Concrete Lifting
If you have sinking concrete around your home, Innovative Basement Authority can lift and restore your concrete to help eliminate trip hazards and pooling water problems.
Get Your Free EstimateConcrete Problem Signs
Cracked, sinking, and uneven concrete is all too common for homeowners in Minnesota and the Dakotas. Do you see your issue below?
Cracked Concrete
Cracked concrete at your home signifies a need for attention. Let Innovative Basement Authority lift and level concrete slabs.
Cracked Driveway
A cracked concrete driveway not only affects your home's appearance but also poses safety risks. IBA can help lift it.
Cracked Pool Deck
Cracked, uneven concrete around your pool? Innovative Basement Authority can lift and level it. Let us show you how.
Cracked Sidewalks
Elevate your home's curb appeal and safety with Innovative Basement Authority. Discover IBA's unique concrete lifting solutions.
Do you worry about walking on your exterior concrete steps, sidewalk, driveway, or patio? Are these areas uneven and full of cracking sunken concrete slabs? These issues are all too common around properties throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas,Burnsville, Rogers, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin. While seeing them is no surprise, sinking and uneven concrete results in unsightly gaps and tripping hazards. But we at Innovative Basement Authority can help you rid your property of these dangers with a state-of-the-art repair method. Read on to learn more about how our team can help, and don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection and repair estimate.
Concrete Lifting Solutions
Concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections is the wave of the future that will protect properties for years to come. This long-lasting repair method is quick, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and less invasive than other methods. And it’s only locally available through our team at Innovative Basement Authority.
PolyRenewal™ Injection Foam
Polyurethane foam injection is lightweight, durable, and is able to support and lift sunken concrete back to its original level position.
Pool Concrete Repair
Get a safe and level pool deck with Innovative Basement Authority's concrete lifting system.
Driveway Repair
If you're looking for quality driveway repair, look no further. Innovative Basement Authority is the Midwest's leader in concrete lifting!
Sidewalk Repair
See why our sidewalk repair is industry leading!
Causes of Concrete Damage
It’s normal for soil to be wet or dry depending on the season and weather patterns. But this can lead to problems for concrete structures atop the soil. Saturated soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This ongoing, ever-changing process leads to significant pressure exerted on any above concrete. The concrete can succumb to this pressure and crack, sink, become uneven, and sustain other damage including breaking off entirely.
During the construction of your home, soil that is removed is often used again and backfilled around your home. This also can happen prior to the construction of concrete structures on your property like the driveway, patio, and sidewalk. If the builders did not properly compact or tamp down the soil, various problems can ensue over time as the soil shifts. The region’s silty and clay soils are notorious for significantly expanding when wet and shrinking when dry, so it’s not uncommon to deal with concrete problems like settlement and sinking because of the soil’s drainage issues.
Midwest locations including Minnesota, the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin experience often harsh winters with snow and freezing temperatures. As the days go from warm to cold and warm again, this cycle of freezing and thawing can take its toll on concrete structures. Exterior features like your driveway, sidewalk, and patio are most at-risk because of their constant exposure to the elements. Water from snow, snowmelt, and rain can saturate and freeze in the underlying soil or the concrete itself. This can lead to damage including cracking and breaking off, sinking, and heaving.
Award-Winning Service
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I enjoyed working with Patrick and then Isaiah McKeonn and Chris Popovich. They did great work. The concreate was leveled so precisely that …
I enjoyed working with Patrick and then Isaiah McKeonn and Chris Popovich. They did great work. The concreate was leveled so precisely that I can now role over the transition from the driveway to the garage with my manual wheelchair which I could not do before. I will be contacting IBA again to fix our sidewalk which needs expert leveling next year. Thanks, IBA.
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Chad arrived on time for a one-year inspection of work completed last year. He was friendly, thorough, and professional. While inspecting…
Chad arrived on time for a one-year inspection of work completed last year. He was friendly, thorough, and professional. While inspecting the interior foundation, he noticed that I didn't have a backup sump system and provided a no-pressure quote. An hour and a half later I had a nice backup system in place – something I've wanted to take care of for 30 years – finally done! 🙂
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Dustin and Gunner did an excellent job installing our permanent basement beam jacks. They were very professional and thorough, kept us…
Dustin and Gunner did an excellent job installing our permanent basement beam jacks. They were very professional and thorough, kept us apprised of process and steps, and completed the work in a very timely manner.
