Category Archives: Leveling

concrete leveling Salt Lake City

Breaking Down the Costs of Concrete Leveling

Cost is an important consideration with any type of property renovation. As such, before you move forward with concrete leveling at your Salt Lake City home, you’ll want to understand the financial impact of the project.

To find out how much you’ll need to budget, you’ll need to get estimates from a few local professional mudjacking contractors. The average price online for concrete leveling can be found online, but a number of factors contribute to the cost — and since every project is unique, there’s no way to predict if the total to level and stabilize your sunken slab will be close to the national average.

What we can say, though, is that for homeowners in Salt Lake City, concrete leveling is the least expensive method of fixing an uneven slab. To explain what the cost covers, here’s a look at the various elements that go into our concrete repair estimates.

Baseline Costs for Concrete Leveling

Every service business has fixed costs, or unavoidable expenses like rent, property taxes, wages and utilities. Professional mudjacking contractors have these sorts of overhead expenses, too, and for a concrete repair company, tools, equipment, employee training, licensure and insurance are also fixed costs.

Estimates for concrete leveling start with a baseline fee to cover the company’s fixed costs. The amount can vary between mudjacking contractors in the Salt Lake City area, but be wary of anyone who charges very little – consider that a red flag for problems.

Enormity of the Voids Under the Slab

When a concrete slab starts to sink into the ground, voids or air pockets within the soil underneath are usually to blame. The expansive clay soil commonly found in northern Utah is vulnerable to the development of voids, and other issues, such as burrowing animals and tree root growth, can make matters worse.

The concrete leveling process can effectively lift and stabilize a sunken slab, but for that to happen, all of the empty spaces in the soil underneath must be filled with a cement slurry. Extensive voids require more of this mixture, driving up the cost of the repair.

Scope of the Concrete Repair Project

Just like any other property improvement project, the cost of concrete leveling depends largely upon the size of the job. So, for instance, a Salt Lake City homeowner who wants to fix a small patio or a section of the sidewalk will likely pay less than someone who needs concrete repair for a badly settled pool deck or driveway.

The key to paying a fair price given the scope of the work involved is to choose a trustworthy mudjacking contractor, one who will measure the area in question before providing an estimate. Here at Lift-Up Concrete, that’s the standard practice.

Difficulty in Completing the Repair Work

Estimates for all types of business services also include labor charges, and the more time and work a project requires, the higher the total labor costs. When it comes to a Salt Lake City concrete leveling project, the cost of labor is directly related to two elements – how easy the area is to reach and how much the concrete has settled.

With a slightly sunken slab in a spot that’s easily accessible, concrete leveling can be completed quickly, resulting in low labor charges. When a mudjacking contractor has to work in tight quarters or concrete settlement is more extensive, the opposite is true.

Urgency in Leveling the Sunken Slab

Service businesses often have very busy schedules, and while many are willing to take rush jobs, most charge extra to complete work on an expedited timeline. The is the norm for northern Utah companies that offer concrete leveling, but some Salt Lake City homeowners need an immediate fix, despite the added cost.

While swift action to lift and stabilize uneven concrete at a residential property is rarely required, certain issues, such as problems with wheelchair access, may call for urgency. For those concerned about cost, Lift-Up Concrete can create a payment plan.

Comparing Concrete Repair Estimates

No Salt Lake City homeowner wants to pay any more than necessary for concrete leveling – and the best way to make sure you don’t get overcharged is to get at least a few estimates from local professional mudjacking contractors. That way, you can compare costs and snag a great price.

Having said that, cost isn’t the only important factor for a concrete leveling project. Automatically going with the concrete repair company that comes in with the lowest bid may not be in your best interests. In this situation, you do get what you pay for, so take the time to consider each contractor’s experience and qualifications. Check their references and company reviews, too, and don’t forget to look into the warranty they provide for their work. A few minutes of research can keep you from making a potentially costly mistake.

Lift-Up Concrete, a leading northern Utah concrete repair company, serves homeowners and commercial clients in Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. To request a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for concrete leveling, contact us today.

mudjacking Ogden

The Pros and Cons of Mudjacking a Settled Concrete Slab

Is mudjacking the right fix for the cracked or sunken concrete at your Ogden home? Can the repair method really restore the stability and appearance of a damaged driveway, pool deck, porch, garage or any other settled outdoor slab?

Most people in northern Utah are pleasantly surprised to learn that mudjacking is a highly effective concrete repair technique. And for the vast majority of homeowners in the Ogden area, it’s the best option.

