Category Archives: FAQs

Concrete Lifting vs. Concrete Slab Replacement – Which is Better?

Improper grading, frost heaving, poor water drainage, unstable soil – in Salt Lake City, Utah, concrete can sink and crack for any number of reasons. No matter the cause, however, concrete lifting is usually the right solution.

Otherwise known as mudjacking, concrete lifting is recommended over slab replacement for the repair of cracked sidewalks, tilted driveways, sloped patios, uneven porch steps, sagging garages and other settlement-related issues. Of course, being that we’re a professional concrete lifting company, you’d expect us to speak highly of the service.

Still, we do have several good reasons for saying that mudjacking is the better option. And after reading about how the repair method compares to slab replacement, you’ll appreciate our point of view.

Cost

In almost every situation, slab replacement is far more expensive than concrete lifting. The demolition and removal of the old slab must be factored into the price, as does the process of pouring new concrete. The entire project requires a great deal of manpower, too, and labor charges can be substantial.

Taking all of this into consideration, the total cost to tear out and replace a slab is typically two to three times the cost of mudjacking. Choose concrete lifting, and your wallet will certainly thank you.

Time

Slab replacement isn’t a quick project. Tearing out the damaged concrete, prepping the area and pouring a new slab can take days – and at that point, the surface isn’t usable. Newly poured concrete needs time to cure to be capable of supporting any weight, and curing can take several weeks.

In contrast, concrete lifting offers much faster results. From start to finish, most projects take no more than a couple of hours to complete. No curing time is needed, and the surface can handle heavy weight after just a few hours.

Aesthetics

When first installed, new slabs have a nice look. This is also true when all of the concrete around a Salt Lake City home or business property is replaced at the same time. However, if just one or two slabs are ripped out and repoured, the concrete tends to look mismatched.

With concrete lifting, very little evidence is left behind. A few small homes are drilled through the slab, but once the concrete has been leveled and stabilized, the holes and surface cracks are caulked to provide a uniform appearance.

Efficacy

While many people seem to think that replacing a settled slab is the right way to ensure that the surface is strong and secure, the opposite is actually true. The slab tear-out and replacement process doesn’t address instabilities in the underlying soil, and without that step, the new concrete is at risk of settling in the future.

Not so with concrete lifting. Holes are drilled through the affected slab, and voids in the soil underneath are filled with a cement-based slurry. As this solves the root cause of the problem, the stability of the concrete is restored.

Messiness

Ripping out and replacing a settled slab requires heavy machinery, and Salt Lake City property owners often find the large, invasive tools and loud concrete trucks to be a nuisance. Worse than that, though, is the mess this equipment can create – in many cases, the grass and plants around the work area are ruined.

Landscape damage isn’t a concern with concrete lifting. The repair process involves just a single truck, and that remains parked in the driveway or on the street. Machinery may snake across the yard, but this doesn’t disrupt the landscaping.

Sustainability

Given the energy-hungry machinery and gas-guzzling trucks required, slab replacement is far from eco-friendly. But that’s not the only reason this isn’t a sustainable solution. Torn-out concrete is sometimes taken to a recycling center, but more often than not, it goes to a local landfill — where it sits forever.

Concrete lifting is a much greener option. Not only is the cement-based slurry used made of natural materials, but the process also requires only a minimal amount energy. What’s more, with mudjacking, no waste is produced.

Situations that Call for Slab Replacement

At Lift-Up Concrete, we specialize in concrete lifting, but we recognize that not every settled slab is suited for mudjacking. Meeting the needs of our customers is important to us, so when replacement is the right choice, we make that known. A few scenarios where mudjacking isn’t our recommendation include:

Extensive damage – If a slab is badly crumbled or contains large, deep cracks, replacing it may be the only option.
Surface imperfections – Concrete with surface defects or discolorations may need to be replaced, as those issues don’t go away with mudjacking.
Multiple problems – With a slab that has both structural and cosmetic damage, concrete lifting may not be the best solution.

In most circumstances, mudjacking is the most effective and most reliable form of repair. And as we explained above, mudjacking also has several other advantages over slab replacement. But is it the right choice for you? To answer that question, you’ll need a professional opinion. For expert advice in Salt Lake City, Utah, contact Lift-Up Concrete and schedule a free, no-obligation concrete lifting consultation today.

