Looking at the cracks in your driveway or patio, you may be tempted to pay a visit to your local home improvement store and buy the materials to fix it yourself. But should you? It depends.
Polyurethane foam concrete lifting involves injecting a specialized foam material underneath a sunken or uneven concrete slab to lift it back to its original position. It uses specialized equipment, and should usually be done by trained professionals but there are some times when you can do it yourself.
When to do it yourself:
- You have the necessary equipment and training: If you have access to the specialized equipment needed for polyurethane foam injection, such as a foam gun and injection pumps, you may be able to lift the concrete yourself. You should also have access to heaters and shore power.
- The sidewalk, patio or driveways is built using patio blocks or bricks. Materials such as these can be leveled by lifting them up and filling with dirt to achieve your desired surface.
When not to do it yourself:
- The problem is severe: If the concrete slab is significantly sunken or uneven, it is best to leave the job to professionals. A major problem requires heavy equipment, specialized skills, and expertise that only a professional can provide.
- Lack of experience: If you have no experience in polyurethane foam concrete lifting, it is not advisable to attempt it yourself. Lifting concrete with foam is a complex process that requires specialized skills and knowledge. If you do not have the experience with this type of work, you may not know how to properly level and support the concrete which could result in further damage and even more costly repairs down the road.
- Safety concerns: Polyurethane foam concrete lifting involves working with hazardous chemicals and specialized equipment. If you are not comfortable working with these materials or lack the necessary protective gear, it is best to hire a professional who can do the job safely and efficiently.
- Lack of access to material. Concrete lifting requires specialized materials such as polyurethane foam, which may not be readily available to homeowners without training or expensive equipment.
Lifting concrete involves drilling holes in your concrete, and mistakes by inexperienced homeowners and property owners can mean further damage and needing to replace the entire slab. Attempting to lift concrete without the proper knowledge and equipment can result also in structural damage to your home or property, and require significant cleanup. Hidden conduits, piping or other obstacles can add to the complexity and cost of the project.
Attempting to do it yourself can lead to injury, further damage, and additional costs. You may be tempted to save money by doing it yourself but it rarely leads to cost savings in the long run.
Hiring a professional like TCB Foam Solutions ensures that the job is done safely and efficiently, and is guaranteed to meet your needs.