Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page! This may be your very first time looking into concrete raising services. You may not know where to start, or even what questions to ask. It can also be hard to determine what’s right for you when every “salesman” tries to convince you that their way is best. You see, there are different ways to raise sunken concrete. It’s important to understand that just because a company is well established, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re capable of providing the best looking and longest lasting repairs possible. Keeping up with current technology requires a lot from a contractor. Companies must be willing to change and make hard investments of time and resources.
Having worked with so many potential customers just like yourself, we’ve been able to put together this compilation of most frequently asked questions. We hope you will find this information very helpful. Please contact us anytime – we would love the opportunity to talk with you!
What’s Better For Me? Polyurethane or Mud-jacking?
Is a concrete or cement slurry good for concrete raising?
Using a concrete or cement slurry as a mudjacking material is an old dying technology. Although easy and cheap to do, it’s very limited in its ability to provide a good looking, long, lasting repair. You see, concrete is the problem, simply adding more to it is not the solution. Concrete wouldn’t sink so much if it wasn’t so heavy. Adding more cement or concrete compounds the problem by aggravating an already compromised area. Our polyurethane does not add significant weight to the area. But, don’t take our word for it – even our local DOT requires the use of polyurethane for the repair of our local highways.
What Should the Compressive Strength of Lifting Materials Be?
The Illinois Tollway requires polyurethane with a 90 PSI compressive strength. Mudjacking materials typically crumble in your hand, and do not have a compressive strength suitable for long term repairs. Request EstimateWhat Supports Concrete Better Poly or Mud?
Polyurethane will support your concrete much better than any mudjacking service. When injected, mudjacking materials are much thicker than polyurethane and simply do not spread out beneath the slab as well as polyurethane. Request EstimateIs your polyurethane more expensive than mudjacking?
In most cases, especially when you consider longevity, our polyurethane is the more cost-effective repair. However, it’s easy to assume polyurethane would cost more. Our advanced equipment, engineered materials, and the expertise required suggest polyurethane should always be more expensive than mudjacking, but it’s not. The old saying “you get what you pay for” isn’t always true. Since our process is very efficient and mudjacking is routinely overpriced, we’re able to underbid the old mudjacking method on a regular basis. Request EstimateIs it true that mudjacking would require large holes being drilled in my concrete?
Yes, mudjacking requires large holes being drilled into your concrete. These holes are typically 1-⅝” in diameter. Mudjacking permanently defaces your concrete, leaving many people full of regret. Our Smart Lift System is completely different. Our injection holes are very small, just big enough to fit this injection port through. Once patched, they cure and blend in nicely with the surrounding concrete.
What lasts longer? Polyurethane or mudjacking?
Failure of the material used to raise your concrete is the most common reason for raised concrete to sink again. Rain and moisture typically causes mudjacking materials to soften and slump back down, or wash out completely. The excessive weight of mudjacking materials – regardless of the slurry used – can also promote further settling to occur. These are the primary reasons ACME would never provide any mudjacking service. Polyurethane outperforms mudjacking. Our poly is light-weight and completely water-resistant, it will never slump or washout from beneath your concrete. Request EstimateWhy do some companies still offer mudjacking?
In short, it’s cheaper and easier for a mudjacker to simply stick with what they know. The equipment, process, and materials required for the two technologies are vastly different. In the mudjacking world – typical lifting materials are mixtures of clay and sand – some contractors even relying on homemade equipment. Polyurethane injection technology is much more technical requiring complex equipment, advanced materials, and highly trained, certified installers.
What Should I Consider When Getting Estimates?
How much will it cost to lift & level my sunken concrete?
Our polyurethane concrete lifting and leveling services typically cost less than HALF the cost to remove and replace concrete. We provide free, no-hassle estimates usually on the spot. Contact us today to request a free quote! Request EstimateDo I have to be present in order to receive an estimate or while repairs are made?
No. Although we always prefer in person interactions, we can typically perform estimates and repairs providing we have proper access. Our estimates, contracts, invoicing and receipts are all electronic – conveniently and safely sent to your email.
Should I ask companies if they are certified?
Yes, before selecting a contractor, you should ask if their installers are certified. Since concrete raising is not a state or federally licensed service, certifications are how you determine if a company’s employees have the proper skills and training. The last thing you want is an under qualified installer “practicing” on your concrete. Request EstimateShould I ask contractors what pumping pressure their equipment is capable of?
