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.
