Residential concrete surfaces like sidewalks and front steps are sometimes prone to settlement due simply to their location and use. Rain runoff from the front porch roof and constant use can be a recipe for sinking surfaces. This story played out similarly at a home in Newark, DE, where concrete settlement near a front porch resulted in an uneven sidewalk with a trip hazard, cracks, and the front step pulling away. The homeowners knew that leaving the concrete alone could result in a worse problem and more costly repair, so they contacted Stabil Solutions to resolve the problem.
The Stabil team came out and assessed the property to determine the best repair options. After assessment, it was decided that polyurethane injection sidewalk leveling would be used to lift the sidewalk back to its intended elevation and that caulk would be used to seal cracks and seams. Small holes were drilled into the sidewalk and polyurethane was injected directly under the slab. Beneath the slab, the polyurethane went through a controlled expansion, which allowed it to push the concrete upward towards grade. After the concrete lifting was completed, the team moved forward with caulking to seal the concrete. Caulk was applied in the cracks and joints of the sidewalk slab, as well as the seam of the front step.
The project took a single day to complete and was finished without excavation or any damage to the surrounding landscaping or plants. The sunken sidewalk was lifted up to 3 inches, mitigating the trip hazard. The caulk that was applied would prevent water intrusion under the slab and front step, and restored the aesthetic of the sidewalk.