Concrete pool decks can sometimes become uneven and sink. It’s a problem that most homeowners want to fix right away. It makes the pool deck much less attractive and safe for anyone using it. In some cases, the pool may even be unusable until the concrete is lifted again.
When one edge of the concrete slab is settled beneath another, there’s often a protruding edge that can be a safety hazard. The only way to deal with the issue is to raise the concrete. This is a job for a foundation repair specialist since they have the tools and know-how.
An Alternative to Deck Replacement
There used to be a time when the only way to fix an even pool deck was to replace it altogether. That’s a costly and messy way to deal with the problem. However, the technology used for concrete repair has improved and there are ways to fix decks without any major disturbance to the homeowners and their neighbors.
Our innovative PolyRenewalTM concrete raising is one of those technological improvements that has quickly found its application in deck repairs. This solution is also far less costly than the alternative which means a lot when you’re on a budget and need a quick repair.
What Causes Pool Decks to Sink?
Pool decks are the most common concrete structure to settle. The case for the rapid settlement is usually improper soil compaction. That means that the cause of the problem was there as soon as the pool was installed. Once the soil beneath the deck settles, it lowers the concrete and causes damage.
Over time, the damage may get worse and cause bigger issues for the homeowner than an unappealing pool. Further sinking can cause the pool to leak, which in turn makes the whole yard a hazard zone.
Signs of a Sinking Pool Deck
A sinking pool deck is easy to notice. However, once it’s noticeable, the problem is already advanced and you’ll need to schedule repairs. It’s best to be on the lookout for signs of sinking concrete before it sinks. Some of these are easy to notice and all that you need to do is pay attention to the state of your yard:
- Small cracks are often the first sign that the slab is sinking and getting damaged in the process.
- Slopping is another clue to be on the lookout for. It can sometimes be slight and hard to notice, but it’s a sign that the deck will soon sink.
- Dips on the side of the pool are the last warning signs about a sinking slab and you shouldn’t wait any more once you notice these.
Old Concrete Raising Methods: Mud jacking
Some contractors still use old methods of raising concrete. These have been around for a while, which means that they are effective, but their main downside is that raising concrete in that manner requires a lot of noisy and messy work.
Mud jacking is a term used for lifting up the concrete by using a mortar-based mix. The mixture is then pumped below the concrete slab to lift it into position and make it even to the surface. The mix is referred to as mud, which is where the name for the technique comes from.
To accomplish this, a hole needs to be drilled into the concrete and that’s where the mud will be inserted. This is the downside of the process since it’s loud and makes a mess out of the yard. It’s also a temporary solution since the soil beneath the concrete will continue to settle and you’ll need to repeat the process after a while.
A Modern Method: PolyRenewalTM Injections
A more modern and technologically superior alternative to mudjacking is known as PolyRenewalTM injections. It’s the method most often used by experts in Birmingham, Huntsville, or Nashville where homeowners are often experiencing problems with uneven concrete slabs, due to the nature of the soil.
The material used to even out the pool deck is strong and it will support a concrete slab that’s sinking, but it’s rather lightweight in comparison to the other materials used for this purpose.
It’s also an option best suited for pool decks since it’s waterproof and it won’t be washed away by rainfall or by water splashing from the pool. It’s a chemically stable substance meaning that it won’t react with anything in the soil in which it’s injected.
The installation process is rather quick as well since it takes about 15 minutes for the injection to harden and after that, the deck can be used just as it was before. It can also bear weight right away, meaning that you can drive over the raised concrete slab if needed.
The equipment used to inject the material into the ground is light and compact, allowing the workers to access any space in the yard, regardless of how small or oddly shaped it is.
How PolyRenewalTM Is Injected
The process of injecting PolyRenewalTM into the deck is simple and easy, which is one of the reasons why this method of concrete lifting has become so prevalent. It’s essentially a four-step process, handled by an expert with experience in the field:
- Contractors start the process by drilling small holes into the concrete slabs. That’s where the PolyRenewalTM is injected. The holes are placed in the strategic location so that the slab is lifted evenly.
- The polyurethane foam is then injected into the holes. The amounts can be precisely measured to make sure that the soil is lifted as much as it needs to be.
