Repairing Sunken Sidewalks With Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling can be done quickly and with little disruption to your outdoor spaces. It’s less expensive to level concrete than Sidewalk Repair or replace damaged concrete. And it can be a good alternative to removing any trees that may be contributing to the sinking or erosion of a sidewalk.
Sunken Sidewalk Repair
There are a number of reasons why a concrete slab will sink or become uneven. These include eroding soil from tree roots, poor foundations, or constructions that have shifted over the years. These factors can often cause voids below the concrete to sink. This creates damage and a trip risk. Concrete leveling fills these voids and lifts the slab to a more even position.
DIY enthusiasts often try to raise concrete themselves, but this is not recommended. This is especially true for outside surfaces such as patios and sidewalks. One popular method is to place bottle jacks under the slab of concrete (the same kind that you would use to lift your car). This causes the concrete slab to lift in weak areas and can cause damage to the concrete.
A second method involves removing existing concrete and pouring a new one on top. This can be an easy and inexpensive solution. However, it is not the best for heavily-used concrete surfaces on the exterior. Over time, the new concrete will break down and eventually require replacement. Concrete leveling repairs are a better option for than a complete replacement. This will ensure that your concrete sidewalks and other areas remain stable and safe for many years.
When addressing a sunken cement slab, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t cut any tree root that is causing the problem. Cutting any tree roots without the approval of a city arborist is not only illegal but can lead to unforeseen problems with your sidewalk. Concrete leveling or mud-jacking is the preferred method to lift and stabilize concrete. It is more environmentally friendly and can be done without disturbing your landscape or plants. The injected material also is lightweight and does not cause soil settlement in the future like heavy concrete.
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