Ammar, Author at Top Level

June 13, 2023 Ammar Concrete repair

Clogged Gutters and Leaders: The Hidden Culprit Behind Settled Concrete

Clogged gutters and leaders are often overlooked as potential causes for settled concrete. However, the accumulation of tree leaves, debris, and poor connections can lead to water overflow, puddles, and ultimately, damage to the concrete. In this article, we will explore how clogged gutters and leaders contribute to settled concrete and provide practical solutions to rectify the issue.

Section 1: The Impact of Clogged Gutters and Leaders

Clogged gutters and leaders hinder the smooth flow of water from the roof, causing it to overflow and accumulate near the porch, sidewalk, and driveway. Over time, the accumulated water seeps into the ground, washing away the supporting sand in the substrates. This erosion creates voids beneath the concrete, resulting in settlement and potential structural issues.

Section 2: Identifying the Problem

To determine whether clogged gutters and leaders are causing settled concrete, inspect your property for signs such as water puddles, erosion around concrete surfaces, or noticeable cracks. These indicators suggest that water is not draining properly due to obstruction or faulty connections.

Gutters and Leaders: Unveiling the Hidden Culprit

Section 3: Resolving the Issue of Clogged Gutters and Leaders

There are two primary methods to solve the problem of settled concrete caused by clogged gutters and leaders.

Subsection 3.1: DIY Approach
For those who are handy, purchasing gutter and leader parts from a hardware store can be a cost-effective solution. By installing the new components yourself, you can ensure proper water flow and prevent future settlement issues. However, it is essential to follow installation guidelines and safety precautions.

Subsection 3.2: Professional Assistance
If you are not comfortable with DIY work or prefer expert assistance, hiring a local gutter specialist is a wise choice. These professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience to replace clogged gutters and leaders efficiently. They can assess the situation, recommend suitable replacements, and ensure the proper installation of new components.

Once the clogged gutters and leaders have been addressed, it is crucial to restore the settled concrete. Top Level Concrete, a reputable concrete repair company, offers an effective solution through foam injection.

Section 4: Restoring Concrete with Top Level Concrete

Subsection 4.1: The Foam Injection Process
After providing an estimate and gaining approval, the experts at Top Level Concrete use a specialized technique to raise the settled concrete back to its original level. This is done by injecting foam through small 3/8″ holes strategically placed in the affected areas. The expanding foam lifts the concrete, eliminating the voids created by water erosion.

Subsection 4.2: Finishing Touches
Once the concrete has been restored, Top Level Concrete ensures a seamless finish. They patch the injection holes and seal any joints as required, leaving behind a visually appealing and structurally sound surface.

Conclusion:

Clogged gutters and leaders are often underestimated as potential causes for settled concrete. By recognizing their impact and taking prompt action, property owners can prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of their concrete surfaces. Whether through a DIY approach or with the help of professionals like Top Level Concrete, resolving the issue of settled concrete ensures a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for years to come.

June 10, 2023 Ammar Concrete repair

Concrete Sidewalk Repair & Leveling: Cost and Advantages

Sidewalk repair is a common issue in many cities, including Columbus, Ohio. We use sidewalks daily for walking, exercising, and taking our pets for a stroll. However, it’s also common to see raised concrete walkway slabs that create a dangerous tripping hazard. Thankfully, there are efficient solutions that concrete leveling companies can provide, and finding reliable ones with good local reviews is key.

Sidewalk Leveling: A Quick Fix

One of the most effective solutions for sidewalk leveling is raising the adjacent concrete slab so that both slabs are level, eliminating the tripping hazard. This process is known as foam leveling, or foam jacking, and it involves injecting a specialized foam under the settled or sunken slab to raise it back to its original position. This process is quick, easy, and typically costs around one-third of the cost of replacing the entire sidewalk.

