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Crew injecting poly into a sidewalk.

Concrete Lifting

If you have sinking concrete around your home, Innovative Basement Authority can lift and restore your concrete to help eliminate trip hazards and pooling water problems.

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Do you worry about walking on your exterior concrete steps, sidewalk, driveway, or patio? Are these areas uneven and full of cracking sunken concrete slabs? These issues are all too common around properties throughout Minnesota, the Dakotas,Burnsville, Rogers, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin. While seeing them is no surprise, sinking and uneven concrete results in unsightly gaps and tripping hazards. But we at Innovative Basement Authority can help you rid your property of these dangers with a state-of-the-art repair method. Read on to learn more about how our team can help, and don’t hesitate to contact us for a free inspection and repair estimate.


Causes of Concrete Damage

It’s normal for soil to be wet or dry depending on the season and weather patterns. But this can lead to problems for concrete structures atop the soil. Saturated soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This ongoing, ever-changing process leads to significant pressure exerted on any above concrete. The concrete can succumb to this pressure and crack, sink, become uneven, and sustain other damage including breaking off entirely.

During the construction of your home, soil that is removed is often used again and backfilled around your home. This also can happen prior to the construction of concrete structures on your property like the driveway, patio, and sidewalk. If the builders did not properly compact or tamp down the soil, various problems can ensue over time as the soil shifts. The region’s silty and clay soils are notorious for significantly expanding when wet and shrinking when dry, so it’s not uncommon to deal with concrete problems like settlement and sinking because of the soil’s drainage issues.

Midwest locations including Minnesota, the Dakotas, Eastern Montana, and Western Wisconsin experience often harsh winters with snow and freezing temperatures. As the days go from warm to cold and warm again, this cycle of freezing and thawing can take its toll on concrete structures. Exterior features like your driveway, sidewalk, and patio are most at-risk because of their constant exposure to the elements. Water from snow, snowmelt, and rain can saturate and freeze in the underlying soil or the concrete itself. This can lead to damage including cracking and breaking off, sinking, and heaving.

Award-Winning Service

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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I am so happy with Groundworks and the crew that came in to fix my water problem in my basement. Schmidy, Bartone and Terrance were awesome….

I am so happy with Groundworks and the crew that came in to fix my water problem in my basement. Schmidy, Bartone and Terrance were awesome. They were very thorough and cleaned up nicely after the work was done. All my questions were answered. They were very informative and kind. Thanks again, Groundworks!

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Josh A, Jason C, and Blake C did a fantastic job encapsulating my crawl space. They were very professional and overall just great guys!

Josh A, Jason C, and Blake C did a fantastic job encapsulating my crawl space. They were very professional and overall just great guys!

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He was very through at my parents house and explained nothing to a T. He was super friendly and had a great professional attitude! Was very …

He was very through at my parents house and explained nothing to a T. He was super friendly and had a great professional attitude! Was very upfront and honest with the his estimate and findings! Would highly recommend

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Dave from Innovative Basement Authority was fantastic! He did a full inspection of a large project, was very thorough, very knowledgeable,…

Dave from Innovative Basement Authority was fantastic! He did a full inspection of a large project, was very thorough, very knowledgeable, and explained each part of the process including all the technical details. He even separated out three different options to consider at my request. Polite, professional, and easy to work with. Thank you Dave!

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Ricky Oudekerk was very friendly and knowledgeable. No pressure and gave us a good deal. We would highly recommend him for any sump pump or …

Ricky Oudekerk was very friendly and knowledgeable. No pressure and gave us a good deal. We would highly recommend him for any sump pump or basement needs.

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Andrew and Ben came out to my place to fill in below the concrete in my garage. They communicated when they were coming and then introduced …

Andrew and Ben came out to my place to fill in below the concrete in my garage. They communicated when they were coming and then introduced themselves as soon as they arrived. They asked if I had any questions before starting their work. They ended up doing a little then originally planned at no cost because they could tell one side of the garage had more settling under the concrete. They cleaned up the area before leaving.