- Once the voids are filled, the concrete is carefully lifted.
- When the process is completed, the holes are sealed over to make the pool deck even and clean.
Solving the Soil Settlement Problem
Sunken pool decks are caused by sinking soil and it’s not enough to just lift the concrete, you’ll also need to fix the cause of the problem and stop the soil settlement. That’s what is accomplished by polymer injections and that’s why there’s no need for additional repairs as would be the case with mudjacking.
Structural-grade polymer is used to raise the settled soil and the concrete on top of it. The material is made out of two chemicals that are combined in the nozzle of the machine used to inject it. That’s why the reaction happens right away as soon as the polymer is injected.
The foam that’s created this way goes into the voids of the soil and that’s where it expands to about 15 times its initial volume. This expansive action lifts the soil and the concrete. An experienced technician in this area can create a mixture that will be just enough to raise the concrete to the appropriate level.
It will take about 30 minutes for the foam to harden to 90 percent of its ability and after that, the soil will be stable and usable. This technique isn’t used only to repair the pool deck, it’s something that can be done with the soil before any construction takes place, so that you have a safer environment to build on.
What Does a Homeowner Need to Do to Prepare?
There’s very little that the homeowners need to do to prepare the site for the installation. All of the work will be done by the experts. There’s also no reason to prepare the concrete for the process in any way. There is some preparatory work that needs to be done with mud jacking, which requires the homeowner to wait for a day or two before they can use the area. This isn’t the case with PolyRenewalTM, so all that you have to do is schedule the intervention.
It’s a long-term solution, meaning that it also fixes the cause of the sinking. However, it’s still a good idea to ask about the warranty, since some companies provide it.
Concrete Pool Deck Repair
FAQs
For the most part, the damage to the pool deck will be noticeable enough when it’s time to repair it. The area around the pool will sink and become uneven. Sometimes, this is noticeable enough that you can trip over it, but it’s best to act before it gets that bad.
Cracks and Other Issues
Before the pool deck becomes so damaged that it’s uneven and a hazard to the homeowners, it will start to crack and small dents will appear in the surrounding area. This is usually the first sign that something is wrong with the soil beneath the pool and it’s best not to wait until it gets worse.
A slight slant is usually a sign that the concrete has started sinking. These can be difficult to notice, especially when you’re not using the pool daily. Take the time to inspect the area every once in a while and don’t hesitate to call the professionals when you notice something is off.
The Soil
Those who have the luxury of building their own home can prevent the problem during the construction phase. That’s done by lifting up the soil before you install a pool in the first place. If you’re buying a home with a pool, there’s nothing you can do to prevent a problem, but make sure to inspect it before deciding on a price. If the pool deck requires repairs, you can deduct those from the price of the property.
It’s important to keep in mind that fixing the concrete slab isn’t the same as removing the cause of the problem with the soil itself. If you use a method that doesn’t address the root cause, you may need to repeat the repairs in a few years.
Call the Experts
This isn’t something that you should turn into a DIY project since the repair itself is rather complicated and it’s best if it’s done by experts. Look for the professionals in your area and get a quote for the price of the project, since it’s not something you could do with home tools.
For the most part, it’s a simple process and with the right tools and the experts at hand, the repair should be over quickly. However, it will take longer and probably be more expensive if you delay it for too long. Bigger damage will require a more complicated repair process, and that’s something to avoid.
PolyRenewalTM Alternatives
It’s also important to decide on the method you’ll use to lift up the concrete before you decide who to hire to do the job. It’s best to stick with the contractors that are local and that are using eco-friendly materials and repair methods. That way, the repair itself won’t cause further damage.
Concrete slabs that have been lifted by mudjacking can sink again. It’s possible to use the PolyRenewalTM method on a concrete slab that was already mudjacked. It won’t affect the process and the results will be the same as if this was the first and only repair you’ve done.
PolyRenewalTM is a new and innovative method, but it’s already been proven in practice and it’s considered to be the most efficient one, both in terms of longevity and in regards to how easy it is to use. There are numerous advantages to this method when compared to other older ones and it’s also a less expensive option in the long run.
