How to Fill Void Under Concrete Slab
The preferred method for filling voids under a concrete slab is through concrete leveling, specifically using PolyLevel® injection.
PolyLevel® is a foam injection that helps address the causes of voids, such as changes in soil, plumbing leaks, water damage, extreme weather, and soil consolidation.
Unlike mudjacking, PolyLevel® offers several advantages, including a shorter cure time (15 minutes compared to 24+ hours), smaller hole size (size of a pea compared to size of a quarter), and a significantly lighter weight (2 pounds per cubic foot compared to 50 times heavier with mudjacking).
PolyLevel® also reduces strain on the soil, provides waterproofing properties, and helps prevent future cracks and sinking.
Baird Foundation Repair offers PolyLevel® services and provides financing options as well as lifetime warranties for concrete leveling services.
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Did You Know?
1. The Void under a concrete slab is commonly known as the “subgrade void” and usually occurs due to settling, erosion, or inadequate compaction of the soil beneath the slab.
2. Did you know that one effective way to fill the void under a concrete slab is by using a process called “slab jacking”? This technique involves pumping a cementitious slurry through small holes drilled in the slab, which then fills the void and raises the concrete to its desired level.
3. Another method to fill the void beneath a concrete slab is by using expanding polyurethane foam. This foam is injected under the slab and expands, filling the void as it hardens, providing stability and support.
4. In some cases, specially designed lightweight aggregate materials, such as expanded polystyrene beads or foam glass, can be used to fill voids under concrete slabs. These materials are placed under the slab to displace the void, adding an insulating layer and reducing the overall weight of the structure.
5. It’s important to note that leaving a void under a concrete slab can lead to significant structural damage over time. The presence of voids can cause the slab to crack, shift, or even collapse. Therefore, addressing and filling such voids promptly is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the concrete slab.
Importance Of Filling Voids Under A Concrete Slab
Filling voids under a concrete slab is essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the structure. Here’s why:
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Prevent uneven settling: Voids beneath the concrete can cause the slab to sink or crack. By filling these voids, the concrete remains level and properly supported, avoiding potential damage.
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Protect the structure: Voids act as entry points for moisture, leading to water damage and deterioration of the concrete. They can also cause soil erosion, further destabilizing the slab and increasing the risk of structural problems.
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Enhance safety: Uneven settling poses tripping hazards and increases the risk of accidents. Filling voids creates a safer environment for occupants, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
To summarize, filling voids under a concrete slab is crucial for maintaining stability, preventing further damage, and ensuring safety. Remember to address any voids promptly to minimize potential risks.
- Fill voids to maintain slab integrity
- Prevent moisture, water damage, and erosion
- Minimize tripping hazards and accidents
Causes Of Voids Under A Concrete Slab
Several factors can contribute to the formation of voids under a concrete slab. One common cause is changes in the soil composition. Over time, soil can shift due to natural processes such as erosion, settling, or the expansion and contraction of clay soils with changes in moisture content. This shifting of soil can create voids beneath the concrete.
Another cause of voids is plumbing leaks. If there is a leak in the plumbing system beneath the slab, water can seep into the soil and wash away the underlying material, creating voids. This can lead to further damage to the concrete and compromise the stability of the slab.
Extreme weather conditions can also contribute to the formation of voids under a concrete slab. Heavy rainfall or prolonged periods of drought can cause the soil to either become oversaturated or excessively dry, leading to shifts in the ground and the formation of voids.
Soil consolidation is another factor that can result in voids under a concrete slab. When soil is compacted during construction, it can settle and consolidate over time. This settling can create voids and cause the slab to sink or crack.
- Changes in soil composition
- Plumbing leaks
- Extreme weather conditions
- Soil consolidation
Preferred Method For Filling Voids: Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling is the preferred method for filling voids under a concrete slab due to its effectiveness and long-lasting results. This process involves injecting a specialized grout mixture beneath the slab, which expands to fill voids and raises the concrete to its desired level.
One commonly used concrete leveling technique is mudjacking. In mudjacking, a mixture of soil, water, and cement is injected into the voids to raise the slab. While mudjacking can be effective in some cases, it has certain limitations. For instance, it may not penetrate all voids, leaving some areas unsupported. It also requires a long curing time, often taking 24 hours or more before the slab can be fully utilized.
Mudjacking As A Method For Filling Voids
Mudjacking is a commonly used method to fill voids under concrete slabs. It involves injecting a slurry mixture of soil, water, and cement into the empty spaces, raising the slab to the desired level.
However, mudjacking has its limitations. One issue is incomplete void penetration, where the slurry may not completely fill all the voids beneath the concrete. This can result in unsupported areas, leading to future settling and potential structural problems.
Another drawback is the long curing time required for the injected slurry mixture to harden and stabilize, which can take 24 hours or more. Consequently, the slab cannot be fully utilized during this period, causing inconvenience and disruption.
Moreover, mudjacking can present challenges for future plumbing repairs. The injected slurry can make it difficult to access and fix plumbing leaks or other issues that may arise. This can result in additional costs and complications in the future.
