Thrasher Foundation Repair Case Studies: Sidewalk Fixed and Leveled in Goddard, KS
Challenge
Emilio, the caring grandfather of homeowner Racine Martinez, was deeply motivated to address the foundation issues at their property due to the safety concerns it posed to his beloved grandchildren. During our appointment, Emilio expressed his distress over the multiple instances where his grandchildren had tripped and injured themselves on the settled concrete. Their well-being and safety were his top priorities, and he understood the importance of finding a solution to eliminate the trip hazards.
In addition to the safety aspect, Emilio also shared his apprehension regarding the potential damage that the settled concrete could cause to the foundation and the surrounding areas. He recognized that if left unattended, the settled concrete could lead to further structural issues and possibly compromise the integrity of the foundation. Emilio's concerns extended beyond the immediate safety hazards, encompassing the long-term well-being of the property.
Emilio's determination to find a reliable contractor was fueled by his genuine care and love for his family. He expressed his satisfaction with our strong online reputation, highlighting the positive reviews he had come across. Emilio had also watched our informative lift and level video, which solidified his belief in the effectiveness of our PolyLevel Foam solution.
Analyzing the Cause of Settled Concrete and Tripping Hazards
In order to address the critical issue of settled concrete and tripping hazards on Emilio's grandson's property, our diligent System Design Specialist, Clint Gerber, conducted a comprehensive inspection. Clint carefully examined the site and discovered significant settlement issues, particularly where the sidewalk concrete met the driveway. This settlement had caused a substantial four-inch height difference, resulting in a major tripping hazard that demanded immediate attention. Clint also found other concrete areas around the house that had experienced settlement.
Upon closer examination, Clint discovered a key contributing factor to the settlement. He noticed that a downspout was dumping water directly onto the sidewalk area, leading to significant soil erosion beneath the concrete. The continuous erosion had weakened the soil support, causing the concrete to settle and create dangerous uneven surfaces. Additionally, Clint noted that the settlement in other areas around the property was a result of a combination of eroded soil and soil contraction during dry periods, leading to voids forming under the concrete.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Clint recommended prompt repairs to eliminate the tripping hazards and prevent further damage. He explained to Emilio the potential risks associated with the compromised concrete and assured him that Thrasher could repair it without large holes or entirely redoing the concrete. Emilio, who valued the longevity of the solution for his grandchildren's forever home, appreciated Clint's expertise and detailed explanation of the proposed course of action.
By sharing his findings and detailed explanation of the proposed solution, Clint ensured that Emilio had a clear understanding of the settlement issue and the steps required for a lasting fix. With a comprehensive understanding of the settlement causes, Emilio's family felt confident in the proposed course of action.
Solution
Our skilled production team installed PolyLevel foam to lift and level the concrete, ensuring a superior base for long-lasting stability. Additionally, we planned to install NexusPro joint and crack sealer to enhance the overall durability of the repaired areas, making them winter tight and protecting against further damage.
PolyLevel, the core component of our solution, is a technologically advanced polymer injected through small 3/8-inch diameter holes in the concrete. This expanding foam fills voids beneath the concrete, providing support and stability, and lifts the concrete back to its original position. The remarkable aspect of PolyLevel is its ability to support concrete slabs without adding excessive weight to the underlying soil. Moreover, being waterproof, it eliminates the risk of washout or drying out, unlike traditional mudjacking materials. Emilio appreciated the environmental friendliness of PolyLevel, as it avoids the leaching of harmful chemicals. Our crew used approximately 142 lbs of PolyLevel foam to fill the voids and successfully lift the walkway, eliminating trip hazards by raising it 4 inches in certain areas.
To address Emilio's concerns about future erosion and maintain the structural integrity of the concrete, he made the decision to have all the joints and cracks in the sidewalk and driveway sealed using the advanced NexusPro joint and crack sealant.This exceptional silicone-based sealant exhibits remarkable flexibility, ensuring it remains intact and resistant to debonding or cracking even in diverse weather conditions. Emilio was pleased with the added benefit of NexusPro's UV resistance, which safeguards against deterioration over time. Furthermore, the quick curing process of NexusPro meant minimal waiting time before Emilio and his family could safely drive or walk on the sealed areas. With its outstanding flexibility, NexusPro accommodates the natural expansion and contraction of concrete due to seasonal weather patterns, ensuring long-lasting durability for the repaired surfaces.
Emilio was pleased to learn that our dedicated crew would complete the entire project in just one day, minimizing disruption. The convenience continued as he could start using the newly repaired driveway within 1 hour of completion. To provide additional peace of mind, Thrasher Foundation Repair offers a comprehensive 5-year warranty on both the prevention of concrete settling and the longevity of the sealed joints. This cost-effective solution presented Emilio with substantial savings, as it came at less than one-third of the expense of concrete replacement, without the inconvenience and upheaval associated with such a process.
Emilio can rest assured that Thrasher Foundation Repair's solution not only lifts, levels, and stabilizes the settled concrete but also fortifies it against future damage. If you're experiencing similar problems with your home or business, you can call and book a free consultation here.
