3 Reasons Why DIY Concrete Lifting Is a Bad Idea

Have you been dealing with uneven concrete slabs in your driveway, walkway, garage, patio, or elsewhere? Uneven concrete is not only an eyesore, it’s also dangerous.

Trying to fix the issue yourself is tempting, but concrete leveling is more complicated than just pouring down new concrete. You need help from a professional, and here are three reasons why DIY methods won’t work.

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3 DIY Concrete Lifting Mistakes

Trying to fix concrete with DIY methods is a bad idea. They won’t solve the root cause of the problem, and they’ll end up costing you more time and money in the long run. Here are three huge mistakes we see homeowners make all the time.

1. Using Self-Leveling Concrete

Self-leveling concrete can seem like a convenient solution, but it has several drawbacks that make it a less-than-ideal choice for concrete leveling:

Limited Thickness: Self-leveling concrete is usually applied in thin layers, making it tedious to use for big projects.
Cost: It’s an expensive option due to the specialized materials and additives used to make it.
Surface Preparation: The self-leveling concrete will fail if the surface to which it is applied is not clean and dry.
Curing Time: It cures quickly, which leaves little room for adjustments once poured. You have to be extremely precise.
Durability Concerns: Self-leveling concrete won’t hold up, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic or vehicles.
Moisture Sensitivity: Most self-leveling products are sensitive to moisture, leading to issues like cracking or peeling after rain or high humidity.

2. Lacking the Proper Equipment and Materials

DIY concrete lifting can be problematic because it requires specialized equipment and materials that most homeowners don’t have access to. Professional concrete lifting methods use industrial materials that are stronger and more durable than those found in hardware stores.

Without these materials, a DIY attempt cannot fix the problem. You’ll still have to deal with cracking concrete, uneven slabs, and tripping hazards.

3. Ignoring Safety Risks

Another significant issue with DIY concrete lifting is the safety risk involved. Handling heavy concrete slabs is dangerous without proper training, tools, and experience.

Improper tool use or attempting to move heavy materials can result in injury. Also, if the concrete isn’t lifted and stabilized correctly, it can lead to structural problems and tripping hazards.

What’s the Best Way to Repair Concrete?

So, if DIY concrete leveling doesn’t work, what can you do? The best thing to do is work with a professional. They’ll have the proper tools and experience to lift concrete effectively.

Most professional concrete repair companies (AquaGuard Foundation Solutions included) lift concrete using polyurethane injection. Professionals prefer it because it’s quick, durable, and doesn’t cause much disruption.

This method involves injecting polyurethane foam under the concrete. Immediately, the foam expands and hardens to lift and stabilize the slab.

It’s a fast and non-invasive solution, so the area can be used immediately, making it useful for homes and businesses. The foam is durable and resistant to moisture, providing a long-lasting fix that prevents concrete from sinking in the future.

Lift Your Concrete With Help From AquaGuard

AquaGuard inspector sowing homeowners concrete cracks.

Remember, DIY concrete leveling rarely works. 99% of the time, trying to fix concrete on your own doesn’t actually solve the root problem that caused damage in the first place.

If you’re looking for concrete lifting experts in the Atlanta, Athens, and Marietta areas, look no further than AquaGuard Foundation Solutions, Northern Georgia’s premier concrete repair professionals! Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!

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Concrete FAQs

How long does concrete crack repair take?

Depending on the project’s scope, the procedure can generally be completed within a single day. The PolyRenewal™ foam cures within 15 minutes, allowing you to utilize the area shortly afterward.

When should I fix cracks in my concrete?

Regardless of their size, cracks can compromise your concrete’s integrity. While small hairline fractures might seem harmless, those exceeding a width of ¼” demand immediate attention. Skip DIY attempts and opt for professional repairs from AquaGuard.

Does AquaGuard address concrete cracks using fillers?

Rather than resorting to conventional fillers, our repairs involve injecting robust polyurethane foam underneath the concrete to lift and level it. While we don’t “patch up” concrete cracks in the traditional sense, we often succeed in sealing them. Post-stabilization, we apply a silicone-centric sealant to the cracks and adjoining joints.

Resources

What Makes Concrete Sink?

Concrete sinks because it’s heavy! This is called slab settlement, and this uneven concrete condition frequently happens all over Georgia.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Concrete Leveling

If you need to fix concrete, then our leveling methods may be a good option. Learn more about them in this ultimate guide!

Concrete sidewalk that is severely cracked

7 Benefits of Fixing your Sinking Concrete

Consider these seven benefits to fixing your sinking and unleveled concrete slab 1.The problem always gets worse: if a slab has cracked or has begun to sink, the issue will not eventually stop; it will continue to get worse. •Note, when problems get worse, the cost of fixing the issue increases. 2.Resale value diminishes: no […]

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

_*_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AquaGuard Foundation Solutions does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}