Homeowners Foundation Engineers Network

PolyPier Brings a Sidewalk Back to Level

Picture of someone with a level

A sinking sidewalk isn’t just an eyesore; it’s also a tripping hazard. PolyPier® will get your sidewalk back on level ground.

Picture of sinking sidewalk concrete
Sinking sidewalk concrete is a tripping hazard.

The PolyPier® system provides a new, state-of-the-art solution to an age-old problem: sinking or settling concrete.

Virtually every type of concrete flatwork will be susceptible to sinking if the supporting soil is loose, weak, or prone to compression. 

Concrete also will sink when support soil is washed away.

Don’t set yourself up for a costly lawsuit by not repairing the sidewalks in front of your home. Since sidewalks are the homeowner’s responsibility, settling or sinking sidewalks need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Depending on the circumstance and local laws, you may be liable if someone is injured on your sidewalk. 

Why PolyPier?

Before and after images with a tape measure showing the inches that concrete has been lifted.
PolyPier® polyurethane foam can lift sidewalk concrete back to its level position.

The PolyPier® system is the answer. PolyPier® is a polyurethane product launched by ECP in January 2018. Polyurethane is a flexible foam product.

The PolyPier® concrete-specific geotechnical foam system is lighter in cubic foot weight than traditional cement slurries, easier to apply, less intrusive, and much more simple to clean up. 

It’s less invasive than the traditional method of mudjacking and is more cost-effective than total concrete tear-out and replacement.

How Does PolyPier Work?

When using Polypier®, small holes (less than an inch in diameter) are drilled into the sidewalk to be used as injection points.

Polyurethane foam is injected through the holes, filling space and voids beneath the sidewalk.

Once enough foam has been injected, the foam then raises the concrete to its original level position.

PolyPier® is specially formulated for sub-grade use. There are systems available to perform in both wet and dry soil conditions.

Blue jean wearing legs with brown shoes walking on sidewalk with green grass and a tree in the background.
A level sidewalk provides curb appeal and safety for homeowners.

All PolyPier® systems are tested per ASTM test methods, which include (but are not limited to): density, compression strength, tensile strength, dimensional stability, closed-cell content, water absorption, and shear strength.

All PolyPier® systems are closed-cell by design, which reduces or eliminates water infiltration around slab sections.

Voids or cavities under the concrete that may have been created by improperly compacted soils or poor drainage can be filled with the PolyPier® foam to ensure no further settlement occurs.

Bring your sidewalk back to level with the PolyPier® system from ECP.

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