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 job , great services . Very thorough, very informative people. Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Great job , great services . Very thorough, very informative people. Thank you. Keep up the great work.
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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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Dave did a great job! Thanks!
Dave did a great job! Thanks!
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Service by Michael Bowers – completion of work as expected, thorough in explaining any issues and answering questions, and very friendly.
Service by Michael Bowers – completion of work as expected, thorough in explaining any issues and answering questions, and very friendly.
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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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I would highly recommend Innovative Basement Authority. They did an excellent job encapsulating a crawl space in my home. First, my…
I would highly recommend Innovative Basement Authority. They did an excellent job encapsulating a crawl space in my home. First, my estimate appointment with Chris was thorough and smooth. Chris answered all of my questions and explained everything his team would do during install. Then, Marcus, Logan and Goody did a wonderful job with install. They were on time and efficient, friendly and very respectful of my home. I would definitely work with them again!
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Very helpful and honest – unable to do the job I need done but made suggestions on who I should call.
Very helpful and honest – unable to do the job I need done but made suggestions on who I should call.
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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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Robert was great to work with. Highly recommend the company.
Robert was great to work with. Highly recommend the company.
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The work was done well, and in a very timely fashion. Jacob and AJ(?) were very professional and easy to work with.
The work was done well, and in a very timely fashion. Jacob and AJ(?) were very professional and easy to work with.
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My foundation was separating in my garage. I called Innovative Basement Authority out of Rush City, Minnesota. The salesman, Logan was very …
My foundation was separating in my garage. I called Innovative Basement Authority out of Rush City, Minnesota. The salesman, Logan was very knowledgeable and did a great job communicating. The work was scheduled and the crew came right on time. The crew was very friendly and professional. They worked hard and completed the work in good time, leaving everything in great shape. The final bill was even less than the estimate! I had a very good experience with this company from start to finish and would definitely recommend them to anyone in need of a basement or foundation repair.
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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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Met Nathan the Sale Representative for Innovated Basement Authority and he was very knowledgeable in answering all of my questions and…
Met Nathan the Sale Representative for Innovated Basement Authority and he was very knowledgeable in answering all of my questions and looking forward to doing future business. Thanks much for your undivided attention!
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DeVon T. came out to my house this morning to do my annual Innovative Basement Authority inspection. DeVon was totally professional and…
DeVon T. came out to my house this morning to do my annual Innovative Basement Authority inspection. DeVon was totally professional and cordial. He inspected the sump pump and beaver system that was previously installed by Innovative and once his inspection was complete we went through his checklist and discussed everything on it. His inspection included the inside of my house, the outside of my house, the driveway and the sidewalk. He discussion was to the point and very precision. You have one hell of an employee. Make sure you keep him. Thanks, Deb
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Dustin R. (Foreman), Dustin B. and not Dustin- Kieren N. were tasked with coming to KY and putting multiple jacks and push piers on our…
Dustin R. (Foreman), Dustin B. and not Dustin- Kieren N. were tasked with coming to KY and putting multiple jacks and push piers on our house that has had a few additions in its 178 years. They were beyond professional, calling each morning to let us know they were on the way, keeping us apprised of any and all changes. The area for the jacks had to be dug by hand with limited clearance between the ground and joists. The 2nd day they worked in the snow and slush outdoors, in freezing temps hand digging overly saturated ground and muck. The last day was warmer with rain and water had to be pumped out to complete the job. Through all of this they laughed and joked, were cordial and respectful. The front part no longer has spongy spots and some gaps have closed or are much smaller. The work in the back part has us confident the house won't sink and fall apart. Great crew did a great job!!!!!
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I had John with Groundworks come look at house after learning my floor was out of level. He drove over and hour each way two times and…
I had John with Groundworks come look at house after learning my floor was out of level. He drove over and hour each way two times and spent hours in my house measuring, and hours more on the phone with me and discovered a wall that was out of plumb due to rotted supports on an overhang, causing the overhang to pull on the wall. He gave me a $13,000 beam and interior support pole proposal that he said they could do in addition to the overhang supports needing to be replaced by a different contractor, but told me point blank that what he had proposed would likely be for peace of mind only and likely a “net zero” benefit after the supports were replaced by a different contractor, so there was really no need to go through with the work from Groundworks. He could have easily told me their proposal was necessary and I’d have paid it in a heartbeat. Hours upon hours he spent working hard on my issue, identified the issue, told me how to solve it, and Groundworks never charged me a dime, even though I’d have bit hook line and sinker if he told me the proposal was necessary. Really unbelievable level of effort and integrity, I was amazed at how passionately he cared about solving my issue in the best way for me. Once in a lifetime experience.
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Joe has been great to work with throughout the whole process.
Joe has been great to work with throughout the whole process.
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Eric Brertl, sales rep, was informative in what they could do and how the process goes. Plus, he gave me the impression of being honest…
Eric Brertl, sales rep, was informative in what they could do and how the process goes. Plus, he gave me the impression of being honest and straight forward.
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My team did an amazing job. Josh walked me through everything before they started to make sure we were on the same page. Travis, Brandon…
My team did an amazing job. Josh walked me through everything before they started to make sure we were on the same page. Travis, Brandon and Andrew broke up and carried out enough concrete to make my back ache. It was rainibg the day they started and water was starting to come in. The entire job was done in 2 days and Brady walked through with me at the end to make sure all was good. Even during the heavy rains my basement is dry. I am very happy!
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Chad and Drinor did a great job on my north basement wall. They waterproofed it by adding a interior drainage gutter, sump pump and…
Chad and Drinor did a great job on my north basement wall. They waterproofed it by adding a interior drainage gutter, sump pump and sheeting. They also used beams that connect with rods to plates in the yard to support and straighten the cinder block wall. When finished they cleaned everything up and walked me through to explain everything they did. Thanks guys
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