22 Aug Concrete Lifting Vs. Replacement – Which Is Better?
Have you ever encountered uneven sidewalks, sinking front steps, or a sloping garage floor? These are common concrete-related problems caused by water drainage, unsettled soil, poor installation, natural factors like soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, water intrusion, or tree root growth. Sinking, cracked, or uneven concrete can be an eyesore on your property, and many create tripping hazards or structure instability. Getting it fixed immediately is important to preserve the structure of your home and avoid safety issues. But what should you choose, concrete lifting or replacement? Picking one of these two options is too confusing until you do not know the best method to fix damaged concrete.
Considering the concern, we discuss concrete lifting vs. replacement to help you make an informed decision about tackling concrete-related problems. Let’s start with a detailed comparison to discover which is better—concrete lighting or slab replacement.
Comparison Between Concrete Lifting & Slab Replacement
Read the following details to find out which is the best approach for repairing sinking concrete.
Cost
Slap replacement is far more expensive than concrete lifting as it is a long procedure. Replacing the concrete slab requires a lot, from demolition to removing the old slab and the requirement of new concrete material. The entire project also demands huge resources, and labor charges can make it expensive. Considering all these factors in concrete lifting vs. replacement, the total cost to tear out the slab is two to three times more than the cost of lifting the concrete.
Time
Slab replacement means a new start. From tearing out the old concrete to preparing & pouring the concrete material to leveling and settling, slab replacement might take days to settle. Moreover, you must wait to settle the concrete to reuse the surface. On the other hand, concrete lifting or mud jacking offers much faster results. From start to finish, most projects take just a couple of hours to complete, and you are all set to reuse the surface soon, as there is no downtime.
Efficacy
Another factor in concrete lifting vs. replacement is efficacy. Concrete lifting can address most concrete-related problems, such as cracks and sunken, uneven surfaces. The holes drilled into the surface and cement-based slurry that fills the voids beneath the surface can effectively restore the surface. Meanwhile, slab replacement removes the entire concrete surface, even for small, unworthy concrete issues.
Untidiness
Ripping out and replacing a settled slab first leads to debris, and second, it requires heavy machinery. These invasive tools and machinery also cause noise, which is quite uncomfortable for the owner and neighbors. Sometimes, it can also ruin the grass and plants in your garden and backyard.
When discussing concrete lifting vs. replacement, concrete lifting involves less equipment and tools and does not disturb the surroundings.
Sustainability
While slab replacement requires more machinery, labor, and material to fix the concrete slab, concrete lifting demands minimal energy. In fact, with deep foam injection, there is no material waste. This is one important factor in concrete lifting vs. replacement, where concrete lifting wins.
Aesthetic
When new slabs are placed, they do not match the older ones, which mainly affects the building’s appeal. With concrete lifting, little holes are dug into the surface to pour materials like cement-based slurry, foam, etc. Once the surface is leveled, these holes or cracks are caulked to provide a uniform appearance.
Whether in a home or a commercial building, concrete problems can occur anytime. The good news is that it can be fixed by lifting or replacing them. In concrete lifting vs. replacement, we understand that concrete lifting is a far better option to address concrete concerns. However, this does not mean that concrete lifting is always the solution. There are scenarios where concrete needs replacement!
When Slab Replacement Is The Only Solution?
From the above comparison of concrete lifting vs. replacement, we understood that concrete lifting is a good choice when there are minor cracks, uneven slabs, and sinking surfaces. However, there are a few scenarios when concrete needs to be replaced.
Extensive Damage
Your concrete must be replaced when it has severe cracks, significant spalling, or crumbling. Replacement ensures safety and stability.
Structural Integrity
When the underlying soil has caused significant settlement and crumbling, you might need slab replacement.
Deterioration
If the deterioration happened due to age, exposure to harsh chemicals, or a freeze-thaw cycle, then you might need a replacement for a fresh start.
Surface Imperfection
In situations like poor concrete installation, the surface of the concrete is unsettled, which only needs replacement.
Multiple Problems
With a slab that has more than one problem, like structure and cosmetic damage, you would need a replacement for effective results.
Now that you have a better comparison of concrete lifting vs. replacement, you can choose the best approach for your concrete problems. It is definite that not all problems require replacement; many of the concrete problems, like uneven driveways, cracked patios, and sunken sidewalks, can be effectively, safely, and affordably fixed with concrete lifting.
Say Hello To Level Concrete Surface With FOAMEXperts!
Concrete lifting is an effective solution to most concrete-related problems. You can trust FOAMEXperts for professional concrete lifting in Calgary. Our experts use innovative technology and techniques, such as mud jacking, concrete sealing, and deep foam injection, to restore the surface quickly and efficiently. We use eco-friendly solutions to raise your concrete back to its original position while ensuring safety and curb appeal. So why replace concrete when you can lift it? Contact our experts to discuss your concrete-related issues, and let FOAMEXperts elevate your property value!
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