Author: Mari Armstrong

Handyman Services

Mari Armstrong Handyman , , , , , , ,

Handymen are jacks of all trades, performing general repair and maintenance work that electricians, plumbers, and similar professionals cannot.

Handyman

They can take care of your honey-do list and make sure your home is looking its best. Contact Handyman Chandler for professional help.

A utility knife is essential to any handyman’s toolkit, allowing for precision cuts on many materials.

Typically, handymen can offer general plumbing repair services, including faucet replacement, drain cleaning, and toilet repairs. However, they may not be qualified to handle more complex projects that require a licensed plumber. For example, a licensed plumber would be needed to replace a water heater or install a new shower. Moreover, a plumber is required to follow strict health and safety standards when working on a plumbing project. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to find a reputable plumber who can complete all of their plumbing tasks safely and efficiently.

In addition to being able to perform basic maintenance tasks, a handyman should be skilled at a variety of other trades. Some handymen are skilled in carpentry, electrical work, and painting. Others have a more specialized skill set, such as drywall installation or plumbing repairs. Handymen can also help with home improvement projects that require a licensed professional, such as installing an alarm system or rewiring a home.

A handyman salary can vary greatly depending on their education, experience, and licensing. In most cases, handymen receive on-the-job training and apprentice with other experienced professionals. They can also improve their skills by attending vocational schools or completing internships. This is an excellent way to gain valuable job experience and become more proficient in their craft.

As a handyman, you must be able to understand blueprints and mechanical diagrams in order to complete various repair and maintenance tasks. You must also be comfortable working with power tools and machinery. Ideally, you should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is important to ensure that you are safe on the job.

While there are many similarities between a handyman and a contractor, there are some key differences. A handyman does not need a license to provide certain services, but a contractor is required to have a special license to perform these types of projects. Additionally, a contractor generally manages multiple projects at once and oversees a team of individuals.

Handymen are highly skilled in a wide range of maintenance tasks and repairs, making them a great choice for small jobs that don’t require the expertise of a specialized contractor. They are also a good option for homeowners looking to save money by tackling some projects themselves.

Electrical

Electrical work is one of the most important jobs a handyman can take on because it can cause significant damage and injuries if done incorrectly. Handymen with experience in this type of work are able to run wires, install outlets and switches, fix lighting fixtures and even do minor rewiring to make sure all wiring is safe and up to code. They can also handle other electrical tasks like setting up electric devices, such as coffee makers and televisions.

Another electrical service that handymen can perform is installing ceiling fans. These are a great way to add some extra light and airflow to a room while also adding to the aesthetic of the space. Handymen are often able to complete this work quickly and efficiently, saving their clients time and money.

The handyman may also be able to install additional lights in areas where there was no previous lighting. This process involves running new wires, making sure there is enough power for the fixture and then attaching it properly. This is something that many people don’t realize needs to be done, but it’s an important part of any home improvement project.

A handyman may also be able to install or replace smoke detectors in their client’s homes. This is a great way to protect the safety of everyone in the house, especially children and elderly individuals. It’s also a great way to ensure that the family is prepared for any emergencies that may occur, such as fires or natural disasters.

If the handyman is working on a bigger, more complex electrical project, they should always check with their boss or supervisor to make sure that they are licensed to do so. This will help to avoid any potential issues in the future, such as when a home inspector comes to look at the work and finds that it was done incorrectly and could be dangerous for residents.

Having a handyman who is licensed to do this type of work will save the homeowner money in the long run, as they will be able to avoid any costly mistakes. This can also help to increase the value of a property, since buyers will know that the work is high-quality and has been done correctly.

Painting

Handymen often have the skills and equipment to paint walls and ceilings inside or outside your home, transforming living spaces with fresh coats of color that revive a room’s appearance. They’re also adept at patching and smoothing drywall to prepare surfaces for painting, ensuring a polished look that will last.