Advantages of Foam Leveling

Aside from the cost-effectiveness, there are other advantages to choosing foam leveling over traditional sidewalk replacement. Firstly, new concrete looks different from old concrete, which can create an unsightly appearance. By contrast, foam leveling blends in seamlessly with the existing concrete, making it an ideal choice for homeowners who want to maintain a consistent look throughout their property.

Additionally, concrete leveling companies that specialize in foam jacking are often better equipped to handle smaller jobs than companies that focus solely on concrete replacement. Foam jacking is a quick process that can be completed in as little as a few hours, while traditional concrete replacement can take days or even weeks. With foam jacking, homeowners can have their sidewalk repaired and back in use in no time at all.

Choosing a Reliable Concrete Leveling Company

When it comes to choosing a reliable concrete leveling company, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, it’s important to check for local reviews and ratings to ensure that the company has a solid reputation. Additionally, it’s important to choose a company that has experience with foam leveling specifically, as this process requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

Conclusion

Overall, sidewalk repair and leveling is an important issue that affects many homeowners in Columbus and other cities. While traditional concrete replacement may seem like the only solution, foam leveling is a quick, cost-effective, and reliable option that offers many advantages over traditional methods. By choosing a reliable concrete leveling company that specializes in foam jacking, homeowners can have their sidewalks repaired quickly and easily, ensuring a safe and beautiful outdoor space for themselves and their community.

May 7, 2023 Ammar Concrete repair, Settlement

Concrete Settlement : What causes concrete to settle

Concrete slabs, driveways, walkways usually are poured on a subbase consisting of ground and sand, even if it is compacted well, throughout time, water seeps from surroundings, green area, or though aged, broken sealants in expansion joints.

Seeping water from joints and surroundings green and will by time, wash the sand in the subbase area and eventually the ground will shift down and create voids and hallow areas under the heavy concrete slab.

Concrete in general is strong under pressure and not tension when we have voids under a flat concrete slab and dynamic movement (car driving on top of it). Almost like a long, thick piece of glass laying flat and applying presence in a certain area the glass will break right away.

Typical, smart solution to fix settled concrete

As we stated in our previous articles about the causes of concrete settlement and the voids build up underneath

In the article, we will explain why foam injection is the best solution to bring concrete back to its original solution.

Unfortunately, my costumers will think immediately of replacing settled concrete which is high in cost and the broken removed concrete is not environment friendly and will obstruct access to the garage for days.

At almost ¼ pf the cost foam injection can solve the problem in 1/10 of the time. When the foam is injected, it spreads in 3 dimensions to fill all the voids and the pushes. The concrete is up to its original states as per sketch one.

Mudjacking vs Polyurethane Foam in concrete settlement repair

Foam weights about 2 ½ lbs./ cab feet.

While mud (liquid concrete weighs about 150 lb./ cubic foot.

If we are solving the problem of settled soil the more weight (mud) the more it will settle, beside (mud) will dissolve with time and push the soil underneath down more.

The foam is very strong and very lightweight. Polyurethane provides a compression strength of about 100 psi, so Polyurethane Foam Concrete Lifting is the best choice.

Why concrete settling?

Concrete slabs, driveways, and walkways usually are poured on a sub-base consisting of gravels and sands, even if it is compacted well, throughout time, water seeps from surrounding green areas or through aged broken sealants in expansion joints.

Seeping water from joints and surroundings green areas will, over time, wash the sand in the sub-base area, and eventually the gravel will shift down and create voids and hollow areas under the heavy concrete slab.

Concrete in general is strong under pressure and not tension

when we have voids under a flat concrete slab and dynamic movement (car driving on top of it). Almost like a long, thick piece of glass laying flat and applying pressure in a certain area the glass will break right away.

May 1, 2023 Ammar Concrete repair

The Importance of Addressing Unleveled Concrete Surfaces When Buying or Selling a House

When it comes to buying or selling a house, there are many factors to consider. One of the most overlooked aspects of a property is the condition of its concrete surfaces. These include driveways, walkways, steps, and porches. Many homeowners are unaware of the potential hazards that can arise from sunken or sloped concrete surfaces. In this article, we will discuss the importance of addressing uneven concrete surfaces and how Top level can help you with quick and efficient solutions.

