Do you have sinking steps, a cracked driveway, a settled sidewalk or another concrete problem at your Utah home or business property? Discussing your options with a local company that specializes in concrete repair is a smart move, but you may want to learn more first – that way, you won’t enter the conversation unprepared.

Planning a concrete repair project can be a challenging task, but with the right knowledge, you can manage the matter with confidence. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions about concrete repair and maintenance practices.

What Causes Concrete Damage?

When a slab sinks, settles or cracks, the damage could be due to base construction errors – like too little or too much water in the concrete mixture or not allowing enough curing time. That said, most damage results from soil-related issues, such as significant changes in moisture levels, repeat freeze-and-thaw cycles and improper land grading.

Why is Concrete Repair Important?

Slabs with wide cracks and uneven concrete pose serious hazards to anyone who visits your Utah home or business property. Trips, painful falls and injuries can occur – and with that can come expensive liability claims. Also, by addressing the problem, you can keep the damage from escalating to the point where a more costly solution is required.

How Do Contractors Repair Concrete?

Concrete repair requires expertise and professional skill to properly execute, but the process is relatively simple. First, contractors use ground penetrating radar (GPR) to find empty spaces in the soil. Next, they drill small holes through the affected slab, reaching the soil voids. Then, using a hydraulic pump, they send a stabilizing material – either a cement slurry mixture or polyurethane foam – through the holes and into the subsurface voids. Once the spaces are filled, pressure lifts the slab back, restoring it to a stable and level position.

Which is Better — Mudjacking or Polyjacking?

Both can provide long-lasting results, but concrete repair by means of mudjacking, using the cement slurry mixture, is generally seen as the better choice. Not only does polyurethane foam contain additives that can be harmful to the environment, but the nature of the material – the way it expands after being injected and how it hardens more quickly than the cement slurry used in mudjacking – makes it difficult to raise a slab to the right position. Plus, with polyjacking, concrete repair is much more expensive, and while the drilled holes are slightly smaller than those needed for mudjacking, there’s very little difference after caulk has been applied. With all of this in mind, polyjacking is rarely the right solution.

How Long Does Concrete Repair Take?

The time it takes to repair concrete is dependent on several factors, including the scope of the underlying soil voids and the extent of slab damage. Most projects are finished within a couple of hours – and while that may seem like a long time, it’s nothing compared to a concrete replacement project, as that can take weeks. Furthermore, when repair work is done, the concrete is immediately ready for light use and capable of handling heavy weight by the next day.

Are the Holes Visible Afterwards?

After concrete is repaired, the drilled holes and any cracks in the slab are sealed to prevent water infiltration. Caulking also ensures that the holes become barely noticeable, particularly from a distance. Many of our customers must get close and search for the holes when looking at a repaired slab, as the concrete looks just like the surrounding slabs.

How Long Do the Results Last?

Because the concrete repair process addresses instabilities in the underlying soil, the results are long-lived. In Utah, most slabs that are repaired remain level and stable for at least ten years – and with proper caulking and periodic resealing, concrete may be problem-free for far longer.

How Much Does Concrete Repair Cost?

Expenses can vary, of course, which is why professional contractors provide customized concrete repair estimates based on the soil voids present, the size of the job, any difficulties in accessing the work area and additional services requested. According to HomeAdvisor.com, the cost of mudjacking typically runs between $661 and $1,846. The price for polyjacking is hundreds of dollars higher, as polyurethane foam costs four to five times as much as the cement slurry mixture used for mudjacking. Replacing a damaged slab is even more expensive, coming in at two to three times the total for a mudjacking project.

Is Concrete Repair Always an Option?

In Utah, professional contractors routinely repair cracked sidewalks, sunken patios, uneven driveways, lopsided garage floors, tilted parking lots and other outdoor slabs. However, when concrete shows a considerable amount of cracking, weathering or crumbling, the only fix may be replacement.

Let Lift-Up Concrete handle your project, and we’ll provide detailed recommendations on how to approach the problem. With us, you can count on a convenient and cost-effective solution for your slab damage. For more information on concrete repair, or to schedule a consultation at your Utah home or business property, contact Lift-Up Concrete today.

Do you need concrete repair? Fixing the uneven sidewalk, cracked driveway, lopsided steps or any other settled concrete slab at your home or business in Salt Lake City, Utah, isn’t just about curb appeal – completing the project can also help restore the safety of your property.

However, you probably already realize this. What you want to know is how to keep your repair costs at a minimum, right? Here are our best tips.

Go For the Right Method of Concrete Repair

Contrary to common belief, the only way to fix a cracked or settled slab isn’t to plan a tear-out and replacement. That’s an option, but you won’t like the cost – removing and repouring a slab is the priciest method of repairing concrete.

