Foundation settling is a common issue that can cause significant damage to your property. Anything from structural problems to cracked walls and uneven floors can be the result of a settled foundation. Polyurethane foam lifting (which is sometimes referred to as “foam jacking”) is a cost-effective way to lift a foundation. It involves a process of injecting high-density polyurethane foam under the foundation. This foam will expand and harden, which will lift the foundation back to its original level.
Here are some common questions people ask about polyurethane foam and how it can be used to lift a foundation.
Polyurethane foam lifting is a straightforward process that involves the following steps:
Drilling small holes into the affected area of the foundation.
Injecting the foam into the holes, which will flow into the voids under the foundation as it expands and hardens.
Monitoring the lifting process to make sure it’s even and gradual.
Sealing the holes with a material that matches the foundation.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
There are several benefits to using polyurethane foam for foundation repair. Some of them include the following:
It’s cost-effective — It’s much more affordable than more traditional methods of foundation repair (such as excavation and replacement).
It causes minimal disruption — Lifting a foundation with polyurethane foam injection is quick and non-invasive, so there’s minimal disruption to your daily routine.
It lasts longer — Polyurethane foam is a durable material that can last for decades. So once the foundation has been filled, you can expect it to stay that way for a long time.
Polyurethane foam is made from recycled materials, so it’s more environmentally friendly. It’s also non-toxic for use around people, pets, and plants.
Polyurethane foam lifting is good for fixing a number of foundation settling issues.
Some of them include the following:
Uneven floors — If you notice that your floors are sloping or uneven, it could be a sign that your foundation has settled.
Cracks in your walls — This issue can also be caused by foundation settling.
Sticking doors and windows — If your doors and windows are sticking, it could be a sign that your foundation has settled because it’s causing them to become misaligned.
Sinking concrete slabs — Concrete slabs (such as driveways and patios) can sink over time because of foundation settling.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should contact a professional as soon as possible.
It’s usually not a good idea to use polyurethane foam injection for concrete leveling in the following situations:
Your concrete is crumbling, badly cracked in multiple places, or has been lifted excessively by tree roots.
You want to change the functionality of the concrete or add a feature.
You want to change the surface texture or overall look of your concrete.
It’s also not a good idea if your foundation has a large void that needs to be filled, because you want the affected area to be as even as possible with the surrounding slabs.
Polyurethane foam is one of several methods that can be used to fix settled concrete. Some of these methods include the following:
Stone slurry and grout concrete leveling — This method uses a mixture of pulverized limestone and water to fill voids under a slab, which will raise it to its proper position.
Mudjacking — This process involves a mixture of soil, sand, and water that’s used to fill voids under a slab.
The term “mudjacking” is often used as an umbrella term for concrete leveling as a whole, even though it’s one of several methods related to this process.
Polyurethane foam injection can last for the life of the concrete itself (which can be from 20 to over 50 years) if it’s done well and properly maintained.
The entire process can be completed in a few hours. But larger projects that span across multiple areas can take 1-3 days.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of experts who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!