Front Walkway Lift & Level - Caledon, ON
Challenge
This charming family home in Caledon was experiencing a common yet potentially dangerous issue: sinking concrete. Over the years, the front steps and adjoining walkway had gradually settled unevenly due to shifting soils beneath the surface. The resulting visible gaps and misaligned sections created trip hazards right at the entrance — a daily safety concern for the homeowners and their visitors. These imperfections also diminished the home’s curb appeal, detracting from its welcoming appearance.
In Southern Ontario’s climate, concrete surfaces like these face ongoing challenges. Natural soil erosion, freeze-thaw cycles during the cold winters, and moisture fluctuations in the soil all contribute to uneven settling. Without timely intervention, such settling can worsen, leading to cracks, further displacement, and even structural damage. Beyond the immediate safety risks, this often means escalating repair costs and a more invasive remediation process if left unaddressed.
Solution
Understanding the urgency to both protect the family and preserve the home’s aesthetic, Canadian Concrete Leveling was called in to assess and provide a cost-effective, minimally invasive solution. Rather than opting for the traditional approach of full concrete removal and replacement—which is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive—our team proposed using an advanced polyurethane foam injection process.
This innovative technique involves drilling small holes into the sunken concrete and injecting a high-density polyurethane foam beneath it. The foam expands and lifts the concrete slab back to its original level with remarkable precision.
Key benefits of this process include:
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Precision lifting: The foam is carefully injected to evenly raise the concrete without cracking or damaging the existing slab. This preserves the integrity of the walkway and steps.
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Minimal disruption: Unlike full replacement, this method requires only small injection points, leaving the surrounding landscaping intact and avoiding major mess or excavation.
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Fast curing time: The polyurethane foam cures rapidly, allowing the walkway and steps to be ready for use within just a few hours—minimizing inconvenience to the family.
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Long-lasting durability: The foam stabilizes the soil beneath, reducing the risk of future settling and erosion, offering the homeowners peace of mind for years to come.
The outcome was a success on all fronts. The lifted concrete sections were returned to their proper grade, completely eliminating the dangerous gaps and trip hazards that had developed. The walkway and front steps now provide a smooth, seamless transition from the sidewalk to the home’s entrance, enhancing both safety and curb appeal.
The homeowners expressed relief and satisfaction at having a safe, functional entrance without the cost or disruption of traditional concrete replacement. Moreover, the quick turnaround time meant they could resume normal use of their walkway the same day, with no lengthy downtime.
By choosing Canadian Concrete Leveling’s polyurethane injection method, this family avoided expensive and disruptive repairs, gaining a durable solution tailored to the unique soil conditions of their property. This case exemplifies how modern technology can effectively solve common concrete problems while protecting both the investment and wellbeing of homeowners.