Walkway Leveling and Joint Replacement in San Francisco, CA

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview: A homeowner in San Francisco, CA, reached out to Foundation Repair of CA for a solution to level and restore a section of their walkway. The area in question was approximately 9 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 4 inches thick. The uneven settling had created a safety hazard, and the homeowner needed the walkway raised and leveled. Additionally, two wooden expansion joints were deteriorating and needed replacement.

Challenges: The homeowner’s walkway had settled unevenly, requiring precise leveling to restore it to its original state.

The uneven settling not only impacted the walkway's functionality but also posed a tripping hazard. On top of that, the wooden expansion joints were deteriorating, increasing the risk of future water intrusion.

Solution

Solution: Foundation Repair of CA provided a comprehensive solution using two advanced technologies:

PolyLevel Injection: PolyLevel foam injection was selected as the ideal method to raise and level the walkway. This lightweight, high-density polyurethane foam was injected beneath the slab to gently and evenly lift the sunken sections. PolyLevel is minimally invasive and offers a long-lasting, environmentally friendly solution for concrete leveling.

NexusPro Sealant: After leveling the walkway, NexusPro joint sealant was used to replace the deteriorating wooden expansion joints. NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant that is highly resistant to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and cracking. It also prevents future water intrusion, which could lead to additional settling issues.

Execution:

The team began by injecting PolyLevel beneath the affected sections of the walkway, strategically targeting the precise areas where the slab had settled. The foam expanded and lifted the walkway back to its correct position, restoring the surface's evenness.
Once the leveling was complete, the deteriorated wooden expansion joints were removed, and the new NexusPro sealant was installed. This new joint material is flexible, durable, and provides superior protection against moisture infiltration.

Outcome: The PolyLevel injection successfully leveled the walkway, eliminating the uneven surfaces and restoring safety to the area. The NexusPro sealant ensured long-term protection from water intrusion, further safeguarding the walkway against future damage. The homeowner was extremely satisfied with the result, as the project not only resolved the immediate problem but also provided a long-lasting solution that would prevent future issues.

Key Benefits:

Minimal disruption: The PolyLevel process was quick and non-invasive, allowing the homeowner to continue using the walkway shortly after completion.

Durability: Both PolyLevel and NexusPro offer long-lasting results, reducing the need for future repairs.

Aesthetic improvement: The newly leveled walkway and fresh expansion joints enhanced the appearance of the property.

Foundation Repair of CA was able to deliver a tailored solution that met the homeowner’s needs, ensuring the safety and longevity of their walkway.