Will Concrete Lifting Leave Holes in my Driveway?

Yes, concrete lifting involves drilling holes into your problematic concrete slab (such as your sunken sidewalk, driveway, etc). In fact, several holes may need to be drilled for larger concrete areas. The drilled holes usually range from 1 1/2″ to 2 1/2″ inches in diameter in order for grout to be injected underneath the slab.

How are the holes dealt with?

There are different methods of dealing with the holes. One common method: After the hydraulic pressure of the grout lifts the concrete back into place, the machinery is removed and a foam plug is inserted into the hole. Then the concrete is cleaned to remove any debris and dirt caused by the lifting process. The foam is then pushed down and concrete is poured into the hole to seal it.

Is there a process that uses smaller holes?

Yes, usually polyurethane injection procedures allow for a smaller hole to be drilled, often less than an inch. Polyurethane foam, however, is generally more expensive than grout.

Working with a reputable concrete lifting company who has experience and who is adept at filling the holes evenly and smoothly can help reduce the visibility of the holes. The holes are usually somewhat visible regardless, but with time and wear, the color and texture will become more similar to the surrounding concrete.

Considering the cost and time savings as well as the convenience, the holes are a small price to pay, but it is a consideration if you want your concrete to be ‘picture perfect’. Factor this in when making your decision whether to use concrete lifting services.