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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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I would strongly recommend working with Jeremiah project foreman, Andre, and Dion as a construction team. The quality of leadership,…

I would strongly recommend working with Jeremiah project foreman, Andre, and Dion as a construction team. The quality of leadership, process evaluation and workmanship is high – especially on high-risk, labor-intensive projects. End product aside, the gentlemen are all very kind, courteous, and thoughtful and it was an absolute pleasure working with their cohesive team over the course of an intensive week.

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John Anderson was very professional. Rate a 10.

John Anderson was very professional. Rate a 10.

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Innovative basement, did a great job repairing the side of our garage. The friendly crew of Chad, Josh and Wolley did a great an…

Innovative basement, did a great job repairing the side of our garage. The friendly crew of Chad, Josh and Wolley did a great an excellent job. Thank you. Andrew and Jacqueline

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The Lifting and Waterproofing Worked….the Basement is Dry! Many Thanks to Angel G., Brendan L., and Edgar. Hard Working, Helpful, Clean,…

The Lifting and Waterproofing Worked….the Basement is Dry! Many Thanks to Angel G., Brendan L., and Edgar. Hard Working, Helpful, Clean, Courteous, Professional. Highly Recommend! Very Pleased! Great Job!

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Had some disagreements with the sales advisor but Walker, the Sales Manager, corrected things as how it should be and things worked out….

Had some disagreements with the sales advisor but Walker, the Sales Manager, corrected things as how it should be and things worked out. Huge shout out to the following individuals who did the deck foundation work on my property: Timothy Richter (CFI), along with Braxden Chouinard, Caitlin Hove, Chris Story, and Matt Doefler. Thanks for your knowledge and expertise.

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Very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciate the approach of helping to fully understand any concerns, options, and…

Very professional and knowledgeable. I appreciate the approach of helping to fully understand any concerns, options, and recommendations with expectation setting in a fact based and straight forward manner. My experience is they will offer what to do as well as provide input of what is not needed. I highly recommend Groundworks.

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The innovative team did a great job with my basement project. Chris give me a good picture of the solution needed and the implementation…

The innovative team did a great job with my basement project. Chris give me a good picture of the solution needed and the implementation team did an awesome job. Thanks to the team lead Adrian J and his team Tomas j and Nick S

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Ricky came today and was amazing! Joked with us and made me feel comfortable with him being there. My Grandchildren were laughing, as…

Ricky came today and was amazing! Joked with us and made me feel comfortable with him being there. My Grandchildren were laughing, as myself was, at every joke he made. Couldn't have asked for a more better tech man! Was absolutely very thorough, and explained everything in detail, when I had a question. Highly recommend.

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There was a few communication issues at first with the company but Andrew reached out and fixed the problem. The young men that you sent…

There was a few communication issues at first with the company but Andrew reached out and fixed the problem. The young men that you sent down to do the basement Noah A, Deion R and Mark F was absolutely amazing, so polite and helpful, they answered all my questions and explained what they did. They had everything done with in a couple hours and made sure all the mess and materials they had to use was cleaned up really good. Please tell them thank you from me for doing such an awesome job.

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We hired Innovative Basement Authority to waterproof our mother’s basement and reinforce the foundation. Our crew was led by Dion Rozumny…

We hired Innovative Basement Authority to waterproof our mother’s basement and reinforce the foundation. Our crew was led by Dion Rozumny assisted by Jaden and Seth. They finished the job in four days in sometimes below zero temperatures with no complications. Dion communicated clearly and with uncommon forthrightness and the team worked extremely well together. But mainly they just worked really hard- harder than I’ve ever seen for this type of work. They were extremely polite and good natured but I want to emphasize how focused and dedicated they were as a team. They dug ditches in a snow squall with 40 mph winds and -10 wind chills without a complaint. These guys are really something special and I’m very confident about the work they did to secure my mother’s house as a result. The inspector even noted that this company and crew are known for doing superior work in a very respectful, efficient way. I strongly recommend this company and the all-star crew of Dion, Jaden, and Seth. Absolutely superb experience from start to finish!

