icing salts can be used harmlessly on many surfaces, but concrete is not one of them. These chemicals can accelerate the freeze/thaw cycle and harm the surface. Instead, pour sand over icy patches to gain traction and avoid injury.

Redirect Home Drainage Downspouts

One of the lesser-known tactics to decrease moisture on concrete in the winter is to assess the direction of the building’s downspout drains. Ice melting off the roof may be directed onto the driveway or other concrete surface. Reposition the drains to push water both away from the home’s foundation and any concrete that may be more severely damaged from the melting precipitation.

Avoid Parking Vehicles on Concrete

Your car picks up salt from the roadway and it melts off the hubcaps and bumper. If you park your vehicle on your concrete driveway, the salt can have a damaging effect.

It is also best to avoid leaving heavy objects on concrete that has just been poured, so if the driveway is entering its first winter, keep your vehicle in the garage, if possible.

Talk to the experts at Lift-Up Concrete to learn more about winter maintenance and how to keep your concrete in great shape through every season.

Don’t forget about your concrete driveway when doing maintenance on your home’s exterior. Gutter cleaning, house painting and landscaping may pull your focus, but what about the condition of your driveway, which by itself adds value and curb appeal to your property?

While a driveway made of concrete is one of the most durable and long-lasting, it still suffers wear and tear over time. Learn more about concrete driveway damage and the signs you may need to schedule professional repair.

What Caused the Damage?

The main long-term threat to your concrete driveway is the freeze/thaw cycle and how it affects the building material. Concrete absorbs moisture, which then freezes when the temperatures drop at night and in the winter months. This puts internal pressure on the concrete and it can break, crumble and crack as a result.

The freeze/thaw cycle happens repeatedly, and the use of deicing chemicals — a popular product on driveways ― only accelerates the process.

Another reason for concrete damage could be the erosion of soil beneath the slabs. If the area was not properly compacted with a secure base laid before the concrete was poured, over time the soil will settle and shift, resulting in devastating structural cracks.

Cracks Begin to Develop

Cracks in the concrete surface can range in width and length. If the crack is just a hairline fracture, repairing the problem on your own with a product designed for concrete driveways may be an effective temporary fix, but be warned: Some do-it-yourself concrete crack repair kits only make the issue worse. Since the mixture itself may also be susceptible to the freeze/thaw cycle, it can push the crack apart even further.

Professional repair involves diagnosing the reason for the crack and fixing the root issue, then filling in the crack with a grout designed to bond the displaced surfaces to prevent future problems.

Slabs Start to Sink

You will be able to tell if your driveway suffers from inadequate support because the slabs will start to sink and become uneven. In this case, professional slabjacking is recommended. The team will drill a hole into the affected slab and inject stabilizing grout beneath the uneven surface, raising it until it is once again level with the rest of the driveway.

Many homeowners believe ripping up and replacing the concrete is the only option when slabs begin to sink, but slabjacking is a more cost-effective and efficient solution, allowing you to continue using your driveway within hours after the procedure.

Before you begin to panic after spotting what seems to be drastic concrete driveway damage, consider hiring a professional repair team like Lift-Up Concrete to restore it to its previous functional and aesthetically pleasing condition.

How can slabjacking help you? If your concrete slab is cracked and sinking and you aren’t sure what to do, you might wonder if you have to replace the entire surface or if there’s an easier way to tackle this important repair project.

Slabjacking is the ideal repair method for many residential and commercial concrete problems. A professional company will drill holes in the affected surface and inject a stabilizing grout beneath the sunken slab, filling the underlying gaps and pushing the slab back into its previous position. The cracks can then be filled and sealed and the slab will look as good as new.

Let’s take a look at six reasons slabjacking can be a better choice than replacement.

Fix Your Concrete in Any Type of Weather

While a complete concrete tear-out job is nearly impossible to conduct in cold weather due to the frozen ground, slabjacking can be done at any time of year, no matter what the temperature. This is helpful when repairs are necessary at businesses that operate year-round.

Fast, Non-Disruptive Process

If you have heavy-duty equipment or storage containers on your concrete slab, don’t worry — you can leave them right where they are. Slabjacking is a powerful repair method, so much so that you do not have to move any weighty items off the surface before the project begins.

Reduce the Mess

Replacing an entire slab is an involved, dusty, messy process. The demolition stage is extensive and noisy, then the debris must be removed before a new slab can be poured. Why remove good concrete just because of a minor crack or sunken area when slabjacking can do the job?

