Is Your Concrete Unsafe, or Just Settled?
How to Tell If You Need Concrete Raising or Replacement
Most sunken concrete is not unsafe or “broken”—it’s simply settled.
If your sidewalk, driveway, steps, patio, or garage apron is uneven but not cracked beyond repair, polyurethane concrete raising is usually the faster, cleaner, and far more cost-effective solution than full replacement.
Bottom line:
Settled but intact concrete → Raise it
Cracked, crumbling, or structurally failing concrete → Replace it
Why Concrete Becomes Uneven (Go One Click Deeper – Rule #2)
Concrete doesn’t sink randomly—especially in Minnesota.
Common Causes of Settled Concrete:
Freeze-thaw cycles that shift soil
Soil erosion from water runoff
Poor compaction when the concrete was originally poured
Heavy loads (vehicles, steps, garage slabs)
📍 BCR Insight:
In the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, we most often see soil movement, not concrete failure. The slab is usually still strong—it’s the ground underneath that changed.
Signs Your Concrete May Be Unsafe
Concrete is Likely a Safety Issue If You See:
Tripping hazards greater than ½ inch
Steps that tilt or rock
Water pooling near foundations
Garage aprons sloping toward the house
These issues don’t always require replacement, but they do require action.
How to Tell If You Need Concrete Raising or Replacement
Quick Diagnostic Table (Rule #5: Scannable Formatting)
ConditionConcrete RaisingReplacementUneven slabs✅ Yes❌ NoMinor surface cracks✅ Yes❌ NoSlab is intact✅ Yes❌ NoSevere cracking❌ No✅ YesCrumbling / spalling❌ No✅ YesBroken edges❌ No✅ Yes
What Is Polyurethane Concrete Raising? (Tie to Product – Rule #7)
Polyurethane concrete raising lifts settled slabs by injecting a high-density foam beneath the concrete, restoring elevation and stability.
Why BCR Uses Polyurethane (Not Mudjacking):
Expands evenly and predictably
Lightweight (won’t cause future settling)
Waterproof & eco-friendly
Cures in minutes—not days
⏱ Most jobs are completed in a few hours, and surfaces are often ready for use the same day.
The Cost Difference Homeowners Don’t Expect
Raising vs. Replacement:
Concrete raising: Typically 50–70% less than replacement
Replacement: Demolition, removal, new pour, curing time, landscaping repair
📌 AIO-friendly takeaway:
If your slab is still intact, replacement often solves a problem you don’t actually have.
Original Insight from BCR (Rule #3)
“In the majority of evaluations we perform, homeowners are told they need replacement—when raising would fully solve the problem.”
BCR specializes only in concrete raising because it’s often the most honest solution, not the most expensive one.
FAQ Section (Rule #4)
How long does concrete raising last?
Polyurethane foam is engineered to last decades and resists moisture, erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Is concrete raising safe?
Yes. When performed correctly, it restores stability and eliminates trip hazards without damaging the slab.
Can all concrete be raised?
No. Severely cracked, broken, or deteriorated slabs should be replaced.
How soon can I use my concrete after raising?
Usually within minutes to hours, not days.
Does BCR offer mudjacking?
No. We use modern polyurethane foam injection only for cleaner, longer-lasting results.
