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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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David really knew what he was talking about. He got there early immediately identify the problem and scheduled a follow up great on-time…

David really knew what he was talking about. He got there early immediately identify the problem and scheduled a follow up great on-time service! Thanks, David

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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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I had the pleasure of working with Austin T,Wyatt S and Zane H and I must tell you that it was an overall AMAZING experience. They were all …

I had the pleasure of working with Austin T,Wyatt S and Zane H and I must tell you that it was an overall AMAZING experience. They were all extremely respectful,very professional and knowledgeable and answered all my annoying questions with ease and I could tell immediately that they actually knew what they were doing and not just reading a script. I will absolutely recommend these talented,hardworking and respectful guys to anyone I know with basement issues. Thank you very much Austin,Wyatt, and Zane. Hope we cross paths again and keep up the great work!

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Adam Little was very helpful, had great insight and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend using Innovative

Adam Little was very helpful, had great insight and was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend using Innovative

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Jeff came out to consult about my driveway. He walked me through their process and types of materials the company uses. Overall, great…

Jeff came out to consult about my driveway. He walked me through their process and types of materials the company uses. Overall, great learning experience and price! I flip homes and to learn this company offers warranty transfers to new owners is amazing! Very happy with the visit I had today and look forward to the scheduled work.

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Drain Tile and Sump Pump installation. From start to finish the service was excellent. David inspected our house, discussed what was needed,…

Drain Tile and Sump Pump installation. From start to finish the service was excellent. David inspected our house, discussed what was needed, walked us through the estimate. David was consistently available for questions prior to the installation. Austin F., Dakota M. And Billy B. Were the installers. They were on time and communicated everything they were doing. They were polite, approachable, and clearly knowledgeable about the process. The installation looks great and the site was completely clean when they were done. I would highly recommend Groundwork’s and these staff for any work you need.

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Greg and Sam did a great job. Frankly going a step further than I expected and taking care of another little issue as part of the job that…

Greg and Sam did a great job. Frankly going a step further than I expected and taking care of another little issue as part of the job that I thought I might have to do myself.

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Had innovative basement waterproof my basement they added a pump and gutters. haven't seen water since. Would recommend

Had innovative basement waterproof my basement they added a pump and gutters. haven't seen water since. Would recommend

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Company was communicative, the employees that came to our house were respectful of our house, placed lots of covering on our floor to not…

Company was communicative, the employees that came to our house were respectful of our house, placed lots of covering on our floor to not damage main floor, work in the basement was done efficiently, quickly, and they were very thorough about explaining to us how the system worked. We are thrilled to have our basement issues resolved.

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Anthony B. was incredible! He was instrumental in getting my basement repaired and safe for my family. He came to my home and spent a much…

Anthony B. was incredible! He was instrumental in getting my basement repaired and safe for my family. He came to my home and spent a much time as I needed explaining the entire process, options, financing and follow-up maintenance. Then a team (Josh A., Jason C., and Blake C.) showed up to compete the work. They were respectful of my home and my time. They completed the work (installation of Intellibraces along two basement walls) in less than two days. My basement was left in great shape. They have me peace of mind that my home is now more stable and my family is more safe. I look forward to them returning to tighten the braces to further secure my walls. I would recommend this company and this team in particular and would be happy to hire them for future projects.

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Chad and his crew of Drinor and Greg did an excellent job and were VERY fast. This was a stressful enough time with some major basement…

Chad and his crew of Drinor and Greg did an excellent job and were VERY fast. This was a stressful enough time with some major basement issues but they all made it that much easier. When all is said and done I am confident with the quality of their work and know we made the right choice going with Innovative.

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3 yrs. Ago had IBA referberb our basement, no problems at all , no water leaks and a great climate controlled area ! 😀

3 yrs. Ago had IBA referberb our basement, no problems at all , no water leaks and a great climate controlled area ! 😀

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Marc and Brandon did a great job! Very happy, Thanks again Marc+ Brandon

Marc and Brandon did a great job! Very happy, Thanks again Marc+ Brandon

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Groundworks conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided a custom solution for my specific situation. The team was prompt, courteous,…

Groundworks conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided a custom solution for my specific situation. The team was prompt, courteous, hard working, knowledgeable and efficient. They described the solution, delivered what they described, and addressed all of my concerns.

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I really appreciated working with Innovative Basement Authority with securing my house in many ways (Piers, foam, beams, etc.) amounting to …

I really appreciated working with Innovative Basement Authority with securing my house in many ways (Piers, foam, beams, etc.) amounting to many different projects completed at this point. I had five competitive estimates from other companies but the guarantees, price, and options provided by Innovative were hard to beat. Since working with them, their customer service has been top notch.Piers/Beams – Lance and Kyle were the BEST. That was one intense job to dig up the basement and install piers/beams. They were knowledgeable, helpful, conscientious of the house, and personable to work with. They deserve 10 stars.Estimates – Thank you to Chris and Travis for the competitive estimates. Chris was always willing to work with me to provide the most competitive quote with good options. Travis has met all the challenges with insulation and foam. Thank you for all the follow up as well.Foam – Front Steps – Gunnar and Logan stabilized my front steps with foam. They were very considerate of walking through every step, the risks, and the warnings with completing this job. I appreciated their customer centric approach.Foam – Basement – Mark and Andrew were great as well with the basement foam insulation. They too walked me through the expectations of the job and it was a very smooth process.I'm sure I have missed some people who are part of the process. I can tell this Company works as a team which is appreciated. I'm grateful to you all.I feel my house is in great shape to last the next 80+ years. Mostly, I believe I can count on Innovative to be there if there are any concerns in the future.

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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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Matt D Adam S Adam B Billy Andreas, I want to thank all of you for such an awesome and professional job. I don’t think that I can say…

Matt D Adam S Adam B Billy Andreas, I want to thank all of you for such an awesome and professional job. I don’t think that I can say enough about the results of my basement project and the perfect cleanup job. All of you took time to explain things and answered all my questions. Taking on a big project like I had was nerve-racking to think about, but you all put me at ease. I am so happy I went with groundwork’s And if I ever need any other projects to be done, I definitely will call you. Also, I would like to mention that the quote I was given was well below other people that I had quotes from. Thank you again for a perfect job done and I couldn’t be any happier with the results. 100% professional and all six workers were very polite and showed interest in keeping me in the loop as to what was going on. They explained everything that they were doing and why. Thank you, thank you thank you , Merry Superior Wisconsin

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We engaged groundworks to install hydraulic piers under cracked and sagging garage floors. Our terrific install team of Marc and Brandon…

We engaged groundworks to install hydraulic piers under cracked and sagging garage floors. Our terrific install team of Marc and Brandon performed a detailed analysis after they arrived, including drilling and measuring our slab depths along the sinking wall. They determined that unfortunately our slab itself was variable in depth and not thick enough throughout to support the work of hydraulic piers. Instead they were able do foam injections throughout to both give 30-50% of the targeted lift and provide additional slab depth and support to prevent future cracking. It wasn't what we hoped, but they did a great job of explaining the limitations of our site and providing the best intervention possible, all at a greatly reduced cost! Thanks, Marc and Brandon!!

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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 and Mark were very professional, polite and on time. I'm very happy with the work we had done. No more trip hazards…Yay!

Brandon and Mark were very professional, polite and on time. I'm very happy with the work we had done. No more trip hazards…Yay!

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