Repairing Sunken Concrete Steps
- Concrete Replacement. If you’re struggling with sunken concrete steps, one option you could opt for is concrete replacement.
- Mudjacking. The most common method of concrete repair is called “mudjacking.” Mudjacking pumps a slurry-grout mixture beneath the concrete to level it by drilling large, unattractive holes into the concrete.
- Slab Lifting Foam. At Childers Brothers, Inc., we use slab lifting foam because it’s less intrusive, environmentally friendly, and durable enough to lift 10,000 lbs per square foot.
How to fill a sunken living room with concrete?
Sunken dimension: 5.5". Concrete amount: a little over 6 yards (~6.1) Subfloor: this is all on the first floor of a house built on a slab. Drywall issues: none, drywall on sunken portion only extends down as low as higher portion, carpet is used to go the 5.5" up on the sunken portion. Below drywall is either the 2x6" used to form the concrete ...
Can I fill in a sunken room with concrete?
When we bought our (1979) house in 2009, filling in the sunken formal living room was one of the first projects we did. Our house was built on a concrete slab so it was just a matter of filling in the sunken area with more concrete and it was an easy process since we did it before we ever moved in, painted or put down the new carpeting.
What are common causes of sunken concrete?
What Lies Beneath
- Poorly compacted soil: When your home was built, the movement of soil around the building site results in poor compaction. ...
- Dry soil: Another cause of soil failure is drought. ...
- Flooding: When the rains return, the water has an even easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left over from the dry period. ...
How do you fix sinking concrete?
How do you fix a sinking concrete slab? The least expensive way to raise a sunken slab is to inject a combination of dirt, aggregate and Portland cement through holes in the surface. This process is called mud jacking, and it’s a job best left to pros with the equipment to do it, because the material has to be injected under pressure to do ...
How do you lift sunken concrete DIY?
1:543:27Lift and Level a Concrete Sidewalk...Yourself! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBreak you don't want any body parts being crushed under the weight of the heavy side rock. Now withMoreBreak you don't want any body parts being crushed under the weight of the heavy side rock. Now with the backfill all in place we begin to lower the slabs. Put the dirt back on the sides.
How do you repair fallen concrete?
2:215:16How To Repair Concrete | Pro Tips For Repairing Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all ofMoreApply the same bonding product to the broken edges of the side wall making sure to get into all of the crevices mix. Up your concrete patch with water and add some of the bonding product to the mix.
Can I raise concrete myself?
Lifting a sunken slab may be necessary to level the surface. Hiring a professional service to lift, or jack up, the slab can be costly. You can avoid this expense if you do it yourself with the help of a jacking pump, which can raise the concrete slab to the needed level.
Why is my concrete sinking?
Soil shrinkage, compaction and settling all have an impact on sinking concrete. If the soil below the slab isn't compact, the concrete can easily begin to sink as the soil beneath it solidifies and hardens. If the soil is too wet or too dry, this can also cause concrete to sink.
How do you raise settled concrete?
Mud jacking can lift a settled concrete slab by pumping a grout through the concrete and pushing it up from below. The process is sometimes called “slab jacking” or “pressure grouting”. 1 to 1 5/8th inch diameter holes are drilled through the sunken concrete block/slab at strategic locations to maximize lift.
How do you fix a sunken driveway?
Follow these steps:Snap a chalk line parallel to the garage door. ... Cut through the asphalt (it's usually 2 to 3 in. ... Remove the asphalt and dig a 12-in. ... Spread a 2-in. ... Install paver edging along grass edges and spread a 1-in. ... Set your pavers, compact them with the plate compactor and fill the joints with sand.
Can I pour concrete over sunken concrete?
You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.
Can you use great stuff to raise concrete?
0:063:01Lifting Concrete with Spray Foam - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis foam can rise and restore uneven pavement to a stable and elevated surface the foam naturallyMoreThis foam can rise and restore uneven pavement to a stable and elevated surface the foam naturally fills any air pockets that it finds. This means that it can give pavement a nice even lift.
How do you level a sunken concrete slab?
You have three options: coat the sunken section with a sand-and-cement mixture to make the surface higher, raise the sunken section using a process called mudjacking, or raise the sunken section using expanding polyurethane foam. Patching fixes the safety issue without costing much, but the patch is sure to show.
How much does it cost to lift a concrete slab?
In general terms, concrete raising can cost between $2-$5 per square foot. For example: a 10 ft. x 10 ft. section needs to be raise is 100 square feet.
