When commercial concrete is cracked or sinking, it’s a serious issue, especially in a warehouse. If you drive machinery and store heavy products on your concrete flooring, you need to be confident in its stability.

You might feel hesitant to initiate a “big” repair project because you’re worried it will interrupt your business’ productivity, but here’s the good news: With concrete lifting, you can get commercial concrete repaired in one day or less, causing the least downtime to your workflow.

Why Is Your Concrete Damaged?

One of the most common reasons for commercial concrete damage is simply wear and tear. Your concrete stands up to a lot of abuse. Boots, forklifts and heavy pallets can wear down your floor quickly. Weather can also play a role. The freeze/thaw cycle can weaken concrete and cause hairline fractures that could develop into deeper cracks.

Another serious cause of damage is inadequate preparation of the subfloor. If the soil was not compacted and stabilized, erosion and evaporation can lead to empty pockets beneath the concrete. When concrete is not supported, a heavy load can lead to a bowed floor.

Regardless of why your concrete needs attention, these are the four top reasons to get it fixed immediately:

• Guard Your Company against Liability

When you spot damage, there’s no time to waste. This is mainly because if an accident happens as the result of the crack, you’re liable for injuries. Protect your company from a lawsuit and take floor damage seriously.

• Create a Safe Workplace

Employees can tell when employers care about them. If you make it a priority to create a safe work environment, your employees will see that you value them and their well-being. Repairing commercial concrete cracks is important because even though they may look superficial, they can weaken the entire building.

• Maintain Property Value

If you own your commercial property, upkeep goes a long way in preserving the building’s value. Someday you may want to sell your building and upgrade to a bigger one. Make sure you maximize your return on investment by fixing problems immediately.

• Putting it Off Only Makes Matters Worse

Concrete damage never gets better when it’s ignored. Prevent cracks from lengthening and widening. Stay proactive and stop commercial concrete damage in its tracks.

Trust Lift-Up Concrete when your warehouse’s commercial concrete isn’t in good condition. We can lift, level and seal all cracks quickly and affordably. Are you ready to get your free quote?

Driveway concrete repair is more than a vanity measure — it can be one of the main ways to prevent flooding and foundation damage. If you research all the reasons homeowners make repairs to their house at any time, chances are the vast majority of problems are caused by water. Water is enemy No. 1.

If your water drainage system isn’t functioning properly and your driveway is broken and sinking, driveway concrete repair can help.

Settlement and Erosion — It’s a Bad Combination

It’s hard to say what came first — settlement around your home’s driveway and foundation or soil erosion. What you can say is that both issues are feeding off each other and contributing to the larger problem: too much water, not enough drainage.

It doesn’t matter how well the soil was compacted before your foundation and driveway were poured. There will always be a certain amount of settlement over time. If settlement is drastic enough, it can change water drainage patterns, which can subsequently affect the level of erosion that occurs around the driveway and foundation. As more soil is eroded, it causes more settlement.

It starts a vicious cycle that is never a good combination for homeowners. You may have water pooling around your foundation and on the edges of your concrete driveway which can eventually start to affect your driveway.

A Cracked, Sinking Driveway Only Makes it Worse

Once enough erosion and settlement have taken place underneath your driveway, the concrete is weakened. It doesn’t have the same support it used to, so it may crack and sink. In many cases, this cracking and sinking only make matters worse. It may direct the water where you don’t want it to go, and mess up drainage patterns even more. What’s the answer?

Why Slabjacking Is the Best Option

Driveway concrete repair can stabilize the slab before it gets any worse.

The slabjacking method involves pumping grout beneath the driveway, returning it to its previous normal level. It also eliminates voids under the surface where erosion is taking its toll. It makes settlement less of an issue. You can then adapt your water drainage system as needed, without any fear it’s going to keep harming your concrete.

Major Positive Side Effect? Enhanced Curb Appeal

When you invest in driveway concrete repair, your driveway will be flat and level again — no cracks or trip hazards. Boosting your curb appeal is a definite plus, and it’s usually the reason our clients call us at Lift-Up Concrete. We will give you a free quote for concrete repair when you call us today!

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.