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Crew injecting poly into a sidewalk.

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.

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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.


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

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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Marc and Brandon did an excellent job as usual. They really work well together as a team, and they are friendly and informative to the…

Marc and Brandon did an excellent job as usual. They really work well together as a team, and they are friendly and informative to the resident. We will definitely work with innovative basement again in the future! And Logan did an excellent job promptly coming out, giving us estimates, and furnishing certificates of liability insurance right away. A very good experience all the way around!

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Tanner, Anthony and Swiss did a great job with bracing our basement wall. The team was quick, explained in detail what they were doing and…

Tanner, Anthony and Swiss did a great job with bracing our basement wall. The team was quick, explained in detail what they were doing and why as well as keep the place incredibly clean. Great experience overall!

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Ben was amazing and very informative about everything he was doing and explaining everything.. Also set me up for the next project

Ben was amazing and very informative about everything he was doing and explaining everything.. Also set me up for the next project

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Ricky was the technician who came out for a maintenance visit for work we had done a few years ago. He did a great job explaining the…

Ricky was the technician who came out for a maintenance visit for work we had done a few years ago. He did a great job explaining the inspection he did and the findings. I'm hoping we can work with Ricky in the future on any further work.

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I had 2 great teams come today to secure a block wall and raise a sidewalk. Nick and Eric did a great job securing the wall, cleaning up…

I had 2 great teams come today to secure a block wall and raise a sidewalk. Nick and Eric did a great job securing the wall, cleaning up the job site and keeping us informed as the project progressed. They were so Polite and knowledgeable. Gregg and Brandon arrived to raise the sidewalk and seal the joint. Job well done! They were good to keep us informed and answer Our questions. These 4 individuals did good work and represented your company very well. We also appreciate Patrick, the sales rep. He was very through and explained how the solve our problems. He was a pleasure to work with. Courtney and Tessa were also very nice to work with, the whole project went very smoothly. Thank you. The Franks

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On time….very personable gentlemen n job looks great n cleaned up mess perfectly !!

On time….very personable gentlemen n job looks great n cleaned up mess perfectly !!

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After a failed attempt by a friend to install new drain tile in my basement, we hired Groundworks. Jarod the estimator was awesome and is…

After a failed attempt by a friend to install new drain tile in my basement, we hired Groundworks. Jarod the estimator was awesome and is a solid, pleasant contact person to deal with. Very happy to have met him as he is and outstanding person. The crew was led by an amazing young man by the name of Ian. He had a work ethic that you just don’t see in this day and age. His crew Skyler and Andreas were awesome and we had zero concerns about them being in our house or about the quality of work they would do. We interacted with all of them, and they are all very pleasant, hardworking young men. Every one of them had great communication skills and kept us informed at every step of the way. I would recommend Groundworks Rush City and Ian and his crew without reservation! Thank you for the hard work guys, you worked your tails off for us, and it is very much appreciated. Chris and Heather

Christopher Lofstuen

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My garage floor had major cracks and was sinking. Crew – Marc & Brandon- showed up on time, explained in detail what they were doing &…

My garage floor had major cracks and was sinking. Crew – Marc & Brandon- showed up on time, explained in detail what they were doing & what I could expect. They answered all my questions, and worked efficiently & with care. Garage floor came out great!! Marc & Brandon even helped put a few items back in garage. Recommend very much.

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Michael Bowers had great communication, showed up on time, was outstanding in his professionalism and knowledge of my home and my services. …

Michael Bowers had great communication, showed up on time, was outstanding in his professionalism and knowledge of my home and my services. Enjoyed him as a person, and as a woman, felt safe having him in my home. Keep up the fantastic work!

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Service technician Michael Bowers came to our home for our annual inspection and to look at a specific issue we’d been having. This same…

Service technician Michael Bowers came to our home for our annual inspection and to look at a specific issue we’d been having. This same issue had been looked at by another source a year ago with no resolution. It took Michael less than 15 minutes to assess and find the problem. He explained everything to me and had it resolved that afternoon. Beyond his repairs, I found Michael to be a warm and personable individual, taking time to listen and understand my questions and concerns. I appreciated his time and attention to all we discussed related to our home. He made the entire visit easy and pleasant.

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Gregory P, Kyle W, and Tyler were friendly, professional, got the job done quickly, cleaned the worksite well, and communicated well before …

Gregory P, Kyle W, and Tyler were friendly, professional, got the job done quickly, cleaned the worksite well, and communicated well before and after.

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I am very impressed with the technology Innovative offers to make comprehensive, long-term solutions for aging homes. My work crew, Marcus…

I am very impressed with the technology Innovative offers to make comprehensive, long-term solutions for aging homes. My work crew, Marcus and Marvin, had excellent communication. ✨They were always on time, respected my home with protective barriers and clean up, and helped me understand every step of the process. They were also very kind to my curious kids. 😊

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Anthony,David & Ghavon were out standing. Very polite and hard workers. They did a great job. Thank you.

Anthony,David & Ghavon were out standing. Very polite and hard workers. They did a great job. Thank you.

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They have been great to work with and we are so happy with the outcome! The crew (Austin T., Jason C., Blake C., and Noah B.) were fast,…

They have been great to work with and we are so happy with the outcome! The crew (Austin T., Jason C., Blake C., and Noah B.) were fast, efficient, polite, and thorough!

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Groundwork's came to my house today for an estimate of my steps and garage. The technician that came named Chaz went above and beyond….

Groundwork's came to my house today for an estimate of my steps and garage. The technician that came named Chaz went above and beyond. Showed me what was happening to my steps and garage. He explained the whole process that they would take to remedy the problem.He also help easing the mind by testing for moisture in my house. I believe they go above and beyond to help with costumer's needs and problems. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone how is having issues with foundation and more.

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Great guys, honest and up front with me. Professional and responsive.

Great guys, honest and up front with me. Professional and responsive.

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Absolutely recommend..walked us thru the whole process. We definitely recommend. Very comfortable with our future project manager Robert…

Absolutely recommend..walked us thru the whole process. We definitely recommend. Very comfortable with our future project manager Robert Palmer. Very nice. Looking forward to this and solving our problems.

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Today, our Groundwork’s service technician, Mike Bowers, was very thorough communicating with us in reviewing the problem, and in…

Today, our Groundwork’s service technician, Mike Bowers, was very thorough communicating with us in reviewing the problem, and in inspecting our sump pump and outdoor yard issues. He then made adjustments to our sump pump and created a plan for us going forward to figure out what, if any, more adjustments might be needed.

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Brandon VAnyo and Hoti worked on our home they were amazing workers.always on time and very pleasant and easy to understand what they where …

Brandon VAnyo and Hoti worked on our home they were amazing workers.always on time and very pleasant and easy to understand what they where doing to are foundation.We trusted them appreciate the work they did for usMike and Cheryl S Red Lake Falls Mn👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

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We are very pleased with the work that was just completed. The crew was very courteous and professional. They communicated well and…

We are very pleased with the work that was just completed. The crew was very courteous and professional. They communicated well and covered our personal items with dust covers. Thank you to Josh A., Greg H., and Jacob G. We appreciate your work!

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:

Sinking and uneven concrete

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.

Cracked and sinking uneven driveway.

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.

Uneven walkway of a home.

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!  

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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.    

Innovative Basement Authority Service Map

Our Locations

Fargo, ND

1330 41st St. N
Fargo, ND 58102

Minneapolis, MN

6265 Carmen Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Rush City, MN

1325 S Frandsen Ave
Rush City, MN 55069