How Mudjacking Works

Concrete slabs sink and crack as a result of changes in the earth underneath. Over time, soil can expand, contract, shift and wash away, creating air pockets that compromise the integrity of the concrete and make a slab unstable.

Mudjacking works to stabilize the soil and return a settled slab to its original level position. After drilling a few small holes, a professional contractor is able to fill the pockets of air with a cement slurry mixture. The moment that’s done, pressure raises the concrete into the proper place. Once the cracks and drilled holes have been sealed, the slab is ready for use.

Advantages of Mudjacking

Looking at the pros of mudjacking, it’s easy to see why Ogden homeowners go with this method of concrete repair. Mudjacking is:

  • Affordable – Tearing out and replacing a settled slab typically costs two to three times as much as hiring a professional for mudjacking.
  • Effective – Soil instabilities are eliminated through the mudjacking process, but that isn’t the case with concrete tear-out and replacement.
  • Efficient – Unlike the process of slab replacement, mudjacking is fast, and getting concrete mudjacked does no damage to the landscape.

Are There Downsides to Mudjacking?

So, we’ve explained that mudjacking is both cheaper and more effective than slab replacement. We mentioned, too, that the concrete repair technique offers quick results without disturbing the landscape. There has to be a catch, right?

Well, it’s true that mudjacking has limits – the method isn’t viable for a slab that is badly cracked, crumbled or deteriorated. And while evidence of the repair work isn’t easily visible after the surface has been sealed, the concrete isn’t going to look as pristine as a newly poured slab.

Other than that, there really aren’t any other cons to mudjacking. And for most homeowners in Ogden and the surrounding northern Utah area, the fact that you can see that the repair has been completed isn’t a problem – it’s a fair trade-off for having a secure, stable concrete slab and not having to pay a high price for the work.

Are you curious to know if mudjacking can restore your settled concrete slab? At Lift-Up Concrete, our professional team offers free, no-obligation consultations and estimates to homeowners and businesses in Ogden, Salt Lake City and throughout northern Utah. To meet with one of our mudjacking experts, contact us today!

concrete leveling Salt Lake City

How Long Does Concrete Leveling Take?

Concrete leveling, or mudjacking, is the most effective fix for cracked, settled and sunken slabs. The repair method is also the most affordable option – and when completed by an experienced Salt Lake City concrete repair contractor, the results last for a decade or longer.

So, how long does mudjacking take? Is the concrete leveling process time-consuming?

Actually, having professionals lift and stabilize a damaged slab doesn’t take long at all. Here’s what to expect when you call a local contractor.

Initial Concrete Repair Consultation

Many professional contractors in Salt Lake City, including Lift-Up Concrete, offer free concrete leveling consultations to homeowners and businesses.

An in-person evaluation of your damaged slab is essential, as that allows for an expert recommendation on the best method of repair. Mudjacking is ideal for most cracked, sunken and settled slabs, but not for crumbling concrete and foundation slabs – and a reputable professional will provide you with an honest opinion.

The initial consultation and concrete damage assessment takes just a few minutes. Afterwards, you’ll receive an estimate for the repair work.

The Day of the Concrete Repair

When you’re ready to forge ahead with concrete leveling, you’ll call your professional contractor and schedule a date and time to have the work done.

On project day, the mudjacking team will park in your driveway or on the street. They’ll get right to work, drilling the necessary holes in your damaged slab. Next, they’ll use a hydraulic pump to inject a specialized grout through the holes, and the resulting pressure will raise the slab back to its original position.

Once that’s done, the holes and slab cracks simply need to be sealed, either by you or the professional team. With that, the concrete leveling project is complete.

After the Professionals Leave

Although large-scale jobs take longer, most concrete leveling projects take just an hour or two to complete – and the waiting period for using the repaired slab is just as brief.

Anyone who needs to walk across the surface can do so, even while the professional team is still doing the work. And, the slab is ready for heavy weight a few hours after the project is done. There’s no curing period, as there is with a newly-poured slab. And, mudjacking doesn’t create a mess, so you won’t be left with cleaning work.

Are you interested in learning more about mudjacking? The professional team at Lift-Up Concrete, a leading northern Utah concrete repair contractor, would be happy to answer all of your questions. To discuss concrete leveling at your Salt Lake City home or business property, contact our office and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today!

concrete leveling Salt Lake City

How Concrete Leveling Works

Concrete leveling – also known as mudjacking — is a proven, cost-effective method that’s commonly used to repair settled slabs in Salt Lake City. Cracked patios, tilted driveways, sunken sidewalks and uneven garage floors are just a few of the issues that can be resolved with this professional technique.

