Have you recently noticed that a section of your concrete driveway or patio is starting to sink? If you’re diving into the web to explore your options, you’ve likely come across various videos and articles suggesting that repairing uneven concrete might be a better alternative to replacing it entirely. At Leveled Concrete, we prioritize fixing your concrete issues while educating our clients about sustainable solutions like LEVELift. Let’s delve into the ecological benefits of repairing uneven concrete surfaces and highlight why it’s a smart and environmentally friendly choice.
What Causes Uneven Concrete?
Concrete slabs may begin to sink due to erosion beneath the slab, often exacerbated by rainfall and water runoff, which undermines the structural integrity of the concrete. Rainwater, particularly aggressive in some climates, can wash away the soil that supports the concrete slab. Over time, a gap forms beneath the slab, and the slab gradually sinks into this void due to its weight. Neglecting this issue can lead to continuous sinking and eventual cracking of the slab. If left unaddressed, the erosion will persist, leading to further structural and environmental issues.
The Environmental Impact of Replacing Concrete
Opting to replace an uneven or cracked concrete slab or an entire driveway is often the costliest solution to address the issue. However, beyond the financial considerations, it’s crucial to recognize the significant environmental impact associated with replacing concrete. From the extraction and preparation of new materials to the disposal of old concrete in landfills, the environmental consequences are considerable.
Here’s a more detailed look at the environmental aspects involved in the process of replacing concrete:
- Extraction of Natural Resources: The process of mining new materials for concrete contributes to resource depletion. This involves extracting raw materials from the earth, such as limestone and sand, which can diminish natural resources and disturb the ecological balance.
- Preparation and Pouring: The production of new concrete requires significant energy input for mixing, transportation, and pouring. This entire process is not only time-consuming but also contributes to increased carbon emissions, negatively impacting air quality.
- Waste Generation from Concrete Removal: Removing existing concrete typically involves jackhammering the old concrete structures, which creates a considerable amount of concrete dust and debris. This poses dust exposure risks to workers and results in waste that is often transported to landfills, exacerbating environmental pollution.
- Transportation Impact: The hauling of old concrete for disposal and the transportation of new materials to the construction site consumes a substantial amount of fuel. This adds to the overall carbon footprint of the replacement process and increases air pollution.
- Environmental Effects of Mining: Extracting raw materials for new concrete can lead to soil erosion and disruption of natural habitats, impacting ecosystems where mining occurs. This process often undermines the structural integrity of natural landscapes.
- Chemical Reactions and Air Quality: Concrete production involves chemical reactions that potentially release pollutants into the air and waterways during the curing process, further degrading air quality.
- Landfill Space and Sustainability: As landfills fill up, finding suitable locations becomes increasingly challenging. The environmental impact of placing large amounts of concrete in landfills include long-term degradation of land quality and negative effects on surrounding environments.
To mitigate these impacts, choosing alternatives like concrete repair or leveling methods, such as LEVELift Polyurethane, not only provides a more cost-effective solution but also aligns with sustainable practices. These methods preserve the existing concrete surface, reduce the need for new materials, and minimize the environmental footprint associated with complete concrete replacement.
Leveled Concrete offers free inspections to assess your specific needs and guide you toward environmentally conscious choices for your concrete surfaces. By opting for repairs and maintenance of existing concrete, homeowners and businesses can save time and resources while contributing to a healthier environment. Contact Leveled Concrete today to explore how we can help maintain the structural integrity of your concrete structures while promoting sustainable construction practices.
LEVELift vs. Concrete Replacement
LEVELift is an innovative repair technique designed to address sunken concrete in structures like driveways, patios, and sidewalks. The process utilizes a high-density polyurethane foam injected through small holes, about the size of a dime, drilled directly into the concrete. Once injected, the foam quickly expands beneath the surface, filling voids and stabilizing the underlying soil. This expansion not only lifts the concrete back to its original level but also compacts the base to prevent future sinking. LEVELift is effective because it precisely targets the affected areas, providing a durable fix with minimal disruption to the surrounding area. This method is a cost-effective, long-lasting solution that restores both functionality and aesthetic appeal to concrete installations.
By repairing your driveway, patio, or sidewalk with LEVELift, you will not only keep waste out of the landfill but also minimize the need for new concrete, both good choices for our planet.
Benefits of LEVELift
Environmental Benefits
LEVELift is a light, waterproof foam that provides an accurate lift and handles various load sizes. It runs like water when first injected under the concrete, filling even small gaps. It has been engineered to:
- Become chemically inert as soon as it cures. That means it will not leach chemicals into the air, the soil, or groundwater. It does not release harmful chemicals into the ozone layer in our atmosphere.
- Not biodegrade. It will not break down over time and will not rot or decompose into the soil.
- Not erode with rainwater.
- Provide no nutritional value to animals or insects. It has a high density and adheres to both the slab and the base, so burrowing animals will find it difficult to move through.
- Degrade over time when exposed to the ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, but since it is under concrete, it is not exposed to sunlight.
Application Benefits
- The injection sites require very small holes, about the diameter of a penny. When the holes are repaired, they will be indistinguishable from the original surface.
- Most normal-sized projects can be completed in one workday. Once the foam has been installed, the cure time is 15 minutes to an hour.
- The results give you a remarkable result, with the old slab looking as good as new.
- The cost of repairs with LEVELift is a fraction of the cost of replacement.
If caught in time, repair your driveway, patio, or sidewalk with LEVELift to keep your home looking nice with stable, even surfaces. It will save you time and money, and it is a better option for the environment.
Contact Us With Any Questions About Leveling Uneven Concrete With LEVELift or to Schedule a Free Inspection
Whether you have additional questions about the environmental benefits of leveling uneven concrete with LEVELift or are ready to schedule a free inspection, Leveled Concrete is just a call away. We prioritize your needs, providing exceptional customer service and reliable solutions for your concrete surfaces. Reach out to us today to embark on the journey toward stable, even, and aesthetically pleasing concrete surfaces for your residential or commercial property. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we look forward to assisting you in every step of the process.