How Extreme Temperatures Impact Concrete

There are several elements that may impact the quality of concrete on your property in various ways, and one of the most notable here is temperature. Extreme temperatures on both ends of the spectrum may have an impact on your concrete, and preventing any major issues from this sort of thing is important for long-term care.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re happy to offer the best concrete repair services for numerous parts of your property, from driveways and garage floors to step setups, porches and more. How do temperatures on both sides of the coin impact your concrete, and what should you be doing to avoid major temperature-related issues? Here’s a primer.

Heat and Concrete

When it comes to your concrete and extreme heat, many of the most prominent concerns are present near the time of concrete pouring and installation. While hot temperatures are often used during concrete mixing, allowing the substance to get too hot can often lead to cracking and other issues. In addition, if new concrete is exposed to high temperatures immediately after it has been poured, the end result may not be as strong as you would like.

To avoid this, always be aware of the temperature range for newly installed concrete and make sure that it’s not being placed in direct sunlight or otherwise exposed to high heat sources shortly after installation. If possible, have a cover or shade available to provide protection until the concrete has time to cure properly.

Cold and Concrete

Likely the more concerning area for concrete, at least outside of the installation period, is when extreme cold sets in. After all, concrete is a porous material, and when water seeps in and then freezes, the expansion that results can cause major cracking problems. Once cracks have formed, they offer an easy path for more water to enter, which then creates a cycle of freeze and thaw damage that can destroy your concrete over time.

The best defense against this is to make sure that any cracks or other damage to your concrete are repaired as quickly as possible. In addition, if you know that a freeze is coming, take steps to ensure that any standing water on your concrete is removed. This may mean using a power washer or simply mopping up after a rainstorm. In either case, getting rid of as much water as possible will help to reduce the risk of freeze damage.

You can also use a deicing product on your concrete, although be aware that some may contain chemicals that could potentially damage the concrete itself. Always read labels carefully and follow directions to avoid any issues here.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re committed to offering the best possible concrete repair services for your property. If you’re concerned about extreme temperatures and how they might impact your concrete, give us a call today. We’ll be happy to assess the situation and offer recommendations on what can be done to avoid any major issues.

Common Questions Asked of Concrete Leveling Professionals

When it comes to areas like concrete repair, it’s completely understandable that ordinary clients without much experience in this realm will have plenty of questions. It’s important to ask these at the right times, ensuring you have proper information on the kinds of services available to you, why they might be necessary, and several additional areas.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re happy to provide both concrete lifting and leveling services for numerous clients, from garage floor leveling needs through patios, driveways, steps and even indoor concrete areas in your home or building. We’re happy to take your questions at any time, whether they involve the causes of your concrete damage, the options we provide to manage them, and more. What are some of the common questions we’re asked when we begin dealing with clients? Here are several.

Why is My Concrete in Disrepair?

Likely the single most common question we receive has to do with the causes of concrete damage. In some cases, it can be fairly straightforward to identify; in others, it may take some more effort and nuance. That said, some of the most common causes of concrete sinking or other disrepair include:

Issues with soil: If the soil underneath your concrete is too loose or otherwise not properly compacted, it can slowly settle over time. This often happens with new construction as well, as the backfill around a home or building isn’t always entirely level. A common issue leading to this is a simple failure to compact the soil at all — some builders will simply level it out and leave it be, which can cause problems down the road.
Changes in moisture levels: Significant changes in moisture levels can also lead to concrete damage. If the soil underneath your concrete dries out too much, it can cause cracking and other forms of damage. Similarly, if there’s excessive moisture (from flooding, for example), it can lead to problems as well.
Freezing and thawing: Down similar lines, freezing and thawing cycles can also wreak havoc on concrete. The expansion of water as it freezes can cause cracking, flaking, and other damage.
Constant heavy weight: In other cases, it may be that there’s simply too much weight on your concrete for it to support long-term. This might happen if you park large vehicles on it regularly, for example, or if you have a very thick patio that wasn’t properly supported during construction.

Can These Issues Be Remedied?