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We had Bryce Jacovetti out to our house as our inspector and would highly recommend using Innovative Basement and Bryce. He came out and…
We had Bryce Jacovetti out to our house as our inspector and would highly recommend using Innovative Basement and Bryce. He came out and did the most thorough job of anyone we called. I have not met someone as knowledgeable as Bryce in a long time. Strongly suggest calling Innovative and if you have structural problems no one will be able to figure it out like Bryce can!
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Gregg P and Grant C were very personable and did a thorough and professional job. Having been a general contractor for many years, I would…
Gregg P and Grant C were very personable and did a thorough and professional job. Having been a general contractor for many years, I would highly recommend them and their company.
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LJ,Anthony, and mike where very professional and a awesome to have doing work in my home very satisfied with the quality of work and the…
LJ,Anthony, and mike where very professional and a awesome to have doing work in my home very satisfied with the quality of work and the job was clean and done properly I would recommend them to anyone
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Jan Kottke was helpful in explaining what was necessary to fix our garage’s flooring; this has been an problem for years. He laid out what…
Jan Kottke was helpful in explaining what was necessary to fix our garage’s flooring; this has been an problem for years. He laid out what would be required in a professional manner, and the issue will be solved soon. I’m happy to have worked with this company.
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Prompt service and attention to details. Very professional. Courtesy of the tech was super. We recommend these guys without question.
Prompt service and attention to details. Very professional. Courtesy of the tech was super. We recommend these guys without question.
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I had a service call today for a recent sump installation from last Summer. I unfortunately had a poor initial experience with IBA and was…
I had a service call today for a recent sump installation from last Summer. I unfortunately had a poor initial experience with IBA and was half-expecting a similar experience this time. But I was very wrong. Ricky Oudekerk came to my house on time, took time to listen to my concerns and expertly diagnosed. On his own initiative he took the time to walk me through the sump system and its parts and explained what he was testing. I am new to Minnesota and to sumps generally, and this time was very much appreciated. It turned out I needed a new pump due to a bad component, and he diagnosed it and replaced all within a couple of hours. I was surprised and relieved by the experience. Based on this experience, I will consider IBA again for a future project. Thanks so much.
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Had a consult with Bruce J. We had some issues with the home and he was able to inform us very clearly and easily on what was happening and …
Had a consult with Bruce J. We had some issues with the home and he was able to inform us very clearly and easily on what was happening and how it's can be fixed. Explained the pricing and finances along with all the "what if's" that may occur even when the project is started and the costs of that. Highly recommend.
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I own a business and everyone working on our project was amazing. We installed sumps and did waterproofing in two buildings. We had lots…
I own a business and everyone working on our project was amazing. We installed sumps and did waterproofing in two buildings. We had lots of unexpected surprises (all issues on our end not Innovative’s) and everyone had a great and friendly attitude and were flexible and worked with us to get our job done. Thank you Dustin, Ben, Nick, Dion and Seth for all of your hard work and help!
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Andrew and Ben came by to work on our driveway. Very stand up guys and very professional. We appreciate their work!
Andrew and Ben came by to work on our driveway. Very stand up guys and very professional. We appreciate their work!
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Jamie did a great job. Very thorough in the process, explained everything to us, feel fortunate to have them complete the project by the…
Jamie did a great job. Very thorough in the process, explained everything to us, feel fortunate to have them complete the project by the fall.
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My project was completed by innovative this week. The communication throughout this whole process has been great, and the crew of Andrew…
My project was completed by innovative this week. The communication throughout this whole process has been great, and the crew of Andrew and Ben was fantastic. They showed up on time, completed the project on schedule, and did a great job of cleaning up. The final project exceeded my expectations. I am so happy I finally decided to call Innovative to help protect our home.
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Michael Bowers was just great to deal with. Super thorough and very professional. What a great company
Michael Bowers was just great to deal with. Super thorough and very professional. What a great company
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Abraham, Darius, and Thane were in my home on Monday. All day we could hear then laughing downstairs while they worked on our basement….
