Why Is Lifting Sidewalks Cheaper Than Replacing Concrete Slabs?

If you’re dealing with sidewalks that aren’t level, you may be expecting a large repair bill. Of course, it’s always wise to want to save money where you can. Depending on the situation, you may be able to simply lift the sidewalks instead of needing to replace the collection of slabs. This can save a lot of time and money. Here’s why: 

• Repair, Don’t Replace 

There comes a point with concrete sinking where repair work is no longer possible, and replacement is the solution. Otherwise, you’ll end up postponing the root problem and must spend that replacement money later. If the sidewalks are cracked or otherwise deteriorating, then lifting them will only cause more structural damage. It’ll also make the aesthetic damage more apparent. 

That’s because the concrete slabs will need to be removed with machinery and heavy equipment. The earth beneath may need to be compacted. A new slab must then be poured and allowed to cure. Totaled up, this process is expensive and time-consuming. If the slabs are not cracked—but are simply not level, then you can circumvent this problem with polyurethane foam injections. 

• More Labor Equals More Money 

Not only does replacement require extra labor, but the materials and equipment needed are also greater in number, volume, and cost. The two main methods for lifting a sunken sidewalk are far more cost-effective. These two methods are raising the slab by injecting either concrete or polyurethane foam. 

Poured concrete solutions are a workable repair method, but they can be costly and take a minimum of 24 hours cure time before the slab can accept foot traffic. The best solution, as recommended by Innovative Basement Authority, is polyurethane foam injections. This is an injected foam that rapidly expands to fill a space and cures within 15 minutes. Once cured, this material can support a heavy load, is waterproof, and has a long lifespan. Polyurethane foam is also a comparatively inexpensive concrete lifting solution. 

Using Innovative Basement Authority’s PolyRenewal™ injection lifting solution for concrete sidewalk leveling means a quick job and near-immediate usage of the sidewalk.