Save Money on Replacement

Cost is also a major consideration. Tearing up concrete and initiating an entire replacement is a significant investment. Slabjacking can be completed for a fraction of the cost, saving homeowners and businesses money.

No Wait Time to Resume Use

If you decide to completely replace concrete, don’t expect to be able to use the surface for a couple of weeks. Concrete can take a month or more to cure. If you regularly drive or operate machinery on the surface, this can present a major inconvenience. Slabjacking repairs have a much shorter wait time before you can resume use. You can begin walking or driving on the repaired concrete within a few hours after the project is complete.

Retain Slab Color

Even if you replace only a portion of your concrete, it will most likely dry a different color than the remaining sections. This can take away from a home’s curb appeal. Keep the original concrete in place and maintain the even coloring that contributes to the aesthetics of the structure.

Interested in finding out if slabjacking is right for your concrete damage? Contact Lift-Up Concrete for a free consultation and receive an estimate on how slabjacking can fix your concrete problems.

Do you have unsightly or potentially dangerous concrete damage in your lower level? It’s not uncommon, but some forms are more serious than others. When evaluating your home’s foundation from the inside, be aware of these six possible causes of concrete damage in your basement.

Slow Moisture Leaks

Any type of moisture is detrimental to your home, but especially when it is slowly seeping or leaking into your basement. The leak might originate from the seal surrounding your basement windows. It could be infiltrating cracks in the foundation walls or floor. If you have egress windows, the water may be coming from improper drainage in your window well. Moisture will not only lead to crumbling, it could also cause mold growth, which can compromise your family’s health.

Settlement or Shrinkage

It is virtually impossible to create a concrete structure that does not go through a certain amount of settlement and shrinkage during and after the curing period. Minor cracks due to foundation settling or shrinkage due to water evaporation is nothing to be concerned about to a small degree. When the cracks widen and stretch deep into the foundation wall, it becomes a cause for worry.

Structural Problems

If the home builder did not allow the foundation enough time to cure before beginning construction, it may have severe structural issues. This type of concrete damage may also be the result of not fully compacting the soil before pouring the foundation.

Plumbing Problems

A burst pipe or sewage backflow can damage concrete in your basement. It is vital to have your plumbing examined on a regular basis and any breakdowns in the systems repaired as soon as possible.

Natural Disasters

A flash flood from a rainstorm or melting snow can cause flooding in your lower level. Even if the water does not directly flow into your basement, the added moisture in the soil can put pressure on the external foundation walls. If the pressure is excessive, it could lead to the concrete cracking or buckling, especially in brick foundations. Stress cracks should be repaired as soon as possible to minimize further structural damage.

Extreme Temperatures

The freeze/thaw cycle has a powerful effect on the condition of concrete. Concrete absorbs moisture, which freezes when the temperature drops. Since water expands when frozen, the moisture in the concrete creates internal pressure, which can cause fractures and cracks. After the temperature rises, the ice melts and the concrete returns to its original size. Over time, repeated cycles can result in concrete damage in your basement.

Call Lift-Up Concrete when you are looking for affordable, professional repairs for concrete damage in your basement.

Mudjacking is the process of injecting stabilizing material underneath sunken concrete in order to raise it to its previous level. Homeowners, business owners, cities and towns all utilize concrete for surfaces like patios and parking lots. Shifting, broken concrete not only looks ugly, it can cause damage to vehicles and machinery or injury to people. It is vital to fix the issue as soon as possible, and mudjacking is the ideal way to do it.

Why Does Concrete Sink?

Problems with concrete begin even before it is poured. Construction sites often involve digging up soil to pour a foundation or a pool. Afterward, fill dirt is dumped in the empty spaces and concrete is poured on top to create a patio or a walkway.

Some builders are conscientious enough to spend the time and money to compact the fill dirt so it is solid and stable, fit for a concrete structure. Others don’t bother with this step, so pockets of air are left behind in the soil.

Over time, as the air dissipates, the supposedly stable ground on which the concrete was poured begins to shift and sink, which in turn causes the concrete to do the same. This can happen to any degree, but it is always more extreme when the fill dirt was not compacted before concrete construction began.

The Mudjacking Process

Mudjacking, also called slabjacking, is a repair tactic that gets to the root of the problem — filling those empty spaces beneath the concrete with something solid. But instead of approaching the issue like you may think, which would involve tearing up the existing concrete and starting over, mudjacking allows property owners to save money and time by skipping this step.

First, mudjacking specialists drill holes into the sunken concrete. They mix together cement, an aggregate such as sand, and water in order to make a paste. The team injects the grout beneath the sunken concrete using a hydraulic-powered grout pump. The slab slowly rises until it is level once again.