In addition to the broader categories of repairs and improvements, Handyman can also tackle more complex jobs. These might include tearing out and replacing a shower floor, fixing the joists and subfloor, redoing the plumbing and re-tiling, moving or replacing an electric line, building new custom cabinets for the entire kitchen, adding a second story to a ranch-style house, or turning a den and living room into a master suite. Handymen will usually refer you to a licensed professional for these kinds of significant projects.

One of the most popular services Handy provides is interior and exterior painting, as well as staining decks or refinishing floors. They can refresh a bathroom with new caulking, grout, or soap dishes, or give a kitchen a facelift with new cabinets, countertops and backsplashes. They can also hang artwork, shelving and other wall hangings for you.

Painters are experts in their field, and Handy has painters that can transform your space with quality work at an affordable price. When you use Handy’s service, you get clear, transparent quotes for your project that can be paid online. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your service, Handy has a Happiness Guarantee to make it right.

Handymen can also repair scuffed or peeling paint on trim and walls, making them look like new. They can also lay and install crown molding to add a premium motif to your space, or simply replace old trim to make rooms feel clean and updated.

Patching dents, scrapes and holes in drywall is one of the most common handyman requests, as it can greatly improve the look of any room or wall. Handymen can also apply high-durability coatings to walls, which can protect them from stains and wear. They can even help you choose the best paint colors for your space and provide a wide variety of color options.

Flooring

Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home’s aesthetic or boost its resale value, updating your flooring is a great way to do both. Handyman professionals can install a variety of flooring types, including vinyl, hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). In addition to installing new floors, handymen can also remove existing ones and repair damage.

Handymen are capable of performing a wide range of tasks, ranging from basic plumbing repairs to bathroom renovations. However, before you hire a handyman, be sure to research their credentials and ask for references. It is also important to check if they are insured and bonded. This will ensure that you are protected in case of any damages or accidents during the project.

Often, a handyman is required to perform general maintenance and repair tasks in both residential and commercial settings. In many cases, they may work independently or as part of a team of contractors. In either scenario, they are responsible for ensuring that the construction project is completed on time and within budget.

As a result, handymen must have a wide range of skills to effectively address these tasks. They must be able to use various tools, repair and install different fixtures, and follow all safety regulations. Depending on the nature of the work, they may also be required to travel between different locations to complete their assignments.

One of the most common tasks performed by handymen is repairing and painting walls. This service is usually needed when surfaces are damaged or worn out, such as scratches and dents from furniture or roughhousing children. Handymen can also apply wallpaper to give rooms a fresh look.

Tile installation is another service offered by handymen. This is a complex job that requires experience and skill. Handymen can install new tiles on both floors and walls. They can also refresh grout to make tiled areas appear pristine and new.

Before hiring a handyman, it is important to assess your needs and make a list of all the tasks you would like them to complete. Once you have made a list, search online for qualified professionals in your area. After selecting a handyman, be sure to discuss the terms of the project and review their cancellation and refund policies.

The Vital Services Provided by Plumbers

Mari Armstrong Plumbing , , , , ,

Plumbing involves the distribution and use of clean water as well as the removal of sewage. It’s a crucial part of every home and needs to be kept in good working condition.

Plumbers

The plumbing industry is regulated at both the federal and state level, with each jurisdiction setting its own standards. These regulations ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental laws. Visit https://www.plumbing-express.com/ to learn more.

The water supply is the infrastructure for the collection, transport and delivery of water for homes, businesses, public utilities, industry and irrigation. The water may be drawn from groundwater aquifers, surface water such as lakes and rivers or desalination of seawater. Water supply can also include roof catchments (rainwater harvesting), which has gained recent popularity.

Most communities in the world have organized structures for providing safe water to their inhabitants through water supply networks that are run by public utilities or by government departments such as a city or county water department. The infrastructure consists of a network of pipes that deliver clean, pressurized water to users.

These networks can be based on gravity or they can use pressure (pumping) to move water from the source to the distribution system and from the distribution system to individual users. In both systems, facilities for water storage are normally provided to ensure adequate supply during periods of low demand.