Absolutely not. If a contractor tries to sell you on pumping pressure, you’re being subjected to marketing tactics. In most cases, pumping pressures of less than 10 pounds per square inch is sufficient to lift concrete – including driveways and patios. Our polyurethane systems are capable of 2,000 psi, however, we never operate at those levels. Request EstimateShould I ask about Warranties?
Yes, you should definitely get a warranty. However, be wary of extremes. A 1-year warranty is of no value, and a lifetime warranty is likely a cheap marketing tactic. We’ve seen a lifetime warranty with a limit of ONE service call. You need to understand the duration and terms & conditions of the warranty offered by a contractor. Acme has a straightforward warranty. without those tricky loopholes. Request EstimateWhat Do I Need to Know About the Day of Service?
How exactly do you raise settled concrete?
We raise concrete as easy as- Drill injection ports.
- Inject polyurethane lifting foam.
- Patch the injection holes.
How long does it take to raise concrete?
Most residential projects are completed in a few hours. Projects involving large municipal concrete raising projects or commercial locations may take a day or more, depending on size. Check out some of our concrete raising projects and give Acme a call to fix your uneven concrete today! Request EstimateDo you require us to provide water or electricity?
No. Our equipment produces all the utilities required for us to get the job done! Request EstimateCan I use my raised concrete right away?
Yes. Our lifting material fully cures in about 15-30 minutes. When the job is complete, the concrete is free to use without restriction. Unlike mudjacking, there are no lengthy delays. Mudjacking companies may require you to wait 24 to 48 hours before using the repaired area(s). With our modern technology, this is no longer the case! Request EstimateWhat are your payment terms?
Deposits are not required, payment in full is required upon project completion. We gladly accept checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Request EstimateI Have More Questions. Can You Tell Me More?
Why should I hire Acme Concrete Raising & Repair?
Simply put, our demand for excellence is unmatched by our competition. From great customer service to having the highest standards in the field, our reputation speaks for itself. This is evident in our employees who don’t just have jobs, they love what they do and it shows! We back up our commitment to excellence by investing in the very best equipment, materials and training for our employees. Request EstimateIs your polyurethane injection system better than mudjacking?
Yes! The differences between poly and mud are like comparing night to day. Mudjacking requires large holes leaving your concrete scarred and the mud can slump back down or wash out allowing your concrete to drop again. Our polyurethane lifting materials are completely water resistant, permanent, and will never wash out. Also, due to our small injection holes, your concrete will look great once we’re done. Request EstimateDo Concrete Raising Materials Erode?
Mudjacking mixtures are typically easily washed away by water. Our Smart Lift System utilizing polyurethane is 100% water resistant. Request EstimateIs polyurethane biodegradable?
Absolutely not. When your concrete is raised by one of our certified installers, our lifting foams will not degrade or change shape to any significant degree for decades. Request EstimateWill polyurethane harm my ground, flowers or garden?
Cured polyurethane is not hazardous and is an inert material – meaning it will not leach anything into the ground or surrounding areas. We regularly raise sunken concrete bordering flower beds, gardens, and every kind type landscaping imaginable. What’s even more interesting is the fact that researchers have found that certain crops planted directly into polyurethane foam can grow up to 10 times faster than when in soil! Request EstimateCan you lift sunken concrete that has been previously mudjacked?
Yes! In fact, a large portion of the projects we do involves concrete that was previously mudjacked. These mudjacking materials range from clay/sand mixtures to slurries resembling a concrete like consistency. If mudjacking materials don’t wash out, their excessive weight likely causes continued sinking. We regularly raise mudjacked slabs. Request EstimateIs the material you use to raise concrete hazardous to the environment?
No, our cured polyurethane is not hazardous to the environment. Think about it, polyurethane is a common material that’s all around us, everywhere, everyday! Polyurethane is used to make: personal consumer products, building materials, tools, safety equipment and even medical devices. Your home or business probably contains polyurethane in the form of: spray foam insulation and other building materials, padding, cushions, mattresses and bedding. Our polyurethane is completely water resistant, inert and non-toxic. In addition, our raising process in lieu of replacement keeps concrete out of landfills! Request EstimateCan concrete raised with polyurethane be disposed of?
Yes. Concrete lifted with polyurethane can later be disposed of in a municipal landfill that accepts Standard Construction & Demolition debris.