How Weather Affects Your Concrete’s Stability in Edmonton
If you’ve lived around Edmonton, St. Albert, or any of the surrounding cities, you know that our weather can be quite a rollercoaster. While the gorgeous summer days encourage barbecues and long drives, the harsh winters can leave a mark on your home’s exterior—especially your concrete driveways and sidewalks. If you’ve noticed uneven, sunken, or cracked surfaces around your property, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll dive into how weather affects concrete stability and introduce you to effective lifting and leveling solutions, especially the innovative polyurethane foam solutions you can find with TCB Foam Solutions.
Why Does Concrete Sink?
Before we get into solutions, let’s explore why concrete can become uneven in the first place. In the Edmonton area, fluctuating temperatures, heavy snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can lead to significant issues.
- Soil Erosion: When rain or melted snow seeps into the soil, it can wash away underlying material that supports your concrete slab. With no solid ground underneath, the slab sinks.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Our wild winter temperatures can cause water that’s stuck in the small cracks of your concrete to freeze and expand. Once the ice melts, it creates voids underneath, leading to more sagging over time.
- Poor Drainage: If water doesn’t drain away properly from your concrete surfaces (hello, Edmonton winters!), it can cause soil under the concrete to settle unevenly or erode.
The Benefits of Foam Jacking for Lifting and Leveling Concrete
When it comes to fixing these unsightly and potentially dangerous pitfalls in your concrete, you have options. At TCB Foam Solutions, we specialize in polyurethane foam solutions, a modern technique that stands out for several reasons:
- Quick and Efficient: Foam jacking is much faster than traditional methods. The lifting process can often be done in just a few hours, meaning you can get back to enjoying your space sooner.
- Lightweight and Strong: Polyurethane foam is lightweight yet incredibly effective—meaning it won’t add unnecessary pressure to your already-compromised concrete.
- Minimal Disruption: Unlike mudjacking (another method of raising concrete that uses a dense mixture of cement), foam jacking requires much smaller holes to be drilled, making it a neater option that leaves your property looking great post-repair.
- Long-lasting Results: Once your concrete is lifted and leveled using foam solutions, it can last for many years. Foam is resistant to moisture and won’t wash away like other materials.
Foam Jacking vs. Traditional Methods
Now that we’ve highlighted the benefits of foam jacking, let’s take a moment to compare it to some traditional methods.
Mudjacking
This method involves pumping a slurry made of cement under the concrete. While effective, it can be messy and requires larger holes, leading to longer repair timeframes. Plus, it often takes days for the mud to cure properly before you can walk or drive on it.
Replacement
Some homeowners may consider completely replacing a sunken driveway or walkway. While this may seem like a permanent fix, it can be costly and time-consuming. Foam jacking not only saves you money but is also an eco-friendlier option that helps avoid waste.
Conclusion
If your concrete surfaces are beginning to sink or become uneven, it’s time to act. By understanding the causes and knowing your options, you can choose an efficient and effective solution.
Don’t let weather effects weigh down the appearance and safety of your property; consider the benefits of polyurethane foam solutions by TCB Foam Solutions.
Get Started Today!
Ready to lift and level your concrete? Don’t wait until minor issues become major headaches. Give us a call at (587) 337-3353 or fill out a quote request on our website. Our team is here to help you get your Edmonton home back in top shape quickly and efficiently.
With TCB Foam Solutions, you can rest easy knowing your concrete is in good hands!