The quality of the water in these systems may deteriorate during transportation to users through physical factors such as the corrosion of pipelines and bacterial transformations. These factors can be reduced through operational optimization, for example by reducing corrosion by selecting appropriate materials and operating conditions or by blending the raw water with higher-quality treated water at existing treatment plants. Water quality can also deteriorate through cross-connections, which are any direct or indirect physical arrangements that allow nonpotable water or back-flow of unsafe water to enter into a potable water supply.

Drainage

Drainage involves systems that remove excess water to prevent flooding, mold growth and rot. It also prevents contaminated runoff from entering the water supply. It’s installed in buildings, sidewalks, driveways and roofs to keep them safe for walking or driving on. Moreover, it prevents water from seeping into the basement and creating structural problems. It is important to note that the drainage system is separate from the supply plumbing, which is why it needs its own piping to function properly.

The drainage pipes are made of clay, concrete or plastic and they are placed in trenches by machines. They can be perforated to increase their surface area and allow drainage of wastewater faster. However, perforated drains must be regularly cleaned to avoid clogging. They are often covered with cement to protect them from debris and animals. In some cases, the lining is replaced after it has worn out due to the wear and tear from traffic and sunlight.

The drainage system works differently from the supply pipe because it relies on gravity. All the drains in your house pitch, or angle, downwards towards the sewer line. The wastewater then flows into a septic tank or the municipal sewer. To ensure that the wastewater does not contaminate further, a vent is often provided to allow chemicals and toxic gases to escape. This minimizes health risks and unpleasant odors. It’s recommended to periodically drain your drainage pipes for maintenance, repairs or preparing for cold weather.

Venting

Plumbing vent pipes allow unpleasant-smelling wastewater and sewer gasses to escape the drainage system. They also carry fresh air into it, ensuring that water flows smoothly through your toilets and drains. Plumbing vents are usually located on your roof, but they can also be found under your sinks. Think about how you need to let some air in when pouring a soda in order for the liquid to flow easily. That’s what happens when your vents work properly.

Vents Balance Air Pressure

When water and waste move through the drainage pipes, it creates a vacuum effect that could slow down or even block the flow of water. Vents supply fresh air to the system, balancing the air pressure and eliminating the vacuum lock.

They Prevent Sewer Gas Entry

Vents prevent harmful sewer gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide from entering your living space through toilets, sinks, and showers. These gases are toxic and can be dangerous to your health. They also cause foul odors in your home. Vents help maintain the water seals in your traps, preventing these gases from seeping back into the pipes and into your home. Without vents, these seals could break down over time. Vents also prevent these gases from escaping through the roof, which would expose you and your family to them. Vents are essential for the health of your plumbing system. When they are clogged or damaged, it can lead to a wide range of problems.

Installation

A plumbing system is complicated, and installing a new one from scratch requires a lot of work. It starts with laying pipes underground, connecting to the city water supply line and sewage lines, ensuring that they are properly sized and pitched to avoid backflow. It also involves preparing and sealing joints, caulking, and testing for leaks. Finally, the plumber connects the fixtures like sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and water heaters.

In new construction, the plumber installs the piping before the walls are closed up, ensuring that the finished wall will not interfere with the plumbing. The plumber may also consult with a home designer to ensure that the finished space will accommodate the plumbing fixtures well.

For existing homes, the plumber first inspects and tests the current piping to identify any issues. Then, the plumber reroutes or replaces the piping as needed to fix leaks and ensure proper function.

A commercial plumbing system is more complex than a residential one because it needs to support heavy water usage and waste disposal, handle large amounts of water at once, and meet strict health and safety standards. It often requires specialized equipment, larger pipes, and more detailed drain and vent systems. The plumbers who service these systems must be licensed and have extensive experience to manage the complexities of these larger systems. In addition, the International Plumbing Code sets specific guidelines for installation and design that must be followed to minimize risks of clogs, leaks, and other problems.