Uneven Concrete Surfaces

If you are in the market to buy a house, it’s crucial to pay attention to the condition of the concrete surfaces. Settlements, sunken porches, and sloped steps can be a sign of underlying foundation issues. Before making an offer, it’s recommended to have a professional inspection and point out any problems to the inspector. If you decide to purchase the property, you should ask the seller to fix any issues before you move in. If they decide not to, but are willing to deduct the cost of repairs from the purchase price, it’s a fair compromise.

At Top level, we specialize in foam injection, which is a quick and efficient solution to fix unleveled concrete surfaces. This process involves injecting a polyurethane foam underneath the affected area, which expands and hardens, effectively leveling the surface. This technique is eco-friendly, affordable, and can be done within a matter of hours, making it an ideal solution for homeowners who want to address these issues before moving in.

When it comes to selling your house, it’s essential to address any concrete surface issues. Ignored or neglected areas can lead to trips and falls, which can result in liabilities and potential cancellations of purchase contracts. As a seller, you should be proactive in identifying and solving any issues before putting your property on the market. At Top level, we can issue fast estimates and execute the repairs immediately, ensuring that your property is safe and ready to sell.

In conclusion, the condition of concrete surfaces is a critical aspect to consider when buying or selling a house. By addressing these issues, you can avoid potential hazards and liabilities, ensuring a smooth and safe transition for both the buyer and seller. At Top level, we are committed to providing quick, efficient, and affordable solutions to all your concrete surface problems. Contact us today for a free estimate and see how we can help you.

May 1, 2023 Ammar Concrete repair

Trip hazard repair: Let us fix your trip hazard before someone falls and get hurt

-Every time a guest is visiting, we have to worry and come out to wave and warn them to be careful!!!!!
It is a common behavior by almost all households who have a trip hazard situation outside their homes. (Unleveled concrete walkway or sunken concrete step).

-It could be a tree root or a loose gutter and leader that flooded the soil and caused it to seep.

-During the course of our Top level business, we have heard many sad testimonies and stories of loved ones falling and getting injured badly.

-For every household, fixing trip hazards, uneven concrete surfaced, or sunken step is a very important safety responsibility.
Thanks to technology it is easy now.

-At Top Level, we have got a fast, efficient, affordable solution for the above problems.
-We drill very small holes, and inject fiam which, as it interacts underneath, pushes the settled surface and makes it even with the rest.
It is environmentally friendly and customers can use it right away.

-The ADA ( American Disability Act) did identify the trip hazard issues.
⁃ A difference of more than 1/4” between two surfaces is a considered-trip hazard and should be addressed.
⁃ Outside steps should be 7 1/2”
⁃ Anything exceeding 8” could be a trip hazard.
⁃ Avoiding or postponing the trip hazard repair is a risky unsafe wait, because some incidents may accrue at any time we come and leave our houses which may cause devastating and unbearable injuries, especially for older ones.
⁃ As the owner of Top Level company, and with my architectural background and inspection experience, I do appreciate greatly the safety codes we have to follow in building our residential and commercial buildings.
⁃ These codes are very strict and detailed when it comes to steps height and unleveled surfaces,
⁃ Unfortunately, during the pandemic, and the hot home sales market. People sold their houses (As is ) without even a careful inspection which many times shed the light on the trip hazard situations.
⁃ We care a lot about the inside of our house and yet ignore the outside safety walkways and driveways that lead to the inside.
⁃ Personally, every time I finish, and besides the business aspect, I feel very content and relaxed that at least this house because a safe place to live in, and no more trip hazards situations which may cause injury and pain.
⁃ In my faith, removing or trip hazard repair situation is considered a good deed.

Thanks
Ammar krayem
Owner/ manager
Top level

Articles by: Ammar