Restoring Stability to a Sinking Walkway in San Leandro, CA

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview
A homeowner in San Leandro, CA, noticed significant sinking in the concrete and brick walkway surrounding their home. In several areas, the walkway had pulled away from the structure, creating voids that allowed water to seep in and further compromise the stability of the path. This not only posed a tripping hazard but also risked long-term settlement issues due to water intrusion. The homeowner sought a permanent solution to lift the walkway back into place, seal the voids, and stabilize the area for years to come.

The Challenges

Sinking and Pulling Away: The walkway's movement had created voids along the edges where water intrusion could exacerbate settlement issues.

Water Intrusion Risk: Open gaps left the foundation and surrounding areas vulnerable to water damage, requiring a comprehensive seal to prevent future issues.

Safety Hazards: The uneven surfaces posed a tripping risk, emphasizing the need for a quick and lasting repair.

Solution

Solution Provided by Foundation Repair of CA

To address these issues, the Foundation Repair of CA team implemented the following solutions:

PolyLevel Installation

Process: Small port holes were strategically drilled in a grid pattern across the affected areas. A specialized polyurethane foam, PolyLevel, was injected beneath the concrete.
Purpose: This lightweight yet strong foam expanded to fill voids and lift the sunken sections of the walkway back to their original position.
Outcome: The precise lifting eliminated uneven surfaces and restored the walkway’s alignment with the home, stabilizing the area for long-term performance.

NexusPro Joint Sealant

Process: Joint gaps were thoroughly cleaned, and a backer rod was installed where applicable. NexusPro, a flexible silicone-based sealant, was injected into the joints, smoothed, and finished with sand for a clean appearance.
Purpose: This created a durable, watertight seal to protect against future water intrusion.
Outcome: The sealed joints reinforced the walkway’s integrity and protected the foundation and surrounding soil from water damage.

Results
The project successfully addressed the homeowner's concerns, delivering a long-lasting solution to the sinking and separating walkway. By lifting and stabilizing the concrete with PolyLevel and sealing the gaps with NexusPro, Foundation Repair of CA achieved:

Restored Stability: The walkway was lifted and stabilized, eliminating tripping hazards and improving safety.
Water Intrusion Prevention: The sealed joints provided robust protection against future water damage, preserving the foundation’s stability.
Long-Term Durability: Both solutions offered the homeowner peace of mind with a stable and protected walkway for years to come.

Customer Feedback
The homeowner expressed their satisfaction with the results, noting the team’s professionalism and efficiency. They were pleased to see their walkway not only restored but also fortified against future issues.

Conclusion
This San Leandro project demonstrates Foundation Repair of CA’s commitment to providing innovative, long-term solutions for foundation and concrete repair. By combining advanced materials like PolyLevel and NexusPro, the team ensures homeowners can enjoy safe, stable, and protected environments around their homes.