Raising the Standard in Hastings: Trip Hazard Removed

Challenge

The homeowner contacted us regarding a trip hazard on the front walkway. One of the concrete slabs had experienced differential settlement, resulting in a vertical displacement between adjacent slabs. This posed a significant safety risk — particularly in winter when the hazard could be concealed by snow or ice — and also negatively affected the home’s curb appeal.

Likely contributing factors included:

• Soil erosion and consolidation, especially prevalent in areas affected by seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

• Inadequate water management around the slab perimeter, which may have caused localized washout or soil displacement.

• Age-related deterioration of the original concrete installation, with potential voids forming beneath the slab over time.

While full slab replacement was considered, the homeowner was concerned about the cost, disruption, and downtime associated with demolition and repouring.

Solution

To resolve the issue, we implemented a precision concrete lifting and stabilization solution using high-density polyurethane injection, a proven method for slab remediation.

The process involved:

1. Drilling 5/8” injection ports in select locations across the affected slab to allow for controlled access beneath the surface.

2. Injecting a closed-cell, two-part material beneath the slab. The material undergoes rapid expansion, filling any voids and hydraulically lifting the slab in real time.

3. Monitoring the lift using precision levels, allowing for gradual and controlled restoration of slab height with minimal risk of overcorrection.

4. Sealing the injection sites and ensuring the surface was clean and walkable upon completion.

This method allowed us to lift and re-level the concrete without disturbing the surrounding landscaping or requiring any slab removal.