Once the slab is in its rightful place, the drill holes are filled with mortar, and any gaps between the slabs will be patched so the concrete is even and no evidence of the mudjacking process remains.

Materials Needed for the Project

If this project seems straightforward, you have the correct impression. Mudjacking is not a complex process, but it does require a high level of skill and a significant amount of experience in order to complete the project correctly. Professionals must have practiced knowledge on concrete mix types and know how the material will respond, depending on the specific circumstances.

Also, specialized equipment is required to complete the job, including a low-dust-emitting drill and bit designed for rock, a grout mixing machine and a hydraulic pump to inject the stabilizing material. Call Lift-Up Concrete today for a consultation and free estimate. Mudjacking is not a weekend project — it calls for the expertise of professionals.

Steel corrosion is one of the primary reasons municipal and commercial concrete requires regular repair. Extensive corrosion can threaten the structure’s integrity and pose a serious risk to nearby property and people. What preventive measures are effective at both reducing and eliminating steel corrosion in concrete?

Why Is Steel Used as a Reinforcement Measure?

Concrete requires steel reinforcement to withstand the continual force and stress to which is it continually subjected. Road traffic, exposure to the elements and deicing chemicals can all have a devastating effect, but with the inner support of steel bars and sections, the structures last much longer than they would otherwise.

When the metal corrodes, the bond between the concrete and the metal is broken and the rust occupies more space, pushing on the concrete from the inside. Gradually, the material suffers many stress fractures, resulting in crumbling and cracking, which threaten the entire structure’s stability.

Why Does Steel Corrode?

Steel is normally integrated in concrete in extreme climates in which it is exposed to salt water or ice-melting chemicals. When the chloride found in these substances seeps into the concrete and makes contact with the steel, the corrosive process begins, as long as both water and oxygen are also present. While chloride is the fastest-acting steel corrosive substance, carbons can also create an environment with a neutral chemical balance which can lead to steel corrosion over time.

Preventing Corrosion

The first step in prevention comes before the structure is built, when the concrete is mixed. The water-to-cement ratio must be lowered by adding cement or cement-like substances to increase density and slow the absorption of chloride.

The American Concrete Institute also recommends an adequate amount of concrete cover poured over the steel bars. The cover should be at least 2 inches thick if the structure will come into contact with deicing chemicals and at least 2.5 inches thick for saltwater exposure.

Lengthy curing time frames are required to achieve corrosion protection. Additionally, regular application of water repellants, epoxy coatings or sealers can add further resistance to the structure.

Concrete repair projects can be straightforward and simple for those with experience working with the popular building material, but repairing steel corrosion can be a challenging process best left to a skilled, professional team. Contact Lift-Up Concrete for more information on how correct initial installation and regular maintenance can prevent steel corrosion of your concrete structure.

What are the signs your concrete needs repair? More importantly, why and how did this damage occur in the first place? When you learn about the properties of concrete, the risk factors for damage and the environments that contribute to an early breakdown of the material, you can better plan and prevent the need for expensive repairs.

Freeze/Thaw Cycle

Concrete is composed of an aggregate material and water. Water expands by 9 percent when it freezes. This expansion puts pressure on the cavities within the concrete. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing lead to cracks, crumbling and early disintegration. The use of deicing chemical products on these surfaces further aggravates this issue. A common ingredient in many deicing products is sodium chloride. Salt absorbs moisture, leaving the material more susceptible to damage when the freeze/thaw cycle begins again.

Wear-and-Tear Abrasion

When concrete is used for driveways or warehouse floors, it is exposed to vehicle traffic nearly every day. Consistent use causes any material to wear out, including concrete. In a commercial setting, the addition of sand, gravel and other aggregates that may coat the surface during production processes can further exacerbate abrasion.

Shrinkage and Thermal Cracking

When concrete is initially poured, the curing process involves water evaporation from the original liquid mix. If the water content in the mix is too high, the extra evaporation can cause pressure, creating shrinkage stress cracks. In some cases, these types of cracks are unavoidable and must be managed with control joints. Thermal cracking can also occur when the material is exposed to high temperatures. Concrete will expand when hot and contract when cool, which can also create stress cracks.

Overload or High Impact

Concrete has two advantages over other types of building materials: It is durable and cost-effective. However, sometimes a heavy load is simply too much for it to handle. Overload damage can occur if the concrete is not allowed to fully harden before use. In the cases of driveways and surfaces that bear traffic, this type of damage usually occurs at the edges of the concrete and starts with slight crumbling and cracking. High-impact cracks might occur due to an accident on a construction site like falling machinery, or natural disasters such as an earthquake.