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Great team led by Dion. Pleasure to work with and kept me updated on project. I highly recommend Innovative Basement Authority. Thanks,…

Great team led by Dion. Pleasure to work with and kept me updated on project. I highly recommend Innovative Basement Authority. Thanks, Dion, Jaden, Seth, Nick S., Devon, and Kieran. Super job!

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On the day of our estimation appointment, Nathan Brand contacted us to confirm the appointment and arrived promptly at the scheduled time. …

On the day of our estimation appointment, Nathan Brand contacted us to confirm the appointment and arrived promptly at the scheduled time. He was very professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. He first explained the estimation process and then invested a considerable amount of time investigating and determining a solution for our foundation issues. He then patiently and thoroughly explained the repair estimation. We ultimately decided not to proceed with the foundation repair at this time but are grateful for the time Nathan invested for our estimation.

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Aiden, Ben, and Chris were very friendly. They did a very good job! I am happy with the finished product!

Aiden, Ben, and Chris were very friendly. They did a very good job! I am happy with the finished product!

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Dustin Gaudette came today to due an inspection at my house in Viborg S.D..he was very honest and very professional and explained…

Dustin Gaudette came today to due an inspection at my house in Viborg S.D..he was very honest and very professional and explained everything to my satisfaction..im well pleased with everything he did and explained..AA++ thankyou so much Dustin.. Denise

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Had a tremendous learning experience from Jamie Stegeman a certified field inspector for GROUNDWORKS formerly known as Innovative Basement …

Had a tremendous learning experience from Jamie Stegeman a certified field inspector for GROUNDWORKS formerly known as Innovative Basement Authority. Jamie did a very thorough inspection of my basement walls based on my concerns over cracks I noticed in my basement block walls. Using state of the art laser equipment Jamie examined and charted out the various movement taking place with the basement walls. He walked my through the process of his diagnosis and showed with a tape measure against the projected laser readings where my basement walls were both in and outside of engineering structural tolerances. Jamie was very knowledgeable, and patiently and professionally explained a plan to permantently stabilize my basement walls. Thank you Jamie for your expertise and willingness to share your time to help me understand the value of safetly proteting my family for years to come. Call Groundworks in Rush City MN and ask for Jamie Stegeman if your concerned about the structural health of your basement, you'll be glad you did.

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Mark and Brandon were two employees who visited my home for the repair of a large crack in my garage and also caulking around the perimeter …

Mark and Brandon were two employees who visited my home for the repair of a large crack in my garage and also caulking around the perimeter of partial of my outside house foundation. They are excellent. Friendly and not impatient with me with answering my questions. Brandon is a professional and cordial young man and presents himself well. Mark is exceptionally friendly and forthright with what the plan was. They could only complete some of the work due to my garage situation and he told me that. And was thorough with the notes at what had to be done. He explained that I will have to call the company to discuss a refund due to the fact they could not complete the original order due to my garage floor situation. I appreciate his honesty and explanation. The floor looks better than it did due to the minimal lifting of the floor they were able to do. They did an excellent job with caulking and sanding. Thank you Brandon and Mark.

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Dave did a great job!

Dave did a great job!

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Chad, Brian, and David were very professional and didn't waste any time. Everything was explained clearly and the job site was as clean…

Chad, Brian, and David were very professional and didn't waste any time. Everything was explained clearly and the job site was as clean when they left as when they came.

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Ben was awesome. Trustworthy and informative. Recommend to my whole family. -Cindy

Ben was awesome. Trustworthy and informative. Recommend to my whole family. -Cindy

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We had an excellent experience with Groundworks! Grant C and Mark F did the actual work on our project, and both were very knowledgeable,…

We had an excellent experience with Groundworks! Grant C and Mark F did the actual work on our project, and both were very knowledgeable, positive, cordial, efficient and professional! They answered all of our questions and were thorough in explaining how the process works. We would highly recommend Groundworks, Grant C and Mark F!!

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