In nearly every case, the answer is yes – concrete leveling and other services can be used to fix damaged concrete, no matter the cause. In some cases, it may be a fairly straightforward process; in others, it may take a bit more time and effort. In any case, our team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting will be happy to assess your needs and provide a recommendation.

Which Surfaces Can Be Repaired?

Another common theme we hear from clients is a simple lack of knowledge when it comes to the types of concrete surfaces that can be repaired. In reality, nearly any type of concrete surface can be lifted or otherwise repaired, including:

Driveways: Whether your driveway is starting to sink in one corner or has simply seen better days, we can help.
Patios: Sunken or otherwise damaged patios are far from uncommon – they can be caused by any number of factors, including issues with the soil underneath or changes in moisture levels. In any case, we’re happy to take a look and provide a recommendation.
Garage floors: Garage floors in particular are susceptible to damage, as they often have to bear the weight of heavy vehicles day in and day out. If your garage floor is starting to show signs of wear, though, don’t hesitate to reach out – we may be able to help.
Steps: Another common issue we’re called in to deal with is damage to steps – this can be caused by any of the factors listed above, and often results in a very noticeable sinking or tilting.
Indoor concrete: In addition to outdoor surfaces, we’re also happy to take a look at any indoor concrete areas that may be in need of repair. This includes basement floors, interior sidewalks, and more.

How Long Will the Process Take?

This is a difficult question to answer without first assessing the damage and taking a look at your specific needs. In some cases, we may be able to provide concrete leveling services in just a few hours; in others, it may take a bit longer. In any case, we’ll be happy to provide you with an estimate once we’ve had a chance to take a look.

How Much Will It Cost?

Again, this is tough to answer without first taking a look at the damage and getting an idea of what’s needed to fix it. In general, though, our services are very affordable, and we’re always happy to work with our clients to find a solution that fits within their budget.

Some factors that may impact your costs:

Size of surface: The larger the surface in need of repair, the higher the cost will likely be.
Extent of issues: If your concrete is only slightly damaged, the repair process will likely be less expensive than if the damage is more significant.
Required repair: In some cases, leveling is the only service needed; in others, we may also need to provide crack filling, sealcoating, or other services.

For more on the common questions we regularly get as concrete leveling specialists, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.

Why Spring is Popular for Concrete Driveway Repairs

Certain areas of concrete repair tend to see higher demand during various seasons in a place like Utah, and a good example here is the driveway. While driveway concrete repair needs can certainly come about at any time of year, perhaps their most common season — and definitely the one where we cover the most concrete repair jobs on driveways — is the spring.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re happy to offer the best driveway lifting and leveling services available in any part of Utah. What can happen to concrete during the winter period, and why is spring often a time when concrete repair needs arise as a result? Here’s a primer for you to understand.

Winter and Driveway Concrete

Winter is typically the most stressful season when it comes to concrete. It’s not that concrete can’t handle cold weather — it certainly can, and in fact most concrete is designed to withstand quite low temperatures. Rather, the problem is that water can get into tiny cracks in the concrete, freeze, and then expand as it turns to ice.

This process can cause hairline cracks to become larger, and also helps to create new ones. Water can also pool on top of concrete and then freeze, causing the formation of what are called “frost heaves.” You might not think that a little bit of water could cause such havoc, but when it freezes it can create some serious issues.

The good news is that this process happens gradually, so you often have time to address driveway concrete repair needs before they become too severe. In the spring, the weather is starting to warm up and the ice and snow are starting to melt, so this is often a time when we see an uptick in repair jobs.

Other Erosion and Weathering

Here are some related issues that may crop up in your concrete driveway over the winter:

Erosion and groundwater: If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, or if your driveway is on the lower side of a hill, you may find that it’s subject to more erosion than average. This can cause cracks and other damage over time as water washes away dirt and other materials that help to support the concrete.
Heavy weight loads: If you have a lot of heavy traffic — for example, if you’re a business with a lot of delivery trucks coming and going — this can cause concrete to wear down more quickly.
Salt: If your driveway is near a road that’s treated with salt in the winter, this can cause the concrete to deteriorate over time.