What happens when a slab sinks?
When a concrete slab starts to sink, it signals a possible problem in the soil underneath, often erosion or unevenly compacted soil. Sinking slabs can crack and cause unsafe, uneven walkways, leading to trip hazards.
What causes driveways to sink?
A driveway can sink due to the use of poor foundations. Regardless of the topcoat material used, all driveways should have a concrete or tarmac foundation. This will keep the driveway from compressing under the multitude of heavy vehicles that use it daily. Your driveway should also have some form of edging.
Can you pour concrete over existing concrete?
You can put new concrete over old concrete. However, unresolved issues with your old concrete, such as cracks or frost heaves, will carry over to your new concrete if not taken care of. In addition, you must pour it at least 2 inches thick.
How do I repair my concrete driveway?
How to Resurface a Concrete DrivewayRemove debris. If a crack is less than a quarter-inch, it's a prime candidate for simple resurfacing. ... Wash the driveway. Wet down the driveway with a pressure washer. ... Mix concrete and water. ... Fill the cracks. ... Let dry. ... Resurface. ... Prevent slips. ... Watch the video above to learn more!
Can you use mud jacking to realign concrete?
It’s not uncommon over time to notice sagging or sinking in your home’s concrete. While this can be an annoyance, it can lead to bigger issues when not dealt with. The good news is that there are options available to homeowners. Mud jacking can help realign concrete slabs and save you from further damaging issues.
Does gunner liftcrete damage concrete?
This process is done very carefully to make sure the lifting is done slowly enough to not cause damage to the concrete. Once the slab has been raised to its original alignment, Gunner Liftcrete takes the extra step in making sure it lasts. Extra grout is added to ensure there are no cavities under the raised concrete so it can hold a heavy vehicle. The grout used in mudjacking is specifically chosen to ensure it gets into all the spaces underneath the concrete. By not leaving any space, raised concrete will be lasting.
Is mudjacking a good idea?
If your driveway or walkway is showing signs of sinking, mudjacking could be a good option for you. Misaligned slabs can be a tripping hazard and unsafe to walk on. It’s also a more cost-effective option than removing and replacing the existing concrete. Keeping the existing slab means that the aesthetic look of the driveway or walkway is maintained. Another point to understand is that mudjacking doesn’t cause pressure against foundation walls. It protects the foundation.
Why does my concrete patio sink?
Gravel. Concrete patios, like any other concrete slab, can sink from changes in its base. Whether the base shrinks or sinks from shifting soil, natural settling or erosion by running water, sections of your patio—and even the entire slab—can sink. This sinking can cause problems, especially on a patio. To remedy the problem of a sunken concrete ...
How high should a concrete slab be?
Be sure the top of the form is at least 2 to 3 inches high. Fill the depressions with sand and then tamp and level the sand. Fill the entire slab with new concrete, then level and finish with a trowel.
What to do if concrete sinks?
When this happens, simply head to the home improvement store for easy-to-find concrete repair supplies and wrap the job up yourself. Be aware that this type of repair will likely be somewhat temporary, which is fine if you’re moving, it’s a space you don’t use often, or you have plans to replace it in the future. If the cause of the sinking concrete stems from poor water drainage or other issue, it will need to be dealt with eventually as time and budget allows. In the meantime, a patch might be a suitable solution.
Why does a concrete slab sink?
When this happens, there is nothing left to support the weight of the concrete, causing it to sink.
Can you replace a broken concrete slab?
On the other hand, a concrete surface that is clearly broken up due to sinking will need to be completely removed and reinstalled. Similarly, an entire slab that sits well below where it should will need some major work as well. Repairing or replacing severely damaged concrete will require heavy equipment and heavy lifting. There will also be the added cost of extra materials. You can hire someone to do this work or create a plan to do it yourself. Just be realistic about what you can handle.
Can you lift a concrete slab?
Once you know how deep the problem goes, you can plan for the repair or replacement. In addition to surface repairs, another option is to lift the slab and replace the foundation. This typically is only a solution for smaller sections of concrete as attempting to lift an entire driveway isn’t possible without causing more damage. Lifting even a small slab requires heavy equipment so you’ll have to decide if can access and maneuver the machines to lift the concrete.
Why does concrete sink?