Repair

Plumbing repairs involve fixing or replacing parts of your home’s water supply system. This includes pipes, fixtures, and appliances like sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters. It also involves resolving issues with your home’s sewer system, such as clogs and leaks. When you notice an issue, it’s important to call a plumber right away to minimize damage and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Some common plumbing repair issues include leaking faucets, pipes, and shower heads; running toilets; and clogged drains. It’s important to properly dispose of waste and use drain strainers to prevent clogs from forming. You should also maintain regular plumbing maintenance with a professional to keep your pipes and fixtures in good condition. If you suspect a leak, shut off your home’s water supply immediately and contact a plumber as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of emergency plumbers handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut off valve is located in case of an emergency.

Maintenance

Plumbing is a crucial part of every building, and requires regular maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation. It involves the installation, repair, and inspection of pipes that convey water, sewage, and waste matter. It also includes the fixtures and appliances connected to those pipes, such as sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters.

Plumbers must be licensed in order to work in this field, and must follow strict construction codes when installing or repairing pipes and plumbing fixtures. In addition, they must have the skills to recognize and diagnose problems with plumbing systems. This allows them to provide accurate and effective solutions.

Keeping up with routine maintenance can prevent many common plumbing problems, such as clogs and leaks. Make sure to clean out drains regularly to avoid buildup, and check for water stains or discoloration on the walls or ceiling that indicate a leak. Also, be sure to keep food and other debris out of drains to prevent clogs.

In the event of a pipe leak or other problem, it is important to shut off the water supply before beginning repairs. Then, the plumber can assess the situation and determine if a temporary fix is sufficient, or if the damaged section of pipe needs to be replaced. If the latter is the case, the plumber will prepare and install the new pipe, and weld or solder the connections to ensure a strong, lasting seal.

Give Your Garage a Makeover With Garage Epoxy

Mari Armstrong Garage Services , , , , , ,

Epoxy holds up well to garage abuse and offers superior protection for your floors. It’s resistant to petroleum products, chemicals and even scratches.

Garage Epoxy

If you want to transform your garage into a man cave, workshop, or parking space for your car, epoxy is an excellent choice. However, not all epoxy is equal. Contact Garage Epoxy Huntsville TX for professional help.

An epoxy floor is an upgrade from standard garage paint and provides a tough, smooth surface that transforms your space. It’s a popular choice in both residential and commercial spaces and is suitable for almost any space that needs a durable flooring solution. Whether you use your garage for work or play, you want a floor that can stand up to the abuse and still look great years after installation. An epoxy floor is one of the best options for durability. It creates a solid, hard surface that can resist chemicals, spills, and impact. It’s even scratch and crack resistant, so you can drop a wrench or drag a heavy item across it without worry.

The type of epoxy you choose determines the level of durability it offers. There are three main types: solvent-based, water-based, and 100% solids epoxy. The first two offer a thinner coating that requires regular maintenance, but the third option is thicker and more durable, offering up to 15-year warranties. A professional concrete floor coating company should advise you on the best type of epoxy for your space and environment.

Regardless of the type you select, all epoxy floors require proper preparation before application to ensure an even and strong bond with the concrete underneath. You also need to allow time for curing, which depends on temperature and other factors specific to the epoxy product you’ve chosen.

Once the application is complete, you can begin using your garage. Be sure to keep the space well-ventilated during the curing process, as this will help prevent any fumes from lingering in your space. Epoxy is also available in a range of colors, allowing you to create a unique look for your garage. You can choose a color that complements your home, or add some fun to your garage with a bright color.

Many people also add decorative flakes to their epoxy coating, creating a unique and eye-catching surface. These can be in a variety of colors or even in the team colors of your favorite sports team. These add visual interest to your garage and can camouflage dirt and stains.

Easy to Clean

The best part about an epoxy garage floor is that it’s so easy to clean. You can simply sweep away any loose dirt or debris that is on the floor, and then mop with a mild detergent mixed with warm water. You can even use a microfiber mop to reduce chemical and water usage as well as eliminate the wringing that is typically associated with standard mops.