Mudjacking is far easier on the wallet. Choose this fix, and you’ll pay half or even a third of the amount you would have spent on a tear-out and replacement project. And since mudjacking resolves soil instabilities, the results ordinarily last for at least 8 to 10 years.

Choose the Right Concrete Repair Company

For the best outcome from mudjacking, you need to put the project in the hands of a well-qualified Salt Lake City contractor. Let someone with a lack of expertise complete the work, and the results are likely to be subpar.

Choosing a leading local concrete repair company may mean budgeting a bit more than would be necessary with an amateur. But if you go with an experienced contractor, you can look forward to professional service, exceptional workmanship and results that last.

Why Not Give DIY Concrete Repair a Try?

If you want the cheapest fix for your damaged concrete, you might think going the do-it-yourself route is your best bet. After watching a few videos and reading one or two instructional guides, you should be ready to complete the repair. Right?

Not really. Mudjacking takes time and effort to master, and if you go it alone, you may not restore the slab’s stability or your property’s curb appeal. Plus, after renting or purchasing the required equipment, you’ll find that the DIY route isn’t more affordable.

Schedule a Free Concrete Repair Consultation Today

Many professional contractors in Salt Lake City, Utah – including Lift-Up Concrete – offer complimentary consultations. Call us, and you can get repair advice and an estimate for your project without spending a dime and without any obligation.

Why choose Lift-Up Concrete? Our team has the right credentials and extensive experience, and while nearly all our mudjacking projects are problem-free, we guarantee our work. For more information, or to arrange for a free concrete repair consultation at your home or business property in Salt Lake City, Utah, contact us today.

Before choosing a concrete repair contractor for a project at your northern Utah home or business, it’s a good idea to schedule consultations with at least a few local professionals. Do that, and you’ll get the information you need to move forward.

But let’s say you’ve already taken this step. When you’re ready to get the work done, how do you decide which contractor to hire?

As you compare concrete repair estimates, cost is certainly an important factor. However, to find the right professional to take on your project, you’d be wise to consider the following.

Professional Expertise

The concrete repair contractors you’ve consulted may all have solid credentials, but how much experience has each one had with projects that are like yours in size and scope? A history of handling similar work helps ensure top-quality results, so you’ll want to make sure the professional you choose isn’t a newcomer to the field.

Services Included

As you review your concrete repair estimates, make sure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison. Some professionals might include concrete sealing in the total price, while others might charge an extra fee for certain services. To accurately compare the costs of hiring each contractor, you need to look at the services included.

Contractor Conduct

Give thought to how each concrete repair consultation went. Did the contractors take time to explain how they’d handle the work at your Utah home or business? Were they willing to answer your questions? Trust your intuition – choose a professional who is friendly and knowledgeable, and you can expect to form a good working relationship.

Satisfaction Guarantee

With the right concrete repair contractor, the work should be carried out to your satisfaction. But what if there’s a problem? Some Utah companies – like Lift-Up Concrete – stand behind their work, offering a full satisfaction guarantee. Others don’t, which means any issue you face might only be resolved if you pay for a repeat repair.

Lift- Up Concrete is Here to Meet Your Needs

When you’re in need of an experienced and well-qualified contractor to repair the concrete at your Utah home or business, the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete is ready to step in and get the job done. With us, you can count on exceptional workmanship, outstanding customer service and affordable pricing. But you don’t have to take stock in our words alone – we’d be happy to provide you with references from recent local projects.

For details on the services we offer at Lift-Up Concrete, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and cost estimate for concrete repair in northern Utah, contact us today.

No one in Ogden, Utah, wants to redo a concrete repair project after a short period of time, as that would be like throwing money down the drain. However, those who choose mudjacking don’t have that concern.

Generally speaking, concrete that is raised and leveled using the mudjacking method remains stable, secure and trouble-free for at least 8 to 10 years. With mudjacking, instabilities in the underlying soil are eliminated, which keeps the concrete from sinking and cracking again. The efficacy is well-proven, too — mudjacking has been in use since the 1930’s, and today’s professional concrete repair contractors continue to rely on the technique.

However, certain factors can impact how long a slab stands strong after mudjacking. If you’re planning to get concrete repair, follow the advice below for long-term results.

