What to Expect During a Concrete Raising Service: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've noticed uneven concrete surfaces around your property—whether it’s a sunken driveway, a cracked sidewalk, or a tilting patio—you’re likely considering concrete raising as a solution. But what does the process actually entail? How does concrete raising work, and what can you expect during the service?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of a concrete raising service, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from start to finish. Whether it’s your first time dealing with this service or you’ve had it done before, this guide will give you a clear picture of the process.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

Before the concrete raising service begins, the process starts with a consultation. This may involve a site visit from a professional contractor who will assess the condition of the concrete and the underlying soil.

• Site Inspection: The contractor will carefully examine the affected areas to determine the extent of the damage. They'll look for cracks, uneven surfaces, and other signs of settlement.
• Project Diagram: Based on their evaluation, they’ll create a project diagram that highlights which areas need to be lifted, ensuring they only focus on the necessary spots.
• Discussion of Options: The contractor will explain the different options available for raising the concrete. This includes selecting the right lifting material (whether it’s a standard mix or a more advanced material) and confirming any additional services like caulking or sealing.

Step 2: Preparing the Area

Once the project details are confirmed, the team will begin preparing the site for the concrete raising procedure. This preparation is important to ensure the process goes smoothly and safely.

• Clearing the Area: The team will remove any obstacles or debris near the concrete surface, such as furniture, plants, or cars. This ensures there’s enough room for the equipment and technicians to work effectively.
• Marking Injection Sites: The contractor will mark the specific spots where they’ll drill injection holes. These marks are typically indicated with an “R” or another identifier that corresponds to the project diagram. The injection points are strategically placed to lift the concrete evenly and efficiently.

Step 3: Drilling Injection Holes

With everything prepared, the next step is drilling small holes into the concrete.

• Drilling the Holes: The contractor will drill holes (usually about 1 inch in diameter) into the concrete at the marked injection sites. These holes are necessary for the injection material to be pumped beneath the slab.
• Careful Drilling: Drilling is done carefully to avoid damaging the surrounding concrete or any underlying utilities. The team will be mindful of the concrete’s integrity and ensure that each hole is drilled in the correct location for optimal results.

Step 4: Injection of Lifting Material

This is the critical step in the process where the concrete is actually raised.

• Pumping the Lifting Material: A specialized injection material, such as a cement-based grout mixture, is pumped under the concrete through the drilled holes. The material fills the voids and stabilizes the soil beneath the slab.
• Lifting the Concrete: As the material is injected, it begins to expand and exert pressure, gently lifting the concrete back to its original or desired height. This process is closely monitored to ensure that the concrete is lifted evenly and does not cause cracking or additional damage.
• Monitoring Progress: The technician will continue injecting the material until the concrete is fully raised. They’ll also check for any uneven lifting and make adjustments as needed to ensure the surface is level.

Step 5: Compacting the Soil and Filling Voids

After the concrete is raised, the team will focus on ensuring that the soil beneath the slab is stable enough to prevent future settlement.

• Soil Stabilization: The injection material used in the process helps to compact and stabilize the soil underneath the concrete, filling any remaining voids. This step is crucial for ensuring long-lasting results.
• Preventing Future Issues: By compacting the soil and filling voids, the contractor helps prevent the concrete from sinking again over time. This step helps to address the root cause of the settlement, providing a more permanent solution.

Step 6: Cleaning and Patching

After the concrete has been raised and the soil stabilized, the team will move on to finishing touches.

• Cleaning the Area: Once the lifting process is complete, the team will clean up the site by removing any dust, debris, or leftover material. They’ll also clean the concrete surface to leave it looking neat and polished.
• Closing the Injection Holes: The small injection holes that were drilled into the concrete will be patched with fresh concrete, leaving the surface looking as good as new.

Step 7: Final Inspection and Walkthrough

Once the job is complete, the contractor will conduct a final inspection of the work.

• Checking for Levelness: The technician will ensure that the concrete is level, stable, and properly aligned according to the project diagram.
• Addressing Questions: This is a great time for you to ask any questions or address concerns about the work completed. The technician will walk you through the results and explain the next steps in terms of care and maintenance.
• Warranty Information: Lastly, they’ll provide you with warranty details for the service, explaining how long the results will last and what is covered.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Restored Concrete

Once the service is finished, you’ll be left with a smooth, level concrete surface that’s restored to its original height. Whether it's your driveway, sidewalk, patio, or garage floor, your concrete will be safer, more functional, and aesthetically improved.

Depending on the extent of the work, the concrete will typically be ready for use right away, although you may be advised to avoid heavy traffic or load-bearing activities for a short time to allow the material to fully cure.

Conclusion

Concrete raising is an efficient and cost-effective solution to repair sunken or uneven concrete surfaces. By following this step-by-step process, professional contractors can restore the stability and appearance of your concrete without the need for costly replacements. Understanding what to expect during the service can help you feel more confident and informed about the process, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.

If you have sunken concrete on your property and are considering raising, contact a trusted concrete raising company to schedule an assessment and get started on the restoration process!

As Always,

 We appreciate you taking the time to read, and hope that you will enjoy visiting our guide. Stop by often to stay up to date on our latest home repair and maintenance tips. As always, whether you subscribe or just send an email, we would love to hear from you! Tell us about your own experiences, the projects you have, and what you want to explore next!