Soil erosion is a second possible reason for sinking concrete. Heavy rainfall and other water flow can wash away some of the soil under the slab, causing it to sink into the resulting hole or void. In both scenarios, you need a concrete slab repair method that levels your concrete property but also addresses the underlying conditions to prevent recurrence.
What causes a concrete slab to sink?
When all or part of a slab sinks, it’s usually due to one of two conditions.
How does a concrete lifting contractor work?
First, the concrete lifting contractor drills one or more small holes in the sunken area of the slab, then injects an expanding polyurethane or "geotechnical" foam beneath the slab. As the foam expands due to a chemical reaction, it fills voids and pushes the slab back towards its original position. The PolyLevel® contractor monitors and gauges the expanding action of the foam, controlling the injection process for just the right degree of slab-raising action.
What is mudjacking in concrete?
Mudjacking, or slab jacking, is a process of pumping a cement-based mixture into and under a slab, filling voids and raising the slab up. While less invasive and expensive than completely replacing the concrete, mudjacking has some of the same disadvantages: it costs more, requires longer curing time before the concrete can be used, and it adds weight around the slab that can contribute to repeat concrete settlement. In addition, mudjacking drilling holes can leave blemishes on your concrete slabs.
What does it mean when a concrete slab starts to sink?
When a concrete slab begins to sink, what does that look like? You may notice one corner of a driveway sloping or concrete stairs pulling away from your home’s foundation. One or more cracks in a walkway, patio, or sidewalk can be a sign of sinking concrete. The extent of the problem can be subtle or dramatic and can involve one slab or many. Regardless, differences in elevation between slabs make for unsafe walking, biking, or driving. The underlying problem of erosion or uneven soils can worsen with changes in temperature and precipitation, worsening the stability of your concrete.
What is polyleveling in concrete?
PolyLevel® is a fast, effective concrete leveling solution that uses polyfoam injection to raise sinking concrete slabs in and around the home. PolyLeveling not only restores the beauty and safety of sunken concrete but also addresses the underlying factors that caused it to sink in the first place. Contact your local PolyLevel® contractor for a free estimate for concrete slab repair today!
What happens if a slab is weak?
But even more importantly, if weak soil caused the slab to sink, the soil may compress again under the weight of the new slab. A shortcut repair –adding more concrete to even out the slab—imposes even more weight on the soil, increasing the risk of sinking in the future.
What Causes Sunken Concrete Steps?
Typically, however, it’s a problem to do with the soil. It could be that the soil support of the concrete slabs are uneven, that some of the slab is supported by soil while the rest is not. It could be an issue of the soil shrinking or becoming compacted over time, especially if the soil is too dry .
How long does it take for concrete to dry before you can use stairs?
It will take about four weeks before the concrete is at full strength.
How does mudjacking work?
Mudjacking pumps a slurry-grout mixture beneath the concrete to level it by drilling large, unattractive holes into the concrete. It’s also not a long-term solution as the mixture can erode away and cause a need for further mudjacking in a few years.
What happens if you lose your footing?
If you lose your footing, you could potentially fall down the remaining steps. If the concrete steps are on a residential property, it could be dangerous to those who live in the home or to guests that you invite over. If the concrete steps are on a commercial property, customers could be hurt and you could be in for a lawsuit.
Is it bad for concrete to sink?
No one likes the look of sunken concrete. It can make your curb appeal feel disheveled and worn. When it’s your concrete steps that have begun to sink, however, it’s more than just unsightly. Concrete steps that sink unexpectedly can be dangerous, especially for children or senior citizens who live with you. Even flat concrete can become dangerous when it’s not level, much more for steps. In order to have them repaired, it’s important to know what the problem of sunken concrete is…and what causes it.
Is concrete a heavy soil?
It might even be the wrong type of soil. Different types of soil have varying degrees of load-bearing capacities. Concrete can be quite heavy, and if the weight exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the soil — as might be the case with concrete steps — the soil will shrink and become compact, which offers less support to the concrete.
Can concrete be tripped?
Even on flat ground, concrete slabs that are unsupported and sinking will be uneven, which can be a massive tripping hazard. It can also potentially damage tires of vehicles or furniture if you’re in the process of moving. When it’s concrete steps that are sinking and uneven, this tripping hazard can be even more problematic. If you lose your footing, you could potentially fall down the remaining steps. If the concrete steps are on a residential property, it could be dangerous to those who live in the home or to guests that you invite over. If the concrete steps are on a commercial property, customers could be hurt and you could be in for a lawsuit.