Issues that Contribute to Concrete Problems

The expansive nature of the soil here in Ogden, Utah, and the freeze-and-thaw cycles we get every winter might be the reason you need concrete repair. That said, if any of the following played a role, addressing the issue is essential for mudjacking to be a long-term solution:

• Drainage – Downspouts that direct rain and melting snow toward a slab are sure to make the concrete settle more quickly.
• Property grade – If the slope of the ground isn’t built up properly, water will flow into the soil under a slab, making it unstable.
• Plant roots – Without root barrier systems, trees and shrubs growing too near a slab can cause settlement problems.
• Burrowing pests – Voles, moles and groundhogs create underground tunnels, affecting the integrity of the slab above.

Long-Term Results Require Concrete Repair Expertise

Countless videos and do-it-yourself guides to mudjacking can be found online, and using that information, some Ogden property owners decide to handle the concrete repair work themselves. But for long-lasting results, this isn’t the right route to take.

Planning a mudjacking project means making several decisions, including how many holes to drill through the slab, where to place each one, what type of slurry mixture to use and how much of the mixture to pump into the soil. Online tutorials make all of this seem simple, but without training, knowledge and skill in concrete repair, that certainly isn’t the case. With that in mind, hiring an experienced professional contractor – like Lift-Up Concrete – is the best way to ensure good results with mudjacking.

In addition, taking the right steps after mudjacking can make a major difference in how long a slab remains in a stable and level position. At Lift-Up Concrete, we recommend:

• Immediately caulking the drilled holes and any cracks in the concrete to keep rain and melting snow from penetrating the surface
• Periodically resealing the concrete to strengthen its waterproof properties and help prevent the surface from chipping and cracking

Schedule a Consultation with Lift-Up Concrete Today 

The professional team at Lift-Up Concrete completes every mudjacking project with expert workmanship, and we’re happy to help property owners with caulking and resealing. We’re the company to call for both residential and commercial concrete repair projects in Ogden, Utah, and a free consultation with us comes with absolutely no obligation. Contact us today!

Are you in need of concrete repair? Fixing a settled driveway, sunken patio, uneven walkway or any other damaged slab can restore the curb appeal of your Salt Lake City home or business and help keep everyone who visits safe.

With any property improvement project, cost is a consideration. Fortunately, while dealing with slab damage can be an expensive endeavor, there are ways you can cut the cost of concrete repair without sacrificing quality. Here, the professional team at Lift-Up Concrete shares tips on how to get the job done for an affordable price.

Address the Issue Early

Small cracks in a concrete slab or a slightly tilted surface might seem like a minor problem, but left unresolved, the damage is only going to get worse as time goes on.

A greater amount of damage requires more extensive – and more expensive – repair work. As such, the key to saving money on concrete repair is to act quickly, contacting a qualified Salt Lake City contractor without delay. Hold off for too long, and you might have no choice but to tear out and replace the damaged slab. That’s a costly project.

Choose the Right Repair

Many people think that replacing a damaged slab is the only option or the best option, and in most cases, neither is true. Mudjacking is more effective – and it costs less.

Mudjacking offers long-lasting results because it addresses the cause of damage to a slab, resolving instabilities in the soil underneath. The slab tear-out and replacement process costs two to three times as much as mudjacking, but soil stabilization isn’t involved – which means newly poured concrete is likely to crack and settle in the future.

Don’t Take the DIY Route

These days, articles and videos about concrete repair are widely available online. So, why not find a good walkthrough and deal with the damaged slab yourself?

That approach isn’t going to save you much money. The cost of making the cement slurry mixture and renting the necessary equipment is pretty close to what you’d pay a professional contractor to handle the task. What’s more, given that you likely don’t have training or experience, attempting a DIY concrete repair could make the problem worse.

Hire the Right Contractor

Before hiring a professional to restore your cracked, settled or sunken slab, take the time to do a bit of research – you need to find a well-qualified Salt Lake City contractor.

For high-quality mudjacking, you need to hire an expert in concrete repair, a licensed professional who’s been serving the Salt Lake City area for several years. Sure, you might save money by going with a brand new company or hiring a local handyman. But their lack of skill is likely to show – and their work may not stand the test of time.

Maintain Your Concrete

Choose mudjacking, and you shouldn’t need to plan a repeat concrete repair anytime soon. With preventive maintenance, the results can last a decade or longer.

What does it take to keep a concrete slab in good shape? Caulking the cracks immediately after mudjacking is crucial, and to prevent moisture infiltration, you’ll want to seal the surface periodically. These tasks aren’t too challenging, but if you’d rather not add to your chore list, you can have a professional contractor handle the work.

Time Your Repair Work

In Salt Lake City, the busiest time for concrete repair tends to be in the summer – and like other property improvement projects, the price is often higher in the peak season.