If you’re unfamiliar with concrete leveling, you’re certainly not alone. In our experience, many people first come across the repair method when researching ways to fix a damaged slab. And, more than a few are surprised to find out that mudjacking has been in use since the 1930s. Here’s a look at how the process works to raise and stabilize settled concrete.

Step 1: GPR Survey

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides a map of what’s underneath a damaged slab. The equipment allows professional concrete repair contractors to detect the location of voids or empty spaces in the soil.

Step 2: Drilling Holes

To restore a sunken or settled slab back to an even position, several holes must be drilled through the surface. The holes for concrete leveling are small, about two inches in diameter, and they’re usually placed two to four feet apart across the slab.

Step 3: Filling Voids

After the holes have been drilled, the voids underneath are accessible – and to lift the slab and make it stable, those spaces are filled with a specialized grout. The mixture is hydraulically pumped through the holes, and the resulting pressure raises the concrete.

Sealing the Stabilized Slab

Technically speaking, the concrete leveling process is complete when a slab is returned to its original position. But in our view, the work isn’t finished at this point. Any extra grout needs to be wiped away, of course, but more importantly, the surface needs to be sealed.

If the drilled holes and the cracks in the slab aren’t filled and sealed after concrete leveling, water can easily seep down into the soil. Exposure to rain and melting snow can create more problems down the line, leading to the development of new voids and concrete cracks. When a slab is properly sealed, the risk of future settlement – and the need for additional concrete repair — is much lower.

At Lift-Up Concrete, we offer comprehensive mudjacking services to homeowners and businesses in Salt Lake City and the surrounding northern Utah area. Our team has a reputation for providing top-quality work and unparalleled customer care at a competitive price, and we’re proud to be a trusted source for both residential and commercial concrete repair. For more information on our professional services, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for concrete leveling and sealing, contact us today.

Uneven Concrete Driveway

How to Fix Your Uneven Concrete Driveway in Ogden, UT

Has your once-smooth driveway become an uneven, bumpy mess? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in Ogden, UT have experienced the same thing. But don’t despair! If you live in the Ogden, UT area, Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, will solve your uneven driveway problems. We have the experience and expertise to get the job done right.

If you’re wondering what some of the causes of an uneven driveway are, and what your options are when it comes to repairing. This blog post addresses these concerns.

Causes of an Uneven Driveway

Over time, your driveway will inevitably settle and start to show signs of wear. Depending on the climate and the amount of traffic it receives, these changes can happen relatively quickly, in as little as a few years. There are several reasons why your driveway may have become uneven. The soil underneath the pavement may have shifted or eroded. This can be caused by everything from heavy rains to tree roots growing underneath the surface.

The pavement itself may have cracked or broken due to age or excessive weight. And any landscaping around the driveway, such as shrubs or trees, may have caused settling by dislodging the soil beneath the pavement. If you notice that your driveway is becoming uneven, it’s important to take action to prevent further damage. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with bigger problems down the road.

Fixes for an Uneven Driveway

One common fix for an uneven driveway is to have it resurfaced. This involves removing the top layer of asphalt or concrete and replacing it with a new layer. This can often be done relatively cheaply and will give your driveway a whole new lease on life.

Another option is to have the entire driveway replaced. This is obviously a more expensive option, but sometimes it’s the only way to achieve a smooth, level surface. Whichever option you choose, make sure to hire a reputable contractor, like Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, with experience in fixing uneven driveways.

Fixing an Uneven Driveway Is Not a Do-It-Yourself Project

You need the right tools and equipment to get the job done. Fortunately, Lift-Up Concrete has the tools and equipment necessary to fix your driveway quickly and efficiently. We use state-of-the-art concrete leveling technology to ensure that your paving is level and even. And our experienced professionals have the training and expertise to make sure your driveway is safe and looks its best.

Benefits of Having a Level Driveway

There are many benefits to having a level driveway. A level driveway is safer because it prevents trips and falls. It is also more aesthetically pleasing and can increase the value of your home. If you are selling your home, potential buyers will be more likely to make an offer if the driveway is level and in good condition.

