When to Call in a Professional for Driveway and Sidewalk Leveling Repair
Hey there, Edmonton homeowners! We all love the charm of our neighborhoods in the Greater Edmonton area—whether we’re in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, or Spruce Grove. However, the beauty of our concrete driveways and sidewalks can take a hit when they start to sink or become uneven. If this is happening to you, you might be wondering if the solution lies in a DIY fix or if it’s time to call the pros. So, let’s break this down, shall we?
Signs It’s Time to Call for Help
Recognizing when you need professional assistance is critical. Here are some common red flags that indicate it might be time to bring in the experts:
- Visible Cracks and Gaps: If you notice cracks in your driveway or gaps between the concrete slabs, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. This is more than just a cosmetic issue; it could indicate significant underlying problems.
- Uneven Surfaces: Is your once smooth driveway now a bumpy ride? Uneven surfaces not only look bad but can also lead to tripping hazards for your family and guests—especially for the kids and seniors.
- Pooling Water: If you find that water pools in certain spots after it rains, it could mean your driveway is sloping the wrong way. This can lead to more severe issues with erosion and can compromise the structure.
- Difficulties with Accessibility: If a neighbor or visitor has trouble maneuvering their wheelchair or walking aids due to uneven concrete, it’s time to take action.
- Frequent DIY Attempts: Have you tried patching things up more than once with little success? Sometimes, the more you attempt to fix the problem, the worse it can get.
Why DIY Fixes Might Cause More Harm
While it’s tempting to tackle these projects yourself—especially with all the DIY videos available these days—here are some reasons why this might not be the best route:
- Lack of Expert Knowledge: Foam jacking or lifting and leveling concrete is not just about pouring foam or slap-dashing some concrete on a crack. Each situation requires an understanding of the underlying cause of the problem. Without this knowledge, your efforts might be futile—and can even make the issue worse or lead to more extensive repairs down the line.
- Improper Materials: If you use the wrong type of foam or concrete mix, you could end up with a patch job that looks good for a few weeks but fails down the road. The last thing you want is to redo this kind of work, which could double your costs.
- Time Consumption: DIY projects can consume far more time than anticipated—before you know it, you’re knee-deep in a project that was supposed to take a weekend. When you hire professionals, they come equipped with experience and appropriate tools, meaning you get a solution much faster.
- Hidden Costs: DIY repairs might save you some upfront costs, but if the issue is bigger than you realize, you might end up spending more money later on for repairs that a professional could have fixed initially.
Why Choose Foam Jacking?
So if you’re convinced it’s time to call in the professionals, why opt for foam jacking from TCB Foam Solutions? Polyurethane foam is a game-changer. Here’s what it brings to the table:
- Lightweight and Strong: Foam is incredibly lightweight compared to traditional concrete methods, making leveling less cumbersome. It expands to fill voids, lifting the sunken concrete without additional weight.
- Swift Process: The foam jacking process is quick, often completed in just a couple of hours. You can use your driveway the same day in most cases—no more waiting for concrete to cure!
- Cost-Effective: While it seems counterintuitive, a professional foam jacking solution can save you money in the long run, especially when compared to the costs associated with subpar DIY repairs.
- Durability: Once foam is applied, it’s resistant to the elements, making it a long-lasting solution. Unlike traditional concrete repairs, foam expanses won’t crack easily.
Call TCB Foam Solutions!
In summary, while DIY projects have their place, when it comes to leveling sunken driveways or sidewalks, it’s usually best to leave it to the pros. If you identify any of the signs we’ve discussed—cracks, unevenness, pooling water—it’s time to think about professional help.
At TCB Foam Solutions, we specialize in lifting and leveling concrete using state-of-the-art polyurethane foam methods. Whether you’re dealing with a small sidewalk or a larger driveway issue, we have the skills and tools to help.
Don’t wait until the problem worsens! Call us today at (587) 337-3353 or fill out a quote request on our website. Your concrete deserves a second chance—and we’re here to give it just that!
Stay safe and enjoy those beautiful Edmonton summers, one smooth driveway at a time!