If you plan your mudjacking project for the spring or fall, when professional contractors usually have more availability in their schedules, the cost may be less. Early winter can be an option, too, but only if temperatures have been mild. And, you can always ask if moving your concrete repair to a different date or time would result in a better price.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete for a Free Concrete Repair Consultation

How much will it cost to fix your damaged slab? Getting quotes from a few Salt Lake City concrete repair companies is the best way to make sure you pay a fair price for the work you need done – but then again, cost shouldn’t be your only consideration.

For your project to be a long-term success, the contractor you choose needs to have the right credentials. Professional training and extensive experience are essential, of course, as are insurance and a license to engage in concrete repair work in the state of Utah. And while the vast majority of mudjacking projects go exactly as planned, with no issues afterward, it’s a good idea to go with a company that guarantees their work.

Lift-Up Concrete fits the description above – and along with affordable pricing, we’re known for stellar workmanship and outstanding customer service. You don’t have to believe us, though, as we’re happy to provide references from recent projects. For more information, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and estimate for concrete repair at your Salt Lake City home or business property, contact us today.

A cracked and settled slab can have a negative effect on both the value and the curb appeal of your Utah home. Concrete repair can reverse that, while also making the landscape less of a safety hazard. But, you no doubt already knew all of this – and what you need to know is why slabs settle.

If you don’t already have a settled slab at your home, you’ll likely face this issue at some point. As any residential concrete repair contractor in Utah will tell you, settlement and cracking are pretty much inevitable. That’s just the nature of concrete.

However, if you understand what might cause the slabs surrounding your home to settle, you may be able to address some of the problems and stave off the need for concrete repair. Below, the experienced professional team at Lift-Up Concrete explains the reasons slab settlement commonly occurs in Utah.

Soil Composition

Clay-rich soils are prevalent throughout the state of Utah. When saturated, this type of soil expands, and when it dries out, it contracts. As this action continues over time, concrete can shift out of place.

Concrete Problems

Mistakes made when a slab is installed can lead to the need for concrete repair. For example, using faulty footings or the wrong water-to-cement ratio might cause a slab to sink, settle and crack.

Poor Compaction

Similarly, concrete settlement can also be the result of poor preparation during the initial slab installation. If the soil isn’t compacted properly, air pockets remain under the concrete, causing it to sink.

Ground Slope

Excess moisture in the soil may be to blame for concrete instability and settlement in Utah. When the ground is sloped directly toward a slab, water runoff can easily infiltrate the soil underneath.

Drainage Issues

Water infiltration isn’t always due to ground slope – sometimes, a home’s gutter system is the problem. Downspouts need to be directed away from the concrete, or pooling water can lead to settled slabs.

Soil Washout

Concrete repair might also be necessary if a sudden gush of water creates gaps under a slab and causes it to settle. Utah homeowners face this problem with serious plumbing leaks and after heavy rainfall.

Frost Heaving

In Utah, frost heave often occurs. Snow melts into the earth and the temperature plunges, making the water freeze. Once it thaws, the soil contracts. Repeated over the course of winter, this is problematic.

Burrowing Animals

Voles, mice, rates and other critters like to dig tunnels under concrete, and in doing so, compromise a slab’s integrity. Settlement is the result, and when animals cause a slab to sink, concrete repair is the solution. 

Bulging Tree Roots

Trees growing close to a slab can also be responsible for concrete settlement around a Utah home. As the root system extends into the soil underneath a slab, the resulting pressure can cause it to sink and crack.

What Utah Homeowners Need to Know About Concrete Repair

While concrete repair might not be at the top of your to-do list, putting off the project isn’t in your best interests. If you have any settled slabs at your Utah home, dealing with the issue now is wise for a few reasons.

Repairing settled concrete is important because:

• Sunken and cracked concrete isn’t just an aesthetic issues – it’s a safety risk.
• A Utah homeowner may be liable if damaged concrete is the cause of an injury.
• Settled slabs can create drainage issues and pooling water around a property.
• After concrete repair has been completed, the value of a Utah home increases.

In addition, holding off on concrete repair isn’t a good idea, as the longer you wait, the worse the settlement and damage will get. The bigger the problem, the more costly the solution – and if you put off the project for too long, repairing a settled slab may not be possible. In that case, tearing out and replacing the concrete would be the only option, and that’s a much more expensive endeavor.

Why Not Take the Do-It-Yourself Approach to Concrete Repair?

Many Utah homeowners think that fixing a settled slab is simple, and that watching a few videos and reading a tutorial or two teaches you everything you need to know. That’s not the case – and going the DIY route isn’t such a good idea.