Your driveway is one of the first things people see, so you want to make sure it looks its best. Uneven paving can be unsightly and can even pose a safety hazard. Don’t let an uneven driveway ruin your curb appeal. If you live in Ogden, UT, and need concrete leveling, contact Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, today. We’ll have your driveway looking better than new in no time. Contact us for a free estimate.

concrete leveling warm-weather fun

Do It Yourself Concrete Leveling in Ogden, UT – Pros & Cons

Many homeowners are faced with the question of whether to self-level their floors or hire a professional. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of flooring you have, the severity of the unevenness, and your own level of expertise.

The experts at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, will help you make sense of all things concrete lifting and leveling in Ogden. We’ll explore the pros and cons of self-leveling your floors so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your home.

The Pros of Self-Leveling Your Floors

There are several advantages to self-leveling your floors, including:

  • Cost – Hiring a professional to level your floors can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, self-leveling may be the more affordable option.
  • Convenience – Self-leveling your floors is a relatively quick and easy process that can be completed on a weekend.
  • Satisfaction – There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with completing a home improvement project yourself. If you’re the type of person who enjoys DIY projects, self-leveling your floors may be a fun and rewarding experience.

The Cons of Self-Leveling Your Floors

There are also several disadvantages to self-leveling your floors, including:

  • Time – Self-leveling is a relatively quick process, but it does require many hours (or even days) of uninterrupted work. If you have a busy lifestyle, it may be more convenient to hire a professional.Concrete leveling professionals are experienced in the use of concrete leveling equipment and can often complete the job in a shorter period of time. In addition, professionals can also provide guidance on the best type of self-leveling material to use for your particular project.
  • Difficulty – When it comes to having a level floor, many homeowners try to take matters into their own hands. Self-leveling floors is not a difficult task, but it does require some level of expertise. Especially if there is damage, weak spots, or cracks in the subfloor.A concrete repair professional in Ogden can help to identify these problem areas and make the necessary repairs. In addition, they will have the right tools and equipment to get the job done quickly and efficiently. As a result, it is always best to consult with a professional before self-leveling your floors.
  • Safety – Depending on the severity of your unevenness, self-leveling may require working with power tools and chemicals. And this can be dangerous. So, if you’re not comfortable using these tools or working with chemicals, it’s best to hire a concrete leveling expert.

At the end of the day, whether or not to self-level your floors is a personal decision that depends on your specific situation. If you have time and the necessary skillset, self-leveling can be a fun and rewarding experience.

However, if you’re not confident in your ability to do the job correctly or don’t have time for a project of this size, it’s best to hire a concrete lifting professional for your Ogden home.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete, LLC today to discuss your project.

concrete leveling improves property value

How Concrete Leveling Improves Property Value

Whether you’re thinking of selling your property in the near future or just are always looking for ways to keep value high, there are a number of areas you might consider with regard to property value. One of these, especially if your property contains a number of concrete surfaces, is concrete leveling and other forms of basic concrete repair.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re proud to offer a wide range of concrete lifting and leveling services, including for surfaces like walkways, driveways, patios and many others. Focusing specifically on concrete leveling, which refers to repairing low spots in concrete and creating a clean, level surface, what are some of the ways this process improves property value? Here are a few to be aware of.

Decreasing Hazards

Whether for a residential or commercial property, concrete leveling is one of the best ways to improve safety. If your concrete surface has begun to sink or crack, you and others might be at risk for tripping and falling, which could lead to injuries both severe enough for medical treatment and small enough that they don’t require outside help.

By repairing low sections of sunken or cracked concrete, in addition to leveling areas that have a slope, you’re not only creating a more even surface but also one that’s closer to being flat. This decreases the chances of injuries like these, which means you might save yourself some medical bills and lawsuits.

Increasing Curb Appeal

Even if you don’t think about it often, when people come to visit your property, the first thing they’ll see is the concrete. This includes both concrete surfaces you might consider “foreground” items, like walkways and front steps, as well as those that are more subtle, such as sloped patios.

When visitors are greeted by a cracked or uneven surface, it might make them question the overall safety of your property, as well as how strong your commitment to maintaining a presentable exterior is. However, when concrete surfaces are even and smooth with no cracks or damage, it makes for an excellent first impression and shows visitors they’ll be safe and comfortable on your property.

This can subtly influence their opinion of you, whether that means they’ll feel more or less inclined to purchase your home or do business with you in some other way.

Decreasing Maintenance Requirements

As mentioned earlier, concrete leveling isn’t just about creating a smooth surface, it’s also about maintaining one. Remaining on the forefront of safety and appearance is exactly why so many people call Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC to handle their cracking and uneven concrete services.

