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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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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Michael B from Groundworks did our annual inspection today – super friendly and thorough – explained everything well and listened to my…
Michael B from Groundworks did our annual inspection today – super friendly and thorough – explained everything well and listened to my concerns! Great experience!
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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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Chad J. was very professional, courteous and knowledgeable! We thought we had a foundation issue but it turned out to be the grading of our …
Chad J. was very professional, courteous and knowledgeable! We thought we had a foundation issue but it turned out to be the grading of our landscaping. I appreciate the honesty and integrity.
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Our Service Technician was super responsive, helpful, and reassuring. He (John) made the extra effort to provide emergency service and gave …
Our Service Technician was super responsive, helpful, and reassuring. He (John) made the extra effort to provide emergency service and gave me peace of mind. All is good. He drove from the Cities my my location; got the job done! So happy and relieved.
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Nathan B our field inspector went above and beyond to explain things in depth, find solutions that fit our needs and wants and took the…
Nathan B our field inspector went above and beyond to explain things in depth, find solutions that fit our needs and wants and took the time to really hear our concerns. He was absolutley fabulous and would recommend him!
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I was very happy with the work that Andrew and Ben did on my garage floor and apron. They were very efficient and profssional. The…
I was very happy with the work that Andrew and Ben did on my garage floor and apron. They were very efficient and profssional. The cleaned up the area after they were done and the workmanship was very good. I would and will recommend them to family nd friends.
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Jake came over to do the inspection and was very thorough and professional. He explained what the problems were and gave us three levels of …
Jake came over to do the inspection and was very thorough and professional. He explained what the problems were and gave us three levels of corrective measures. There was absolute no pressure on which to chose. We were very confident his choices.Hunter and Paul came to do the work. He told us what the project would entail and kept us up to date each step of the way. He and Paul were very professional and patient as we asked questions. We had one question Regarding mold and discussed it with Hunter and Jake. Jake said he would be in Grand Forks for an inspection and would come over and take a look. He and Hunter agreed on what they could do.Hunter and Paul worked so hard. When they were done he walked us though everything they had done and why. They were great.
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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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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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Hugh was very kind and professional. He thoroughly explained the process and how everything worked.
Hugh was very kind and professional. He thoroughly explained the process and how everything worked.
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Great company, great team. From bid process with Brian to execution with Mark and Brandon everyone did exactly what they promised when they …
Great company, great team. From bid process with Brian to execution with Mark and Brandon everyone did exactly what they promised when they promised. I couldn't be more pleased with the final result. My patio no longer drains to the foundation but away as it should even in the heaviest rain. Would use these guys again in a heartbeat! Thanks!
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Timothy was very helpful and professional in ruling out a ground water leak in our house.
Timothy was very helpful and professional in ruling out a ground water leak in our house.
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We had a great experience with Innovative Basement Authority. A large crack appeared in the basement wall of our 1960s home. From the free…
We had a great experience with Innovative Basement Authority. A large crack appeared in the basement wall of our 1960s home. From the free inspection to the completion of the needed reinforcements, Innovative was professional, informative, and efficient. Wyatt gave us multiple quotes and options with thorough explanations of each. Nick S., Devon, and Josh showed up on time and finished the project earlier than we expected. They went straight to work and cleaned up well. I would recommend Innovative from start to finish for foundation issues!
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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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Sinan was very professional during his visit with us while he described what it would cost and what the solution would be. He was very…
Sinan was very professional during his visit with us while he described what it would cost and what the solution would be. He was very honest and genuine about what problems he saw and offered solutions for them (like extending gutters away from the house and explaining how water could be getting in.) It did not make us feel pressured at all to get it done and actually helped us understand the scope of the problem. Overall it was a great experience!
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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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David checked my sump pump, was on time and very experienced! Did a great job, and went through everything with me, Thank you David!
David checked my sump pump, was on time and very experienced! Did a great job, and went through everything with me, Thank you David!
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!
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