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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Jamie was friendly and thorough. Made sure we understood the process completely.
Jamie was friendly and thorough. Made sure we understood the process completely.
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Our service technician John Anderson did a phenomenal job assessing our situation and answering all of our questions. He went above and…
Our service technician John Anderson did a phenomenal job assessing our situation and answering all of our questions. He went above and beyond to make sure we understood the root causes of the problem, and spent more than 4 hours with us on site making sure we understood everything we had concerns about regarding our deck foundation and home. He was highly knowledgeable.
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All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.
All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.
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Gavin was amazing! He was honest and timely.
Gavin was amazing! He was honest and timely.
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Mark F and Gabe P were extremely nice and efficient with their work. They arrived well within the stated time frame and got to work quickly….
Mark F and Gabe P were extremely nice and efficient with their work. They arrived well within the stated time frame and got to work quickly. They kept me informed when decisions were needed to be made about my project. Mark was very present to speak with and seemed to be very knowledgeable about his work!
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Work crew arrived right on time, Chad and Josh were very friendly, went through the project with me, answered my questions and promptly…
Work crew arrived right on time, Chad and Josh were very friendly, went through the project with me, answered my questions and promptly went to work. They also went through the completed job with me. I am very happy with the results of their work.
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"I would like to commend Innovative Basement for their outstanding hiring process. The team, including Josh and Greg, along with all the…
"I would like to commend Innovative Basement for their outstanding hiring process. The team, including Josh and Greg, along with all the other workers, are exceptional individuals who demonstrate professionalism and dedication. Their commitment to getting the job done right is truly impressive."
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Groundworks did an outstanding job leveling and sealing the cracks in my sidewalk and driveway. Greg P. and Brandon S. were professional,…
Groundworks did an outstanding job leveling and sealing the cracks in my sidewalk and driveway. Greg P. and Brandon S. were professional, efficient, and clearly take pride in their work. The results turned out exactly how I wanted and expected—everything looks solid and clean again. What impressed me most was how quickly they completed the job without sacrificing quality. Completely satisfied with the entire experience and would highly recommend!
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Great experience working with Ben, our basment is now free of water.
Great experience working with Ben, our basment is now free of water.
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I’d work with Chad Hoppke anytime. He was beyond helpful. Full marks!
I’d work with Chad Hoppke anytime. He was beyond helpful. Full marks!
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David was very informative and knowledgeable about the concrete issue I had with my garage floor. I had no idea about the consequences of…
David was very informative and knowledgeable about the concrete issue I had with my garage floor. I had no idea about the consequences of not fixing it before it got worse. Thank you to Gregg and Grant for performing the repair and keeping me informed of the schedule and fixing it in a timely manner!! They were patient with all my questions and concerns. Plus have to say they left my garage looking better than when they arrived! Thanks to all!
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Gregg and Brandon were super courteous and knowledgeable and did a great job of cleaning up afterward. This is the second time we have…
Gregg and Brandon were super courteous and knowledgeable and did a great job of cleaning up afterward. This is the second time we have hired them and their work is predictably great.
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Ricky did a great job and was thorough in explaining options and solutions!
Ricky did a great job and was thorough in explaining options and solutions!
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Big thanks to Ricky O for annual maintenence check for prev basement work. Xtra thanks for setting up new dehumidifier.
Big thanks to Ricky O for annual maintenence check for prev basement work. Xtra thanks for setting up new dehumidifier.
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Brady is wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and personable! Great guy!
Brady is wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable and personable! Great guy!
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This review goes out to our Inspector – Kevin from Groundwork’s in the Twin Cities. My wife and I have a garage floor that is cracked and…
This review goes out to our Inspector – Kevin from Groundwork’s in the Twin Cities. My wife and I have a garage floor that is cracked and had sunk a bit, so we reached out to Groundwork’s and a couple of other local firms to assess and quote the needed repairs. Kevin appeared right on time and talked us through the Groundwork’s assessment process. For the next 30 minutes or so, Kevin setup their equipment and analyzed the root cause of the crack and suggestions for repair. We then gathered again to discuss what he found, why the crack occurred, solutions for both the short term and long term, and pricing for each option. This wasn’t a high pressured sales call, this was a team that came prepared to diagnose the problem and present solutions! While it’s too cold to make the repairs in the middle of a MN Winter, we’ll be calling on Kevin come Spring! Well done Groundworks!
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We called Innovative Basement Authority to come and give us a quote for repairing some concerns we were having with our foundation. Jan…
We called Innovative Basement Authority to come and give us a quote for repairing some concerns we were having with our foundation. Jan Kottke came to our home and conducted a very thorough inspection of our foundation. He explained to us that the areas that we had concerns over were not a significant threat to the integrity of our home and that we did not need any repairs at this time. Jan then took the time to educate me as to what I should watch for to maintain our foundation and know when to call them back should the need arise. I highly recommend this company to anyone who has issues with their home or even concerned about possible issues they may have. They will address your issues and give you honest answers.
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Good. Ian S and Robert P were great
Good. Ian S and Robert P were great
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Needed foundation work. Polite. Professional. Knowledgeable. Had the expertise to know exactly what was needed to remedy our situation.
Needed foundation work. Polite. Professional. Knowledgeable. Had the expertise to know exactly what was needed to remedy our situation.
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I really appreciated working with Innovative Basement Authority with securing my house in many ways (Piers, foam, beams, etc.) amounting to …
I really appreciated working with Innovative Basement Authority with securing my house in many ways (Piers, foam, beams, etc.) amounting to many different projects completed at this point. I had five competitive estimates from other companies but the guarantees, price, and options provided by Innovative were hard to beat. Since working with them, their customer service has been top notch.Piers/Beams – Lance and Kyle were the BEST. That was one intense job to dig up the basement and install piers/beams. They were knowledgeable, helpful, conscientious of the house, and personable to work with. They deserve 10 stars.Estimates – Thank you to Chris and Travis for the competitive estimates. Chris was always willing to work with me to provide the most competitive quote with good options. Travis has met all the challenges with insulation and foam. Thank you for all the follow up as well.Foam – Front Steps – Gunnar and Logan stabilized my front steps with foam. They were very considerate of walking through every step, the risks, and the warnings with completing this job. I appreciated their customer centric approach.Foam – Basement – Mark and Andrew were great as well with the basement foam insulation. They too walked me through the expectations of the job and it was a very smooth process.I'm sure I have missed some people who are part of the process. I can tell this Company works as a team which is appreciated. I'm grateful to you all.I feel my house is in great shape to last the next 80+ years. Mostly, I believe I can count on Innovative to be there if there are any concerns in the future.
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