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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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Michael was considerate, knowledgeable and thorough. I trusted his assessment and review.

Michael was considerate, knowledgeable and thorough. I trusted his assessment and review.

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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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We had a fantastic experience with Innovative Basement Authority, starting off with our sales visit from David. He provided a prompt and…

We had a fantastic experience with Innovative Basement Authority, starting off with our sales visit from David. He provided a prompt and detailed quote that was very reasonable for our project. The repair team consisting of Josh A, Greg H, Ishmaele M, and Dustin L arrived shortly thereafter and did a great job! The work was performed on-time with a fantastic attention to detail, and communication was timely throughout. We really appreciate the team's work on our project! Thanks!

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Michael was very nice to work with. He did a thorough inspection and explained some minor concerns with our follow up inspection

Michael was very nice to work with. He did a thorough inspection and explained some minor concerns with our follow up inspection

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Great professional job.nice guys!

Great professional job.nice guys!

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Innovative basement authority was great to work with. They were thorough, helpful and fast. They made sure I was aware of every step of the …

Innovative basement authority was great to work with. They were thorough, helpful and fast. They made sure I was aware of every step of the process, and how to use my set up. It only took two days and I really appreciated that it was clean when they came as when they left.

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All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.

All of the above. Many thanks for Gregg P. Kyle W. and Tyler M.

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Innovative Basements is very professional and knowledgeable. They do a great job of communicating and keeping the customer informed of…

Innovative Basements is very professional and knowledgeable. They do a great job of communicating and keeping the customer informed of their progress with each step from start to finish. The prep work and cleanup is excellent! We had Dustin, Tye and Nick. They did an excellent job.

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Josh A, Greg H, and Max H, worker hard to get the job done quickly and effectively. They were proud of their work, and took care to keep…

Josh A, Greg H, and Max H, worker hard to get the job done quickly and effectively. They were proud of their work, and took care to keep everything cleaned. They were very informative about each step they were doing in the process. I highly recommend Innovative Basement Authority. Logan was amazing to work with as well. From explaining what needs to be done to me, the board, and the co-op members. I really enjoyed working with the company from begining to end.

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Excellent!

Excellent!

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The people with Innovative Basement Authority have been a pleasure to deal with, starting with Jan and his assessment and thorough…

The people with Innovative Basement Authority have been a pleasure to deal with, starting with Jan and his assessment and thorough explanation of our options. Then came Brandon and his crew of James and Joel. They worked diligently and completed the stabilization of our basement in a timely manner and did a thorough job cleaning up. My only issue is that they forgot to plug my freezers back in after they got what they needed to in place. Thankfully, that was one of the last areas they did, so nothing was lost as I caught it right away.

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David Kottke did a routine maintenance visit for my dehumidifier and did a great job thank you

David Kottke did a routine maintenance visit for my dehumidifier and did a great job thank you

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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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Josh, Greg, and Wyatt did a great job, worked hard and got the job done early, answered any questions we had and were very professional and …

Josh, Greg, and Wyatt did a great job, worked hard and got the job done early, answered any questions we had and were very professional and friendly. Seemed like they were happy to help us out with the project and were having a good time while they were working. Highly recommend Innovative Basement Solutions. The city inspector complimented their work and said he's seen alot of their work and they always do a great job

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Nick S and his crew Devon, Duke and Ashton were very friendly and did a great job. Would highly recommend.

Nick S and his crew Devon, Duke and Ashton were very friendly and did a great job. Would highly recommend.

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We had Dion Rozumny, Nick Bartone, and Nick Schmid out to fix pillars that were sinking into the clay soil, and they did an excellent job….

We had Dion Rozumny, Nick Bartone, and Nick Schmid out to fix pillars that were sinking into the clay soil, and they did an excellent job. We were very happy with the entire project and appreciated everyone’s attention to detail from start to finish. Thanks as well to Logan Jacovetti for answering our questions during the estimating process. This was our second project with Groundworks, and we’ve had a great experience both times.

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Andrew & Ben completed my project. They did excellent work.

Andrew & Ben completed my project. They did excellent work.

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Jon Qualley & crew repaired the sport structure to our lake cabin. He kept us informed during the process and brought to our attention an…

Jon Qualley & crew repaired the sport structure to our lake cabin. He kept us informed during the process and brought to our attention an area that needed to be addressed to insure the integrity of the area repaired. Jon & crew were friendly and worked long hours to complete the job. I highly recommendInnovative for quality service.

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I met with Noah to inspect the work my home needed, and then Marc and Brandon came out to fix our sagging concrete patios and sidewalk. The …

I met with Noah to inspect the work my home needed, and then Marc and Brandon came out to fix our sagging concrete patios and sidewalk. The entire team was friendly and personable, respectful of my property and family, explained the process for me and answered any questions that I had, and went above and beyond to make sure that I got the best repair possible within my budget. I got quotes from a couple of companies and got pushy salespeople aimed only at a big paycheck. What a difference with this team, who were all so open and honest that I felt totally confident and comfortable working with them! Thanks, guys!

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AJ Schmucker from Minneapolis came out not once, but twice to answer questions and provide me with information on both my garage and Home…

AJ Schmucker from Minneapolis came out not once, but twice to answer questions and provide me with information on both my garage and Home foundations. He did a thorough inspection and walked me through the process and discussed what would be entailed in the scope of work.

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