Support Loss

To last for years to come, concrete must be poured on a compact, firm soil surface. If soil washout or settling occurs after installation, the concrete may sink unevenly or the slabs may curl at the edges. This problem indicates an issue in the structural integrity of the concrete, but can be solved through slab jacking and other specialized repair services.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete for attentive expertise from a team of professionals when either residential or commercial concrete needs repair.

Cracks can appear in both newly poured and aged concrete surfaces due to a variety of causes. Before a repair plan can be put into motion, proper crack diagnosis must take place to identify the underlying reasons for the damage. The following five categories of concrete cracks explain the most common reasons concrete becomes damaged.

Shrinkage

Right after concrete is poured, it goes through a curing period. During this time, water evaporates from the concrete mix and the total surface area of the poured concrete shrinks slightly. The shrinking process is both unavoidable and necessary to arrive at a strengthened finished surface, but it puts pressure on the materials, sometimes leading to cracks. In addition, too much water in the mix can result in cracking, since the material must shrink more than intended, increasing the stress. Indented control joints are placed at strategic sections of the surface to avoid random cracking, but incorrect installation can lead to shrinkage-related damage.

Settlement

All concrete settles over time, but cracks appear when the soil itself is not compacted before pouring. If the material is poured over a refilled utility line or near the backfilled edge of a home’s foundation, the dirt must be compacted in layers to prevent settlement cracks in any concrete poured there in the future.

Heaving

During winter months, the ground experiences multiple freeze and thaw cycles. The soil layer may lift as it freezes, lowering again with a thaw. This movement can create heaving cracks in concrete. Growing tree roots can have a similar effect, unsettling the material from beneath and creating instability.

Expansion

When concrete is exposed to extremely hot temperatures, it expands. It may meet resistant force as it butts against another unyielding surface and the pressure can lead to cracking in either material. Expansion damage is usually spotted at the edge of the surface where it meets the second resistant material.

Overload

While concrete is one of the sturdiest building materials in existence, it can be overloaded with weight and crack under the pressure, especially if it was recently exposed to moisture or the ground beneath it is soft, wet and vulnerable to sinking. A heavy-duty vehicle or dumpster could crumble and break both the edges and inner surface area of the material.

Working with a team of professionals who understand the reasons for cracks helps ensure the use of appropriate repair techniques for your concrete surface. Contact Lift-Up Concrete for both residential and commercial repair services for all categories of concrete cracks, and for customer-oriented service from start to finish, along with a high-quality, long-lasting product.

Are you searching for a concrete repair contractor with a skill set perfectly matched to your project? Whether you require concrete repair services at your home or business, selecting a contractor with the experience and knowledge that fits your needs is important. After all, concrete repair is an investment for your residential or commercial property. Use the following guidelines to determine whether your contractor meets high standards.

Proper Tools and Quality Materials

Many contractors may call themselves experts, but clients can quickly whittle down the list of potential contractors to hire by finding out more about their repair philosophy and the quality of the materials used. Contractors with sufficient experience in the field will depend on tried-and-true procedures to guarantee success on the job. They will only use the best material offerings, as the effectiveness of the repair will depend on long-lasting, sturdy concrete installation.

History of Project Success

Do not hire a concrete repair contractor with a sparse resume. Ask questions about how the company originated and how long they have been providing services to the area. Inquire about past jobs and look for similarities between their success stories and the demands of the current project you have in mind. A qualified concrete repair contractor will not hesitate to fill in potential clients on the details of his or her company’s background and its body of work.

Highly Regarded References

Ask for references from the contractor you interview and call each one. Specifically, ask about the contractor’s level of reliability. Did workers arrive on time and on the exact date the project was set to begin? Did they complete the work on time and within budget? Concrete repair projects, as with all building updates, have the potential to present challenges to the working contractor. How did the company handle setbacks in the process? Did they effectively communicate the needs of the project with the client? Take notes from each reference and address any concerns with the contractor before hire.

Transparent Pricing

Is the potential contractor able to examine the job site and provide a detailed estimate? A professional with a wide range of experience will be able to quickly assess the damage and offer cost-efficient solutions in the form of a free, reasonable quote. Only do business with contractors who list the project terms in writing, and settle on an accepted price range for the repair before beginning work. A contract between both parties will encourage confidence in both the contractor’s motivation to complete the project and the client’s trust in the company’s abilities.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete today to work with a concrete repair contractor who puts the client first in all areas of the business.