Concrete repair requires specialized tools, and attempting to address slab settlement without the right equipment could result in additional damage. Sure, you could rent or purchase a high-power concrete drill and a hydraulic pump, but creating a stable cement slurry to inject into the soil voids isn’t easy. And, you’ll just be guessing where and how much of the slurry mixture needs to be injected, so your efforts may only provide a temporary fix.

What’s more, do-it-yourself concrete repair is likely to give you amateurish results. With an experienced professional contractor, the repair work is nearly invisible and evidence of any slab settlement will be difficult to spot.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete for a Free Concrete Repair Consultation

The professional team at Lift-Up Concrete has the skill, knowledge and expertise to fix slabs that settle, sink and crack. We offer affordable, high-quality service – and in most cases, we can restore a settled slab in just an hour or two. For a free, no-obligation concrete repair consultation at your Utah home, contact us today!

So, you have a settled concrete slab at your Salt Lake City home or business. Why does that matter? Is concrete repair really necessary?

Those questions are certainly understandable. Settled slabs can be found all over northern Utah, and if other people aren’t fixing their damaged concrete, fixing yours doesn’t seem like a task you should prioritize. However, the reverse is actually true – putting concrete repair on the back burner can lead to a host of problems. Below, the Lift-Up Concrete team shares several reasons to fix your settled slab sooner rather than later.

Settled Concrete Slabs are Hazardous

Most settled concrete slabs have cracks and uneven areas. If that’s the case with your slab, it’s a definite safety hazard. Anyone who comes to your Salt Lake City property and walks on the surface could easily trip and fall, and we’re sure that’s not what you want to happen. Schedule concrete repair soon, and you can make your home or business safer for everyone.

You May Be Held Liable for Injuries

If someone falls and suffers an injury at your property, you could end up in legal hot water. Under Utah’s premises liability laws, the injured party has the right to sue for compensation. If the judge finds that you knew about the settled slab – or that you should have been aware of the issue — and didn’t bother with concrete repair, you’ll be on the hook for the injured person’s medical care and lost income.

Settled Concrete Creates Drainage Issues

When you have a cracked, uneven slab and you don’t schedule prompt concrete repair, you might end up with a costly problem. Rain and melting snow won’t flow away properly – instead, you’ll find pools of water in the wrong areas of the property. Left alone, issues with drainage can lead to foundation damage, which can affect the structural integrity of your home or business building.

Concrete Damage May Violate Building Code

A property with settled slabs and damaged concrete – particularly when the issue involves a flight of stairs — could be in violation of local building code. This typically is more of a problem with commercial structures, and Salt Lake City business owners who correct the damage early on can expect lower concrete repair costs. Why worry about being out of compliance when a simple fix may be all you need?

Settled Concrete Slabs are Unsightly

Looking at your settled concrete, can you honestly say that it’s attractive? Or at least not that bad in appearance? We doubt it – cracked and uneven slabs are eyesores. And while you might not care how the concrete at your Salt Lake City home or business looks, the lack of curb appeal is sure to bring down the value of your property. Get concrete repair, and you won’t take a hit if you decide to sell.

Waiting on Repair Makes the Damage Worse

When you hold off on scheduling concrete repair, the damage only gets worse as time goes on. The longer you wait, the more the slab will settle, sink and crack. And the more extensive the damage, the more you’ll pay for a solution. The cost of concrete repair will be higher – if repair is even possible, that is. Wait too long, and you might be forced to budget for slab replacement, and that’s even more expensive.

How Do Professional Contractors Repair Settled Concrete?

Mudjacking is the most common – and most affordable — solution for settled slabs. Also referred to as concrete lifting or slab leveling, mudjacking is a three-step concrete repair process. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: A few strategically placed holes are drilled in the damaged slab. The holes are about two inches in diameter and, in most cases, set about four feet apart.

Step 2: Using a hydraulic pump, a mud-like slurry – typically made of cement and other materials like sand and clay – is injected through the holes to fill the voids under the settled slab. As the empty spaces are filled, pressure lifts the slab back to its original position.

Step 3: Once the slab is level and its stability has been restored, the mudjacking is done – but the work isn’t finished. Before leaving the property, a reputable contractor will clean up any residual slurry mixture and seal the holes and cracks.

Depending on the severity of the damage to a settled slab, different concrete repair methods – other than mudjacking – might be necessary. In that event, fixing the problem costs more. For that reason, anyone who has cracked and uneven concrete would be wise to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Contact Lift-Up Concrete for a Free Consultation

Mudjacking is a fast and simple method of concrete repair – and when you call on Lift-Up Concrete to fix the settled slabs at your Salt Lake City home or business, you can expect to pay a fair price.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. For a free consultation to discuss mudjacking and concrete repair at any northern Utah property, contact Lift-Up Concrete today.