Aside from a regular cleaning schedule, your new floor is also resistant to oil stains, chemicals and petroleum products. It can also withstand drops and the impact from heavy machinery or vehicles. That being said, it’s still a good idea to take precautionary measures and use plywood or mats when moving any heavy items around. If possible, try to lift instead of drag any furniture in your garage. This will help to prevent scratches and dents in your beautiful floor.

It is also a good idea to periodically wax your epoxy floor to add extra protection and shine to it. The wax will also help to hide any scuff marks that may occur over time. In addition, a waxed epoxy floor will be easier to keep clean, as the dirt and grime will be more repelled by the coating.

Another common issue that people face with their garage floors is rust stains. This is nothing to be alarmed about because rust spots are very simple to remove. All you need is a commercial rust, lime and calcium cleaner (cleaner) and a soft deck brush with nylon bristles. If you use a wire brush, you can risk dulling the epoxy coating and possibly taking it off entirely.

Once you have removed the rust spots, be sure to rinse and dry the floor thoroughly. This will prevent any chemical build-up that could dull or damage the epoxy coating over time. It is also a good idea to wipe the floor down after using any chemical cleaners to remove any excess moisture.

Overall, an epoxy garage floor is a great investment for your home. It is a long-term solution that will last for years to come. It’s a lot more durable than concrete and will stand up to just about anything you can throw at it. It will save you a lot of money in the long run by protecting your investment and keeping it looking new.

Easy to Maintain

Epoxy is an extremely durable material that can be used for garage floors. It is also easy to clean and maintain. Epoxy can withstand heavy foot traffic, car traffic, chemicals, and abrasions.

If you do have stains on your epoxy floor, they are easily removed using a concrete degreaser. This is a chemical solution that soaks into the grease or oil and then scrubs it away. You should not use a metal scrub brush, as this can damage the epoxy surface. Instead, use a soft scrubbing pad.

Once the scrubbing has been completed, the floor can be rinsed with water and allowed to dry thoroughly. This will ensure that all of the oil or grease is gone from the floor and that there are no unsightly stains.

You should also make sure that you sweep the floor regularly. This will help prevent dirt and grit from becoming trapped in the epoxy flooring. This can scratch or scuff the surface, and will cause your garage floor epoxy to lose its gloss.

In order to keep your floors looking beautiful, you should mop them with a mild detergent and warm water on a regular basis. This will remove any accumulated grime and help your floors look bright and new. You should also squeegee the floor after mopping to eliminate any water spots or streaks.

It is important to address any spills immediately. You should never leave them to sit on the floor, as this can cause a chemical reaction that will change the appearance and durability of your epoxy flooring. You should always wash any chemicals or abrasive substances with water before you apply them to your floors. You should also consider using protective measures, such as walk-off mats and pads under vehicles or furniture, to avoid scratching or damaging the flooring.

If you are interested in having an epoxy garage floor installed, contact us for a quote. We will provide you with a free consultation and estimate. We have years of experience and can install a quality epoxy floor that will last for many years.

Easy to Apply

When you apply an epoxy coating to your garage floor, it can completely change the way that you use your space. Not only does it improve the overall look of your garage, but it also makes it easier to sweep and keep clean. In addition, the smooth surface can help protect your floors from stains and abrasions. If you are looking to give your garage a makeover, this is an affordable and easy way to do it.

Before you start to apply your garage floor epoxy, be sure to properly prepare the area. Begin by sweeping and vacuuming to remove any dirt or debris. Then, check to see that all cracks and imperfections have been repaired with concrete repair caulk. This will ensure that your new garage floor will be as strong as possible.

You will also want to move any items that you don’t need out of the garage, including bins and tools. Lastly, tape any areas where the epoxy will be touching walls or block foundations.

