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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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Chad , Brian and David did a wonderful job. They showed me they really cared about thir work and it shows. I,m very pleased with the out…

Chad , Brian and David did a wonderful job. They showed me they really cared about thir work and it shows. I,m very pleased with the out come.

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Adam Johnson field advisor did an excellent job of analyzing our foundation issue and took the measures to make sure we fixed our…

Adam Johnson field advisor did an excellent job of analyzing our foundation issue and took the measures to make sure we fixed our settlement issue while being non evasive to our property. Chad and his crew did the job professionally and in a timely manner and we achieved excellent results with the process. Jim and Kathy McKinnon

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Austin T, Wyatt S, Zane H and Bryce J did a fantastic job on our basement house leveling project. They all were efficient, professional and …

Austin T, Wyatt S, Zane H and Bryce J did a fantastic job on our basement house leveling project. They all were efficient, professional and knowledgeable. They were able to reuse the cement footings rather than pour new, which adjusted the price and saved us money. Very honest and trustworthy company. Definitely will use them for future needs and highly recommend.

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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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Robert was super informative, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process of planning our basement project!

Robert was super informative, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process of planning our basement project!

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What a great crew! Kudos to Abdulsabur, Goody, Mohammad and Jaden. They were courteous, respectful,personable and all very professional….

What a great crew! Kudos to Abdulsabur, Goody, Mohammad and Jaden. They were courteous, respectful,personable and all very professional. They accurately communicated their process and any problems they encountered to my satisfaction. They were diligent in all tasks and thorough to the end of the job. I will definitely recommend Innovative Basement Authority. Thanks again for your expert service. Paul and Ruth Ashwood

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Gavin was amazing! He was honest and timely.

Gavin was amazing! He was honest and timely.

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Chad and Josh were punctual, had good communication and answered all my questions. Concrete lifting and sealing looks great. This is my…

Chad and Josh were punctual, had good communication and answered all my questions. Concrete lifting and sealing looks great. This is my second job with Innovative Basement Authority…recommend!!

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Guys were friendly and cleaned up the mess and did good work.

Guys were friendly and cleaned up the mess and did good work.

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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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Had radon mitigation system installed, they did a great job and where extremely willing to take care of me the customer. That is something …

Had radon mitigation system installed, they did a great job and where extremely willing to take care of me the customer. That is something that is getting pretty hard to find now days a contractor that actually cares. Thanks Innovative Basement Systems. Daniel.S

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Nick, Dustin and Ben completed our basement project with expert care and on time. They were a great crew to work with; professional,…

Nick, Dustin and Ben completed our basement project with expert care and on time. They were a great crew to work with; professional, pleasant and great at communication. They definitely exceeded our expectations.

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I had Chad, Woolley, Josh and Parker at my house for a project. They were kind and respectful. They worked hard, showed up on time and…

I had Chad, Woolley, Josh and Parker at my house for a project. They were kind and respectful. They worked hard, showed up on time and cleaned up nicely after the project was complete. I highly recommend IBA and this specific crew.

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Straight forward. Professional. Timely. And seemingly honest (project not over, only quoted at present). This is my third time using IBA…

Straight forward. Professional. Timely. And seemingly honest (project not over, only quoted at present). This is my third time using IBA and have continued to have great customer service and professional work done.

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Just had waterproofing work done in my basement. Got the best team I could have hoped for. The communication, accuracy of work/flawlessness …

Just had waterproofing work done in my basement. Got the best team I could have hoped for. The communication, accuracy of work/flawlessness of the completed project I could not be happier. Even had a couple there’s things come up & that they already knew to take care of. Thank you so much Santiago, Thain, Dakota & Abraham. Three day project completed in basically two. Very hard workers & great guys. Would highly recommend this company with any waterproofing needs!!!

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Ian S. and Skylar S. just finished up the project in my garage. They did an excellent job, communication throughout the work was awesome…

Ian S. and Skylar S. just finished up the project in my garage. They did an excellent job, communication throughout the work was awesome and they left the space cleaner than what it looked like before they arrived. All around a great experience and glad I went with Groundworks for this repair. I hope my home doesnt need any other work done, but if my home decides otherwise, I will be reaching out to Groundworks again for assistance.

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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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Dustin was a great! This company has always been good to work with.

Dustin was a great! This company has always been good to work with.

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Innovative Basement stood behind the driveway work they did two years ago. The repair was minor butMarc and Brandon did a fantastic job!

Innovative Basement stood behind the driveway work they did two years ago. The repair was minor butMarc and Brandon did a fantastic job!

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I had a fantastic experience with Innovative Basement Authority. Gavin, the representative, was professional and knowledgeable. The cost…

I had a fantastic experience with Innovative Basement Authority. Gavin, the representative, was professional and knowledgeable. The cost was affordable, and they efficiently fixed my basement foundation and water repairs. The entire process was hassle-free. Highly recommended!

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