Concrete Walkway and Patio Repair in Merced, CA

Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

The Problem:

A homeowner in Merced, CA, contacted Foundation Repair of CA with concerns about cracking in their concrete walkways and patio. The cracks were unsightly and raised concerns about the safety and stability of the concrete slabs. Upon conducting a thorough inspection, the team at Foundation Repair of CA identified soil settlement beneath the concrete as the root cause of the cracks, leading to uneven surfaces and widening gaps between concrete slabs.

Solution

The Solution:

Foundation Repair of CA proposed a multi-step solution to address the homeowner's concerns, stabilize the concrete slabs, and prevent further damage.

1. PolyLevel (Foam Injection): The first step was to stabilize the concrete slabs using the PolyLevel foam injection system. This involved drilling small port holes in a grid pattern across the affected concrete surfaces. Through these port holes, polyurethane foam was injected beneath the slabs. The foam expanded to fill voids, lifting the concrete and providing long-lasting support. PolyLevel is a minimally invasive method and provides precise control over lifting, resulting in a level and stable surface. The process also ensured that further settlement would be mitigated, preventing future cracks.

2. NexusPro Joint Sealant: Next, the joints between the concrete slabs were sealed using NexusPro joint sealant. To prepare for this, the team cleaned the joints and removed any obstructions, including old sealant and debris. After placing backer rods in the wider gaps, silicone sealant was injected into the cleaned joints, and the surface was smoothed and finished with sand. NexusPro provides a flexible, waterproof seal that prevents water infiltration, which can exacerbate cracking and settlement.

3. NexusPro Crack Repair: For the existing cracks in the concrete walkways and patio, NexusPro crack repair was used. The cracks were first ground out and cleaned to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant. Then, silicone sealant was injected into the cracks and finished with sand to blend with the concrete surface. While the NexusPro crack repair would not perfectly match the original concrete finish, it provided a strong, durable seal to prevent further deterioration.

4. Concrete Protection System: To further protect the concrete, Foundation Repair of CA applied a light gray DecoShield coating to the surface. DecoShield helps protect the concrete from weathering, staining, and future damage, while also providing a fresh and uniform appearance. The coating is translucent, which can result in slight color variation due to the natural porosity of the concrete.

Results:

By stabilizing the concrete with PolyLevel, sealing the joints and cracks with NexusPro, and applying DecoShield for added protection, the homeowner’s concerns about cracking and uneven surfaces were resolved. The concrete walkways and patio are now stable, level, and protected from future damage, providing both safety and aesthetic improvements to the home.

Products Used:

PolyLevel (Foam Injection)
NexusPro Joint Sealant
NexusPro Crack Repair
DecoShield (Light Gray)

Conclusion:

Foundation Repair of CA successfully addressed the homeowner's concrete issues, providing a long-term solution that not only improved the structural integrity of the concrete surfaces but also enhanced their appearance. With PolyLevel, NexusPro, and DecoShield working in tandem, the homeowner can now enjoy a safe and attractive outdoor space without worry of future cracking or settlement.