If you’re searching for information on how to level a patio, look no further because you’ve landed on the right page!
The best way to level a concrete patio is by using a concrete leveling technique known as polyurethane foam injection, or just polyjacking for short. Polyjacking quickly raises and levels an uneven concrete patio surface and provides a long-lasting solution.
Polyurethane foam injection should only be performed by a professional because it requires training, experience, and special equipment. Keep reading to learn more about this process and why it’s the best option for leveling concrete patio.
Why Polyurethane Foam Injection Is The Best Method For Leveling A Concrete Patio
Polyurethane foam injection is usually the best method for leveling a concrete patio because,
- It’s a quick solution. Most jobs take no more than a few hours tops, and then you can start using the patio again. Pouring new concrete requires a certain amount of downtime as the fresh concrete dries and hardens.
- Polyjacking is less expensive than tearing up the patio and pouring new concrete.
- With concrete leveling it isn’t necessary to disrupt the landscaping.
- The foam is lightweight and won’t contribute to future settlement.
- Concrete leveling is minimally-invasive. The foam is injected under the concrete patio through small holes that will be patched and virtually invisible when the leveling is complete.
- It’s environmentally friendly and waterproof. The polyurethane foam resists water and will not leach into the ground.
How The Concrete Leveling Process Works
Here’s how to level a concrete patio using polyurethane foam injection:
- The first thing we do is drill small, dime-sized holes into the affected area of the concrete patio. Don’t worry. These will be patched after the repair is complete.
- The polyurethane foam is pumped under the concrete patio via the small holes.
- As the poly foam expands, it fills any voids beneath the patio’s surface, raising and re-leveling the slab.
- After the lifting is complete, the holes are patched with a compound that is similar to the color of the concrete.
When done properly by a professional, leveling a concrete patio using polyurethane foam injection offers a lasting and dependable solution.
The Benefits Of Having A Level Concrete Patio
Having a level concrete patio has many advantages to consider, including the following:
- A level concrete patio is essential for safety reasons. Unlevel patios are trip hazards and a liability. If someone gets injured, you could find yourself facing an unpleasant lawsuit should someone decide to sue.
- An unlevel concrete patio is an eyesore. Leveling it will improve the look of your outdoor area.
- A beautiful, level patio adds to your home’s resale value.
How To Find The Right Professional To Do The Job
Homeowners looking for a professional to level their concrete patio need to research potential contractors carefully. Here are some things to look for:
- Always ask for references and ensure the foundation repair contractor has experience using polyurethane foam injection to raise concrete slabs like patios, sidewalks, driveways, etc.
- Don’t look for the least expensive offer and automatically go with that. Saving money now might seem like a good thing. However, if the job isn’t done correctly, you may pay much more later to fix the damage that could have been avoided if the repair had been done correctly the first time.
- Look at reviews online and speak with previous customers to get a clear understanding of the contractor’s quality of service before committing.
FAQs About Polyurethane Foam Injection
What kind of maintenance needs to be performed after leveling the patio?
You’ll need to make sure water doesn’t drain toward the patio. The best way to do this is to install a drain tile system. Instead of the Drain Tile System Video, can we do the French Drain Video? French Drain would be more applicable in this situation.
Does concrete leveling always work for patios?
No, if the patio’s concrete is severely damaged, it will need to be torn up and replaced by pouring fresh concrete.
How long does patio leveling last?
At The Real Seal, our concrete leveling jobs have a 5-year warranty. However, the polyurethane foam used will last indefinitely.
How long does it take to level a concrete patio using poly foam?
Most patio leveling jobs take less than a day to complete.
What about the landscaping around the patio?
Concrete leveling is a minimally-invasive procedure. We don’t need to disturb the landscaping around the patio.
Is the foam used safe for the environment?
Yes, the foam is inert and won’t leach into the soil.
Will the patio leveling procedure make a lot of noise?
No, it’s much quieter than tearing up and replacing the slab.
Polyurethane foam injection is the best way to level an uneven concrete patio. However, it’s not a DIY job, and that means you’ll need an experienced foundation repair contractor.
At The Real Seal we’ve been leveling concrete patios across Chicagoland since 2011. Contact us today to schedule a free patio inspection and receive a concrete leveling estimate.