Abraham, Darius, and Thane were in my home on Monday. All day we could hear then laughing downstairs while they worked on our basement. They were clearly competent and very friendly, but it was the laughter that really got me. That's why the next day, when I had an event and had to go to the hospital, I was comfortable telling my husband to please tell them we were comfortable with them working there without us. Any team that gets along that well and enjoys working together that much is clearly comfortable at their work, and absolutely to be trusted. We had a blizzard after I got out of the hospital. Basement is so far so good, but I am super thrilled with their attitudes and commitment.
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Rob was very professional, knowledgeable and informative.
Rob was very professional, knowledgeable and informative.
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Brandon C. , Roel L. and Zack B. Did a great job installing our new sump pumps with backup battery. They also insulated our crawl space…
Brandon C. , Roel L. and Zack B. Did a great job installing our new sump pumps with backup battery. They also insulated our crawl space which will keep our kitchen and dining room floors warmer this winter. They were very easy to work with and answered all of my questions. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them for future projects.
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Grant C.and Mark F. did a great job of filling under and stabilizing our garage floor. Very professional. Explained the process and were…
Grant C.and Mark F. did a great job of filling under and stabilizing our garage floor. Very professional. Explained the process and were done quickly.
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He cleaned up his mess and was a great person to talk to. Rick the ruler is the man for the job.
He cleaned up his mess and was a great person to talk to. Rick the ruler is the man for the job.
Is Concrete Lifting the Right Solution for Me?
Concrete is all around your home, including your sidewalk, driveway, patio, garage floor, exterior steps, and interior slab floors. Any cracking and uneven slabs will not mend themselves. They not only make your home look unkempt, but they also are dangerous to anyone walking or driving over them. This is especially true for those with mobility issues. You have a lot to think about as a homeowner, and your safety and that of your family and guests should be a top priority. Keeping all this in mind, it is important to have a reliable repair solution installed to protect your family and home.
Before any repairs, it is also important to understand why concrete experiences problems like cracking and sinking. These and other damages can happen for many reasons, but the root cause typically is the soil underneath the concrete slabs. There are thousands of types of soil throughout the world, and our area has a good mix of clay loam in Bismarck, silty clay loam in Sioux Falls, fine sandy loam in Duluth, silty loam in Rochester, and sand in Eau Claire. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and drainage properties, but all can fall victim to the region’s often wet weather and erode, settle, and heave. When the concrete slabs are no longer supported by underlying soil, they will succumb to settling, cracking, and other damage.
Tackling these problems at the source is the key to long-lasting, effective repair. Outdated methods like mudjacking and repouring do not address problems with the soil. But concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections does. This lightweight but durable material is injected underneath the concrete slabs to fill the void between the soil and the slabs. Once the foam hardens, it simultaneously lifts and stabilizes the concrete and strengthens the soil below, as well. This is generally a fast process, as the foam cures 15 minutes after it is installed. It also is waterproof and will not wash out from under the concrete.
FAQs
Call or click for an appointment. One of our Certified Field Inspectors will come to your home and inspect your concrete. He or she will then sit down with you and explain what caused your issues, how they can be fixed and exactly what it will cost.
No. PolyRenewal is a proprietary product.
Yes. PolyRenewal is made from an environmentally friendly material that is waterproof and won’t degrade over time. This means it won’t leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil.
PolyRenewal cures very quickly. In fact, you can drive your car over a driveway slab just 15 minutes after it’s been lifted with PolyRenewal.
PolyRenewal is cost-effective because it offers a solution that is long-lasting, unlike mudjacking and slab replacement. And your concrete will never cost less to repair than it does right now.
We do not recommend that you try to lift or level sunken concrete slabs alone. Instead, call a professional to get the best results.
Concrete Lifting Requires Specialist Tools
Concrete lifting may seem very simple, and while it can be in some cases, it is very often a complex process that unearths unexpected issues at every turn. For this reason, concrete lifting services often need to use specialist tools and equipment to get the best result for their clients. Lifting a single slab into place may be possible with mudjacking, for example, but if the underlying cause is a foundational problem, the issue will become more complex.
Without addressing the underlying causes of sinking and cracking, any solution will be short-lived at best. The underlying issue will only continue to exert pressure on the newly repaired slab and lead to a recurrence of the sinking. Worse still, it could start to damage more of your property and cause wide-spread issues. Thankfully, you can rely on professionals to diagnose and treat underlying issues.