Next, mix the two-part epoxy sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is usually a bit thicker than normal paint, and you may need to stir it again before using. Once the mixture is ready, you can begin applying it to your garage floor. It is recommended that you use a roller brush on a long pole for the best results. This will give you more control in tight corners and ensure that you don’t get any epoxy on the walls or ceilings.

Once you’ve applied the first coat of epoxy to your garage floor, let it dry for at least 24 hours before bringing in any cars or foot traffic. If you need to, apply a second coat perpendicular to the first. Once both coats of epoxy are dry, you can scrape chips off the edge and vacuum up any loose chips.

It’s important to note that this process requires a certain level of skill and experience, and it is not something that most homeowners can do on their own. If your garage floor is showing significant signs of wear and tear, it is likely best to call in a professional to do the job for you.

Foundation Repair Techniques and Signs

Mari Armstrong Contractor Services , , , , ,

Have your doors or windows been getting harder to open and close? That could be a sign of foundation settlement.

Foundation Repair

It’s important to make sure you hire an expert for your foundation repair project. The contractor should be able to clearly explain what the problem is and how they’ll fix it.

Injected epoxy resin is a quick and effective repair method for concrete cracks. It can be used to fill cracks in slabs, walls and structures, including stairways, walkways, basement floors, beams and columns. It can also repair damage caused by impact, vehicle loads and earthquakes. Cracks in concrete structures can lead to loss of structural integrity, which can put people and equipment at risk. Proper diagnosis and timely repair of these problems can help prevent serious consequences.

To use this technique, injection ports are drilled or glued into the surface of the structure near the crack locations. These are then bridged with epoxy paste to form a seal that prevents the injection process from leaking. The cracks, voids and delaminations are then filled with an epoxy mixture that can be adjusted to the appropriate viscosity for each type of structure and environmental conditions. Once the epoxy has cured, the injection ports can be removed.

Unlike other repair techniques, which may require extensive excavation and disruption to the property, epoxy injection is a non-invasive method for repairing cracks in concrete. Injection ports can be installed in a wide range of locations to accommodate different project requirements, making this an ideal repair method for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

This type of repair can be utilized to address a variety of structural issues, such as soil compaction and settlement. It can be a good solution for homes and other structures with pier and beam foundations, as well as slab on grade construction. It can be used to stabilize sagging slabs and lift them back into place, which is often referred to as “mudjacking.”

The effectiveness of this repair method can depend on the cause and severity of the damage. It is important to determine the root cause of the problem and remedy it before injecting concrete, as this can ensure that the repairs are long-lasting. It is also important to use a qualified professional for this type of service, as they will have the necessary equipment and expertise required for proper application.

Slab Jacking

Slab jacking is a non-invasive technique for lifting concrete slabs that have sunken due to a variety of factors. It’s quick, cost-effective and can prevent future sinking with minimal disruption to your home or business. It can even be done year-round, barring extreme weather conditions, and requires no concrete removal or replacement.

Unlike other foundation repair methods, such as underpinnings, which require drilling and hauling away the old foundation to replace it with a new one, slab jacking lifts and repairs the existing concrete. This makes it a much less destructive process and can usually be done in just one day, meaning little interruption to your life or business. Slab jacking uses polyurethane foam which fills the voids under your slab, raising it back up to its original height and preventing further sinking.

This type of repair can be used on walkways, patios, garage floors, driveways, basements and more. The process involves drilling holes into the existing slab, then pumping a semi-liquid mixture that includes cement and soda ash or urethane foam under the slab to raise it back up to its original level. It’s also known as mudjacking, concrete lifting, and pressure grouting.

When concrete sinks, it’s often caused by voids underneath the slab, as well as soil erosion. Over time, this can lead to the foundation becoming unstable and prone to further movement. The use of slab jacking can help halt and reverse this sagging, as it’ll fill in the voids under your foundation and stabilize it.

Slab jacking can be performed in just a few hours and will require no excavation or heavy equipment to complete the job. Since it doesn’t involve breaking up and disposing of the existing concrete, there’s less cleanup involved as well. Additionally, there’s no concrete dust and minimal debris that would otherwise be produced during other types of repair processes.