Polylevel® As A Method For Filling Voids
PolyLevel® is a revolutionary method for filling voids under a concrete slab, offering several advantages over traditional mudjacking. This technique involves injecting an expanding foam material called PolyLevel® beneath the slab, which lifts and levels the concrete.
The process begins with drilling small holes into the concrete, about the size of a pea. Through these holes, the PolyLevel® foam is injected into the voids. As the foam expands, it fills the empty space and gently raises the slab to its proper position.
PolyLevel® has numerous advantages over mudjacking. Firstly, it has a significantly shorter curing time. While mudjacking can take 24 hours or more to fully cure, PolyLevel® only requires about 15 minutes. This means that the slab can be used much more quickly, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
Another advantage of PolyLevel® is the size of the holes required for the repair. The holes made for the PolyLevel® injection are much smaller, about the size of a pea, compared to mudjacking where the holes are approximately the size of a quarter. This smaller hole size minimizes the impact on the appearance of the concrete and reduces the need for patching or cosmetic repairs.
PolyLevel® is also significantly lighter than mudjacking. While mudjacking can be up to 50 times heavier, PolyLevel® weighs only about 2 pounds per cubic foot. This reduced weight alleviates strain on the underlying soil and helps prevent future settling or sinking of the slab.
Additionally, PolyLevel® offers waterproofing properties. The expanding foam forms a barrier against water infiltration, protecting the slab from moisture-related damage and reducing the risk of future cracks or sinking.
Summary:
- PolyLevel® uses expanding foam to fill voids under concrete slabs.
- It has shorter curing time, only about 15 minutes.
- Smaller hole size minimizes impact on the appearance of the concrete.
- PolyLevel® is significantly lighter than mudjacking, reducing strain on the soil.
- It offers waterproofing properties, protecting the slab from moisture-related damage.
Baird Foundation Repair As A Provider Of Polylevel®
As a leader in the industry, Baird Foundation Repair is a trusted provider of PolyLevel® services for filling voids under concrete slabs. With years of experience, they have the expertise and knowledge to assess and address any slab issues.
Baird Foundation Repair understands the importance of filling voids under a concrete slab and uses state-of-the-art technology to provide precise and long-lasting repairs. Their team of professionals is trained in the proper application of PolyLevel® and ensures that all voids are adequately filled and the slab is level and stable.
Furthermore, Baird Foundation Repair offers financing options for their PolyLevel® services. They understand that home repairs can be a financial burden, so they provide flexible payment plans to suit different budgets.
With great confidence in their workmanship, Baird Foundation Repair also offers lifetime warranties for their concrete leveling services. They stand behind the quality of their repairs and provide peace of mind to their customers.
In conclusion, filling voids under a concrete slab is crucial for maintaining the integrity, stability, and safety of the structure. While mudjacking has been a traditional method for filling voids, PolyLevel® offers a more advanced and efficient solution. With its shorter curing time, smaller hole size, lower weight, waterproofing properties, and the expertise of Baird Foundation Repair, PolyLevel® is the preferred choice for filling voids and ensuring the longevity of concrete slabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fill a hole under concrete?
To fill a hole under concrete, first, the concrete above the void should be broken up to allow access to the void. Once the void is accessible, it can be filled with compacted sand, ensuring that the sand is evenly distributed and tightly packed to prevent the formation of any future voids. After filling the void with sand, it should be sealed using a concrete mixture that is leveled with the slab, effectively repairing the hole and ensuring structural stability. This process not only addresses the immediate issue but also minimizes the risk of the problem reoccurring in the future.
What material is used as fill beneath the concrete slab?
The fill material commonly used beneath the concrete slab is composed of granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. This selection of materials is favored due to their ability to provide both strength and permeability, making them ideal for slab-on-grade projects. The granular fill not only offers sufficient strength to support the weight of the concrete slab but also allows for the proper drainage of water, preventing potential issues caused by water accumulation.
How do you fill a large gap in foundation?
To fill a large gap in the foundation, start by inserting a foam backer rod into the gap. This will provide support for the caulk that will be added. Once the backer rod is in place, apply polyurethane caulk over it and use a spoon to ensure a smooth finish. This method effectively fills the large gap in the foundation while providing stability and durability.
1. What are some effective methods for filling a void under a concrete slab to prevent structural issues?
One effective method for filling a void under a concrete slab is using a process called slabjacking or mudjacking. This involves drilling holes into the slab and pumping a mixture of cement, soil, and water into the void through the holes. As the mixture fills the void, it lifts the slab back into its original position, preventing any structural issues. This method is often used for small to moderate voids under concrete slabs.
Another effective method is using polyurethane foam injection. This involves injecting a polyurethane foam material into the void through small holes drilled in the slab. The foam expands and fills the void, lifting the slab back into place. Polyurethane foam injection is a popular method for larger voids or when there is limited access to the area. It is lightweight and requires less drilling than slabjacking. Additionally, the foam has a faster curing time, ensuring quick stabilization of the slab. Overall, both methods are efficient and cost-effective ways to fill voids under concrete slabs to prevent structural issues.