Professionals Offer Better Results
Foundation repair and concrete lifting specialists have all the tools they need to deal with most situations to hand. This means that you can expect a high-quality result from them no matter how complex the issue.
Likewise, professionals have access to the best products via supply stores or direct from their manufacturers. This means that they can provide you with the most up-to-date solutions for your issue. This not only gives a fantastic result, but will essentially future-proof your home to a certain extent, offering durability as well as quality!
Why is Concrete Lifting Needed?
Problems with the concrete around your home like cracks and uneven slabs can be harmful in many ways, including the following:
Personal Safety
Uneven concrete can be difficult for anyone to navigate, from young children and the elderly to anyone with mobility issues. Not only can these vulnerable groups easily trip and fall, but anyone could catch their feet on raised edges of concrete slabs and take a spill. Sunken concrete is a problem anywhere, but it is particularly dangerous around a swimming pool.
Vehicle Damage
Cracking and uneven concrete driveways and garage floors can not only succumb to the weight of vehicles, but they also can lead to vehicle damage. When vehicles have to continuously negotiate bumps and uneven concrete surfaces, the tires and suspension can suffer and require (frequent and often expensive) repairs.
Home Value and Appearance
Along with affecting the safety of your home, cracked and sunken concrete makes your property look bad. Whether you are house proud or not as concerned with the look of your concrete, the fact is that aesthetics matter. This is especially true when it comes to selling your home. It could be more difficult to sell, as buyers could be quickly turned off by unkempt appearances. This also can drag down the value of your home.
Common Concrete Tips & Mistakes
As experienced concrete lifting specialists in the industry, we have heard and seen it all when it comes to concrete problems and repairs. Here are some tips, as well as common mistakes, to consider in your concrete repair journey.
Helpful Concrete Repair Tips:
- Monitor Foundation Problems: While they are not always related, problems with exterior concrete also could mean problems with your home’s foundation. Issues with both of these areas tend to be rooted in the soil underneath. As an example, if your driveway butts up against your foundation and there are sunken slabs, your foundation walls also could be cracking and bowing inwards. Keeping an eye on all problems around your home is important in catching and repairing them early.
- Check for Problems with Drainage: Similarly, drainage issues also could be the cause of or caused by concrete problems. For example, if downspouts drain water directly onto concrete, it could cause the soil under and around the slabs to erode and the slabs to sink. And if uneven slabs are near water management systems like downspouts, water can puddle in the sunken areas.
- Be Aware of Other Concrete Problems Around Your Home: Since the root of concrete issues like cracking and sinking is the soil, various areas with concrete around your home can be impacted. It’s possible to have uneven concrete along your front sidewalk as well as your back patio. Concrete also can sustain other damage in the form of pitting, flaking, and staining. Monitoring all areas of concrete for various problems is a good proactive practice.
Concrete Repair Mistakes to Avoid:
- Concealing Cracks: It may be tempting to apply caulk or another sealant to concrete cracks in order cover them up so they won’t look so bad. But this is not going to solve the problem of how the cracks got there in the first place. The cracking will only continue, and whatever is used to try to fill the cracks could end up popping out of place and making the concrete look worse.
- Installing Other DIY Solutions: In the same vein, other DIY attempts also are discouraged. You may have the best intentions, but concrete lifting and other repairs can be tricky and specialized. It’s important to contact a concrete lifting expert like Innovative Basement Authority so the issues can be properly diagnosed and repaired with tailor-made solutions.
- Investing in Mudjacking: While mudjacking has been a time-honored tradition when it comes to concrete lifting and repair, it is an outdated method that is expensive, time-consuming, messy, and ultimately not effective. Large holes have to be drilled into the concrete to pump a heavy slurry mix under the concrete, and it takes a long time for the substance to cure. The slab and soil underneath also will end up settling again over time.
Providing Expert Concrete Lifting in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Eastern Montana
Pennsylvania trusts Innovative Basement Authority for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!
Top Cities We Serve
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Innovative Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.
Our Locations
1330 41st St. N
Fargo, ND 58102
6265 Carmen Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
1325 S Frandsen Ave
Rush City, MN 55069