Quality Repair Services

If you’ve come out of the long winter and have noticed some issues with your driveway, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting. We’ll be happy to assess the damage and provide a repair solution that will have your driveway looking as good as new in no time. Contact us today for a free quote!

For more on this or any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.

Deciding Between SLC Concrete Repair and Replacement

The decision between whether to repair or replace failing structures or components is a regular one for home and building owners, and concrete damage is a good example. Those looking for an improved concrete surface on any part of their property will often be wondering whether the most cost-effective way to achieve this is through basic repairs or a replacement of the entire slab area.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re here to offer quality residential, commercial and even municipal concrete lifting and leveling services in numerous property areas around Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, from driveways and garage floors to patio leveling and many other options. While there are some situations where damage will be so significant to a concrete surface that replacement is the only option, we often identify situations where property owners thought they’d be forced to replace their slab — but in reality, will do better (and spend less) with our concrete repair solutions. Here’s a primer on how to choose between these two, plus what’s important to keep in mind as you move through this process.

Damaged Concrete Won’t Magically Fix Itself

First and foremost, before we get into concrete repair versus concrete replacement, an important note that relates to both potential areas: When concrete damage is spotted, it won’t just go away or fix itself. In fact, this is one of the most common mistakes we see people making when they notice cracks, pitting, spalling or other types of damage to their concrete surfaces.

Too many property owners believe that all they need to do is wait for time to pass and/or the weather to change — but this isn’t the case at all. Left untreated, concrete damage will only get worse over time. What might start as a small issue can quickly turn into a much bigger and more expensive problem if ignored.

In fact, this is one of the key themes we message to customers we work with, and part of why our repair services are so robust. Many issues that might require concrete replacement if they’re left too long can be easily remedied with affordable repairs as long as they’re addressed in a timely manner.

Re-Leveling Versus Re-Pouring

While there are other forms of both concrete repair and replacement, these are two common processes within each realm — and comparing them is an interesting way of getting a gauge on what each means. Here are some basic variables to stack up next to one an other:

Cost: When it comes to up-front cost, concrete re-leveling is far more affordable than replacement in most cases. In fact, we often tell customers that they can expect to spend 1/5 to 1/10 as much on concrete re-leveling versus replacement.
Timing: Concrete repair can be completed quickly and does not require the same waiting time that replacement does.
Appearance: Concrete re-leveling will often result in a surface that looks very similar to the original concrete. Concrete replacement will result in a completely new surface.
Cleanup and waste removal: Concrete replacement will result in a fair amount of waste that needs to be removed from the worksite. This is not the case with concrete re-leveling.

As you can see, there are some clear differences between these two approaches — and they should help you better understand when each might be more appropriate.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a vital concern for many property owners, as it’s a major factor in keeping property value high. This is one area where modern technology has changed the game: Even a decade ago, concrete replacement was significantly more desirable when it came to curb appeal — but today’s quality concrete repair techniques have changed this reality.

Instead, it’s possible today to get concrete repairs that look just as good as a replacement, and in some cases even better. So if curb appeal is a key concern for you, make sure to keep this in mind when considering repair versus replacement. Many are willing to spend a bit more on concrete replacement if it looks better — but if you can get that same aesthetic without the higher cost, it’s a no-brainer.

Situations Where Replacement is Unavoidable

Now, even as concrete repair specialists, we recognize that there are situations where repairs aren’t realistic for a given concrete surface. And because we care most about our clients getting the very best for their needs, we’ll never attempt repairs when it’s obvious that replacement is what’s needed.

A few such situations include:

Major damage: If a concrete surface has suffered extensive damage, it might not be able to be repaired. Depending on the depth and severity of the damage, this could make repairs a risky proposition. For instance, if the concrete has large cracks that go all the way down to the rebar, it’s probably not a good candidate for repair.
Multiple issues: If a concrete surface has several different types of damage, it might be best to replace it. This is often the case with surfaces that have both cosmetic and structural damage.
Customer desire: In other cases, damage itself will not be the primary reason for replacement — rather, it will be customer preference. For instance, some customers might not like the appearance of repaired concrete, or they might want a completely new surface.

In these and other cases, replacement is often the best solution. But remember that this doesn’t mean that repair is never an option — it just means that there are some cases where it doesn’t make sense.