There are services that offer to grind off the lip of your good slab to fix a trip hazard, but this doesn’t address the root cause of the issue. Slab jacking will, however, as it will fill the voids under the good section of your foundation and prevent further sinking and movement.

Concrete Leveling

Concrete leveling is a foundation repair technique that corrects uneven or sunken concrete surfaces. The process involves injecting a specialized material beneath the concrete, raising and aligning it to its initial position, which enhances safety and aesthetic appeal.

Uneven concrete slabs often serve as tripping hazards and can be especially dangerous for elderly or mobility-challenged individuals. In addition, they can weaken the overall structure of your home or commercial property. These concerns can be difficult to ignore, and it’s important to address them as soon as you notice any signs of sinking or unevenness.

Ignoring damaged and uneven concrete can lead to more serious problems in the future, including foundation instability, structural damage, and even water leaks. When you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance immediately.

Fortunately, there are several effective and long-lasting foundation repair options available to address these issues. Consult with a concrete foundation specialist to learn more about which solution is right for you and your property.

The most cost-effective and long-lasting solution is steel piers, which are driven into the ground beneath your house until they reach bedrock or compacted soil that can support the weight of your structure. They’re also an excellent option for repairing homes that have experienced significant shifting and settling.

Poured concrete piers are another option for stabilizing your foundation. They’re constructed by digging a hole below your home, filling it with wet concrete, and allowing it to cure. This method can also be used to lift and level concrete slabs.

Mudjacking and self-leveling concrete are other methods for addressing uneven concrete, but they’re typically only used indoors. Mudjacking uses a slurry mixture to fill low spots in your concrete and raise it back to its original position. This method requires extensive cleanup and can be quite messy. Self-leveling concrete is a more effective and cleaner alternative to mudjacking, using a polymer-modified cement that spreads evenly on its own without the need for extensive manual spreading.

Replacing sunken or cracked concrete is expensive and time-consuming, but it’s sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of your property and those who live or work on it. Fortunately, catching concrete problems early with concrete leveling techniques like PolyRenewal polyurethane foam injection can save you a lot of money.

Foundation Wall Repair

Foundation wall cracks are often signs of a serious problem that needs attention. A professional can inspect the damage to determine if it is structural, and what steps need to be taken to fix the issue. Some cracks are the result of shrinkage of concrete, and can be a normal part of the foundation settlement process. In other cases, the movement of soil can cause the foundation to shift, leading to a gap between the foundation and the home. In these cases, a professional will likely recommend a method to stabilize the foundation walls in place and prevent further damage.

A common repair technique is to fill the gap with steel shims, which can provide temporary support while the foundation settles. However, gaps may reappear, and more invasive repairs will likely be needed. Shims can also be used as a supplement to more extensive methods of support, such as the addition of pier stacks or the rebuilding of foundation pillars.

Another way to fix foundation wall problems is with a high-density polyurethane foam, which is injected into the crack in a process called foam jacking. This method is more cost-effective than traditional concrete repairing, but won’t last as long. Foam jacking is a good choice for emergency foundation repairs, or when the problem is time-sensitive.

For bowing or buckling walls, a professional can use a method known as wall anchors to stop the inward movement and potentially straighten the foundation walls over time. This solution uses the soils beyond the foundation walls to exert counter pressure on the failing walls, which can help to stabilize and restore the wall. This method is recommended when access to the soils is not restricted, and is a great alternative when other solutions such as push piers or caissons are not practical.

It is important to be aware that some contractors will try to earn your business by offering a quick and cheap solution. These methods, such as painting over drywall cracks or tuckpointing brick veneer, are short-term fixes that will only cover up the issues. Unless the underlying problem is addressed, these types of repair will only mask your foundation problems and leave you with more costly repairs down the road. To avoid these types of contractors, educate yourself on different repair methods and always choose a company that has their products evaluated by the ICC-ES.