It’s Simple to Install
PolyRenewalTM requires professional equipment and knowledgeable workers. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s some sort of complicated process that is difficult to set up or use in your area. Instead, it’s rather simple to do and the repairs will be done in a few hours, including the setup and cleaning time.
The material is injected into the ground via a few small holes that are strategically placed so that the whole concrete slab is lifted evenly. That means that there’s very little drilling and very little mess involved, especially when compared to mudjacking and other older methods.
No Environmental Impact
There’s no environmental impact when it comes to using PolyRenewalTM to lift the concrete around your pool. It’s not a chemical that can bind to anything in the soil and it won’t damage the soil or the surroundings in your yard.
It’s also possible to dispose of the concrete that was lifted using PolyRenewalTM in accordance with local regulations on using landfills. It’s treated as any other concrete slab would have been since PolyRenewalTM injections aren’t going to change the way it interacts with the environment.
A Long-Term Solution
Other methods lift the concrete but they don’t fix the cause of the sinking in the first place. The cause of the problem is in the soil beneath the pool, and with PolyRenewalTM, the underlying cause gets fixed as well. That means that there won’t be a need for further repairs once the soil has settled and the concrete is even.
It’s also a solution that will allow you to use the area without any further concerns. Within an hour of lifting the soil, it hardens as it once was, and you could drive over it with your car, without having to worry about putting pressure on the concrete. This isn’t the case with other methods, which make the soil around the pool more vulnerable and easy to damage.
Experts will provide you with a free quote, based on their inspection of the property and the level of damage. Before agreeing on that estimate, a homeowner should consider a few things.
Opportunity Cost
It’s important to keep in mind what you’re comparing the quote with. The damage done by the sinking concrete will get worse and you’ll need to address it at some point. This means you should take into account that the price could get higher over time.
You may also need to replace the concrete altogether and that’s a much bigger repair than lifting it up. Especially so because replacing the concrete doesn’t mean fixing the soil beneath it in the first place.
Do Your Own Research
Our site offers the resources you’ll need to learn about the repairs we offer, including the concrete lifting. We have years of experience in the area and our clients testify about the quality of our work. That means that we’re more than happy for potential clients to ask around and look for referrals from our satisfied customers and clients.
It’s a repair that only needs to be done once and a homeowner should take it seriously and look for experts with experience in the field.
The Cost
It’s also a less costly option when compared to other methods. Mudjacking and similar methods may require additional work and you’ll need to raise the concrete once again after it puts pressure on the soil and sinks again. This isn’t the case with using PolyRenewalTM, which is a one-time expense.
There’s very little that a homeowner needs or should do, to prepare for the repairs. It’s enough to schedule a date and to let the professionals do their job. All of the equipment and tools are provided by our team. The repair includes closing down the holes needed to lift the concrete.
We Provide the Equipment
There’s no need for the homeowner to provide any tools or equipment. This includes water supply or electricity, meaning that the repair can be done in a property that isn’t currently in use. A homeowner doesn’t have to be present during the repairs, but they need to provide access to the pool.
Our crew will plug the holes that are drilled to insert the foam and leave the concrete ready to be used. Cleaning and sprucing up the pool area are usually left to the homeowners. The same goes for cleaning and preparing your pool.
How Long Will It Take?
The lifting itself can be completed in half an hour, but it also takes some time, until the deck is stable and secure enough to use. That can take up to half an hour as well. Our team will also need some time to set up the equipment and to close the holes made in the concrete.
For the most part, when it comes to residential areas, in an hour or two the pool will be ready to clean and to use, without having to worry about a sunken deck. It is, however, important to schedule a free inspection and agree on a repair date since we’re working on other projects in your area as well.
Call the Experts at AFS Repair For Your Concrete Pool Deck Repairs
A pool deck can sink due to soil beneath settling under the pressure of the concrete. That leaves cracks and uneven decks. It can be a hazard for those using the pool and it looks unkempt and unseemly. In the long run, it can even lower the value of the property.
The best way to fix this problem is to use PolyRenewalTM injections to lift up the concrete and to settle the soil beneath it. It’s a simple and relatively inexpensive procedure, but it needs to be done by experts with experience in the field. Call to schedule a free inspection and get a quote based on our estimate.
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