What causes concrete to crack?
Cracked concrete happens when part of a concrete slab breaks and sinks into underlying soil that has compressed or washed away. These cracks aren't just unsightly; they offer moisture a way to seep beneath the slab. Increased moisture can cause the slab to crack further as it sinks into the void left by the washed-away soil.
Poorly Compacted Soil
When your home was built, soil movement around the building site results in poor compaction. Even when the replaced soil is compacted well, it's never as stable as the original soil. Over time, this can cause voids to form and slabs to settle.
Dry Soil
Another cause of soil failure is drought. During dry conditions or even just during periods of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete will dry out and shrink, creating voids. The concrete above eventually cracks and sinks into these empty spaces, especially if any weight is placed on it.
Flooding
When the rains return, the water has an even easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left over from the dry period. And this wet, soft soil is too weak to support the concrete above it. In the worst case, the soil erodes and washes away completely, leaving behind large voids that cannot support the weight of the concrete above.
Cracked concrete needs to be sealed to prevent moisture from seeping into the underlying soil, as do the control joints that were cut between the slabs when they were first poured. While you could seal them with urethane caulk from your local big-box hardware store, that solution is prone to cracking, bubbling, and drying out over time—which means you'll likely be sealing them again, sooner than you thought.
Our Solution: NexusPro
We are masters with concrete repair cracks with NexusPro technology, which is only available from LevelUp and other concrete repair contractors in the Foundation Supportworks® network.
NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant for joints and cracks specially formulated to provide long-lasting flexibility and to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Unlike traditional polyurethane sealants, NexusPro resists UV rays, which means it won't crack, bubble, or dry out. That means a single application can seal the joints and cracks in your concrete driveway, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk for years to come, protecting it from damage caused by soil erosion and washout.
How It Works
Cracks are drilled, smoothed, and prepared with non-absorbent backer rod filler.
The NexusPro sealant is inserted in the prepared crack or control joint.
The cracks are detailed with a thin layer of native sand, giving the concrete a uniform, finished appearance.
Advantages of NexusPro
Our NexusPro cracked concrete solution offers several distinct advantages over traditional sealants:
Durable Solutions for Various Applications
Protect Your Investment
Once your repair is complete, protect your concrete with our SealantPro solution. Unlike concrete sealers available at big-box stores, SealantPro permanently protects concrete with just one application and extends its life up to 5x longer than DIY solutions.
Developed by Foundation Supportworks, SealantPro is a state-of-the-art material that bonds with concrete on a molecular level, permanently protecting it from water, dirt, and other contaminants in a single coat. Once applied, SealantPro dries in minutes and fully cures in just 6 hours so that you can use your driveway or sidewalk the same day. It is simple, fast, economical—and highly effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common questions we get from homeowners about cracked concrete repair.
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What causes concrete to crack?
Poorly compacted soil: When your home was built, soil movement around the building site results in poor compaction. Even when the replaced soil is compacted well, it's never as stable as the original soil. Over time, this can cause voids to form and slabs to settle.
Dry soil: Another cause of soil failure is drought. During dry conditions or even just during periods of warm weather and low precipitation, the soil under your concrete will dry out and shrink, creating voids. The concrete above eventually cracks and sinks into these empty spaces, especially if any weight is placed on it.
Flooding: When the rains return, the water has an even easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left over from the dry period. And this wet, soft soil is too weak to support the concrete above it. In the worst case, the soil erodes and washes away completely, leaving behind large voids that cannot support the weight of the concrete above.
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How much does cracked concrete repair cost?
Our NexusPro solution is cost-effective over the long term because it offers a long-lasting solution, unlike the urethane-based products available at big-box DIY stores that must be replaced regularly. The cost for concrete repair depends on the project's size and application, so don't hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate!
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What is NexusPro?
NexusPro is a silicone-based sealant for joints and cracks specially formulated to provide long-lasting flexibility and to stand up to harsh weather conditions. Unlike traditional polyurethane sealants, NexusPro resists UV rays, which means it won't crack, bubble, or dry out. That means a single application can seal the joints and cracks in your concrete driveway, patio, pool deck, or sidewalk for years to come, protecting it from damage caused by soil erosion and washout.
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How long does NexusPro concrete sealant last?
Because NexusPro is silicone-based, not urethane-based, it won't degrade over time, even when exposed to UV radiation and extreme temperatures. This ensures that it remains flexible and waterproof for years.
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Can NexusPro work with concrete that has been lifted?
Yes. We recommend that our customers seal the cracks and joints of their newly lifted concrete with our NexusPro solution, as it will help protect their concrete for many years.
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Can I repair cracked concrete myself?
You can, but it might not be a long-lasting solution. While you could seal cracks with urethane caulk found at your local big-box hardware store, that solution is prone to cracking, bubbling, and drying out over time. You'll need to be prepared to monitor and re-seal your cracks regularly, as the conditions that led to your cracked concrete will likely happen again. Our NexusPro solution is highly effective and lasts 5x longer than DIY methods, so contact us and see how we can help!
Flexible Financing Options
We offer flexible financing options for homeowners in Indiana. During our visit, one of our specialists will help you find a financing option that works for you for practically any job. Our experts are trained to use every resource possible to get you the best financing rates available.
Need a repair? LevelUp is here to help.
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