For more on how to choose between concrete repair and replacement for your SLC property, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the team at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.

Concrete Composition: Proportioning and Reinforcements

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on how concrete is made. Understanding the composition of concrete is often important for those who are caring for or maintaining it, and it’s a pretty simple formula in most cases.

At Lift-Up Concrete, we’re happy to help with a wide range of concrete lifting and leveling services for any concrete slab that’s been damaged in any way. Our professionals are experts in the way concrete is created and poured into your various slabs, and this expertise often informs our concrete repair services. While part one of our series went over the simple recipe usually used for concrete, today’s part two will dig into a few other important areas to be aware of.

Concrete Proportioning

As we discussed in part one, concrete is made primarily from a combination of cement, water and various aggregates (stone, gravel, sand, etc.). As such, a vital part of its proper installation comes down to using the right mixture of these three ingredients.

A concrete mixture without enough cement, for instance, will be thinner and weaker than originally designed. This can often cause cracking, especially if the concrete wasn’t laid to a specific level during installation, or if it was installed over another material that’s less than ideal. This is where concrete lifting services like ours are vital – we’ll carefully lift and repair your damaged slab so that its leveled out properly again.

Concrete Reinforcements

We should also note here that when a given concrete slab is poured (including many concrete foundations), it’s not simply solid concrete. Rather, the slab is also reinforced with fibers and/or wire mesh, which ensures that it is not only properly supported, but also strong and durable. Depending on the project, these reinforcements may be cast directly into the concrete during pouring (which is why it’s important to have a lift service like us in some cases), or they may need to be interwoven after the slab has been poured.

If your concrete was damaged in some way that caused the reinforcement to become exposed, it can leave you with a weakened structure. This is particularly problematic if the reinforcements are what keep your concrete slab from cracking further. Repairing such damage is vital for maintaining your home or business’s structural integrity and keeping it safe as long as possible.

Decorative Concrete

Finally, there are also forms of decorative concrete that include color additives or concrete printing formats. These types of concrete — plus their care and potential repair needs — require a thorough understanding of how additives or printing will impact the slab. If you have questions here, our team will be happy to answer them.

For more on how concrete is made and poured, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete today.

Concrete Composition: Mix and Cement Notes

Concrete is one of the single most common harder substances used in our world today, but many people — even those who utilize it regularly on their property — don’t really understand how it’s made. Concrete is a combination of a few different elements in most cases, combined to create the finished product you see on areas like driveways, sidewalks and numerous others.

At Lift-Up Concrete, we’re happy to offer a wide range of concrete lifting and leveling services for situations where your concrete undergoes any form of damage. Part of this process, though, and part of our common services provided to clients as well, involves understanding the composition of the concrete we’re working on, as this often plays a major role in how we’ll remedy any damage that’s taken place. For those who are unaware, what goes into the makeup of concrete, and how does this composition vary depending on the type of slab needed? This two-part blog series will tell you everything you need to know.

Standard Concrete Composition

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water and various aggregates. The simplest concrete composition consists of 10-15% cement, 15-20% water, and 65-75% aggregates. This mixture needs to set for 8 hours before the concrete can be used.

When we talk about “aggregates,” we’re referring to a few different possible substances: Sand, gravel, crushed stones and possibly a few others. These may be used in different combinations depending on the exact slab you require.

The properties of concrete are determined by its ingredients. Stirring the concrete after it has been mixed will increase the strength of the material as well as cause bubbles to rise to the surface which can be popped prior to final use. Cement also forms a skin on top, which can be scraped off so that it doesn’t interfere with casting or mixing with other materials like gravel.

Concrete and Cement Are Not the Same

While cement is an important ingredient in the formation of concrete, they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably. Concrete is a mixture of cement, water and various aggregates. Cement itself is the substance that creates the glue, binding these three ingredients together.

Cement can be manufactured using one of eight different ingredients: Lime, silica, sulfur trioxide, alkaline, iron oxide, alumina, and calcium sulfate. Within the concrete world, it will then be made into a paste that hardens and holds the other concrete ingredients together within the slab, with highly effective bonding qualities that allow it to create a long-lasting adhesive effect.

For more on the basic composition of concrete, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete today.