As opposed to letting your property sink or crack even further over time, having one of our professional technicians come out to handle damage like this can improve how high your property value stands. It also means you might not have as many safety concerns to worry about and your surfaces will remain as aesthetically pleasing as possible.

For more on the ways concrete leveling improves property value, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services throughout Utah, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.

leveling concrete before winter

Why Leveling Concrete is Important Before Winter Hits

The changing seasons can have an impact on the quality of your concrete, and perhaps the most significant seasonal transition here is the move into the colder winter period. Because of the way moisture freezes and thaws during this time of year, causing it to expand and contract within areas like your concrete, the winter is one where concrete surfaces must be protected to ensure their long-term quality.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC, we’re happy to provide a wide range of concrete repair services, ranging from driveway lifting and leveling to numerous other areas of your property. We’ve assisted a number of clients with their concrete leveling needs, including those who are looking to get this job done before the winter and its accompanying snowfall hits Utah. What are the risks posed to your concrete surfaces during the winter, and why is leveling your surface so important in many of these situations? Here’s a general primer.

The Risks Winter Poses to Your Concrete

As we noted above, winter is likely the most stressful season of the year when it comes to your concrete. The freezing and thawing of moisture creates expansion and contraction, respectively, and this can cause an incredible amount of pressure on your concrete surfaces. It’s one reason so many people damage their driveway during the winter – they’re not protecting their surface from these risks.

As if that wasn’t enough, you also have to worry about the effects of snow and ice. When these elements are allowed to sit atop your concrete for an extended period, they’ll likely begin to join together, including at seams where different pieces of concrete meet each other. Once this happens, you can expect that water will be able to seep into your concrete and start causing damage that might require us to do expensive concrete replacement.

Depending on the type of damage your concrete is experiencing, there may be a few solutions you consider. These include several forms of concrete repair, but in many cases, the primary need for your surface will actually be leveling solutions that can help to keep your concrete even and safe. After all, if you’ve got dips or areas of uneven height in your surface, you’re inviting damage that can destroy the long-term strength and integrity of your concrete.

Our next few sections will go over the reasons why leveling is so often carried out before the cold weather hits.

Avoiding Major Hazards

One of the key risks of concrete surfaces that are uneven is that they can easily create hazards for vehicles, pedestrians and other people who are on your property. A surface with too many high spots or dips will make it nearly impossible for car tires to drive across without losing traction or getting stuck in the holes created by uneven surfaces. Similarly, if you have an area of your driveway that’s particularly low, elderly or young people may have trouble getting into or out of vehicles that are parked there.

And during the winter, when these kinds of level obstructions often can’t be seen easily due to snow or ice, the chances of someone creating an accident by driving across your property increases significantly. Preventing these kinds of accidents can be very important, even if they are only likely to occur during the winter.

One way to avoid this is through taking steps to ensure your concrete surface has been leveled before any winter precipitation hits it. By doing this, you can keep your family safe from injuries during the upcoming months while also protecting your concrete surface from any damage it might sustain if there’s ice or another form of precipitation.

In addition, you’re preventing any risk of liability if someone else is injured on your property due to these hazards.

Snow-Blowing Becomes More Difficult

Have you ever tried running a standard snow-blower across a surface that’s heavily uneven and covered in chunks of ice? The outcome is probably very similar to what you’d see if someone decided to run across your uneven concrete that way – it’s nearly impossible. In fact, the only option when attempting that would be to find a different method for removing snow from your surface or even trying to plow it away manually yourself.

This is another reason why leveling your concrete before winter is important. When your surface has major cracks or other forms of obstruction in it, you can’t use a standard snow-blower to clear the obstructed areas because these machines are designed for working across even surfaces. You risk damaging both the machine itself and your surface.

Winter Worsens Leveling Issues

Finally, if you allow major leveling concerns on any concrete surface to persist until the winter, you can expect to see things get much worse. The freezing and thawing process that goes on in colder weather will cause any cracks or dips in your surface to expand further than they might in summer, leading to more severe cracking that makes damage even more likely.

If you keep just a few inches of snow accumulated on your level concrete, this might not be an issue. But if there’s several feet of snow accumulated on your surface, you’re putting a lot of pressure onto the lower portions of your concrete that may have deeper cracks or other problems in them. In turn, this can lead to even more damage when the following spring rolls around and you have to start dealing with the repairs.

For more on why it’s important to consider leveling your damaged concrete before winter hits in full, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services for any surface, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC today.