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Ricky was the technician who came out for a maintenance visit for work we had done a few years ago. He did a great job explaining the…

Ricky was the technician who came out for a maintenance visit for work we had done a few years ago. He did a great job explaining the inspection he did and the findings. I'm hoping we can work with Ricky in the future on any further work.

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The guys were quick, thorough, friendly and kept everything clean during the sump install in our crawl space. They thoroughly explained…

The guys were quick, thorough, friendly and kept everything clean during the sump install in our crawl space. They thoroughly explained what they had done and fully answered any questions.

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After a failed attempt by a friend to install new drain tile in my basement, we hired Groundworks. Jarod the estimator was awesome and is…

After a failed attempt by a friend to install new drain tile in my basement, we hired Groundworks. Jarod the estimator was awesome and is a solid, pleasant contact person to deal with. Very happy to have met him as he is and outstanding person. The crew was led by an amazing young man by the name of Ian. He had a work ethic that you just don’t see in this day and age. His crew Skyler and Andreas were awesome and we had zero concerns about them being in our house or about the quality of work they would do. We interacted with all of them, and they are all very pleasant, hardworking young men. Every one of them had great communication skills and kept us informed at every step of the way. I would recommend Groundworks Rush City and Ian and his crew without reservation! Thank you for the hard work guys, you worked your tails off for us, and it is very much appreciated. Chris and Heather

Christopher Lofstuen

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Logan came out to our home to inspect our foundation. He was very knowledgeable, informative and helped my family solve our issue! Thanks…

Logan came out to our home to inspect our foundation. He was very knowledgeable, informative and helped my family solve our issue! Thanks again Logan!

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I would strongly recommend working with Jeremiah project foreman, Andre, and Dion as a construction team. The quality of leadership,…

I would strongly recommend working with Jeremiah project foreman, Andre, and Dion as a construction team. The quality of leadership, process evaluation and workmanship is high – especially on high-risk, labor-intensive projects. End product aside, the gentlemen are all very kind, courteous, and thoughtful and it was an absolute pleasure working with their cohesive team over the course of an intensive week.

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Noah and Alex were informative and did a great job.

Noah and Alex were informative and did a great job.

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We had a drainage system installed in our basement in 2020 after flooding occurred. Everything has been working great, but we scheduled a…

We had a drainage system installed in our basement in 2020 after flooding occurred. Everything has been working great, but we scheduled a maintenance check in spring of 2026, just in case. Michael B. came out to do the inspection and we were impressed with his thorough and detailed work. He identified where the purchased dehumidifier was discharging air against a wall and installed a vent to redirect the discharge free of charge. He clearly communicated his findings from the inspection. We feel confident in knowing how to care for our system moving forward.

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Jackson, Connor and Matt did a great job with the drain tile installation at my office! Very friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

Jackson, Connor and Matt did a great job with the drain tile installation at my office! Very friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

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Robert Palmer, our project consultant, was very personable and professional. He explained our options and shared the technical details for…

Robert Palmer, our project consultant, was very personable and professional. He explained our options and shared the technical details for a lasting repair alternative to complete floor replacement. He respected our decision to collect bids from other contractors before committing to any contractors’ proposal. We really liked that the repairs were within our budget and come with a five year warranty that’s extendible in five year increments and is transferrable to the next home owner.

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Dustin R. (Foreman), Dustin B. and not Dustin- Kieren N. were tasked with coming to KY and putting multiple jacks and push piers on our…

Dustin R. (Foreman), Dustin B. and not Dustin- Kieren N. were tasked with coming to KY and putting multiple jacks and push piers on our house that has had a few additions in its 178 years. They were beyond professional, calling each morning to let us know they were on the way, keeping us apprised of any and all changes. The area for the jacks had to be dug by hand with limited clearance between the ground and joists. The 2nd day they worked in the snow and slush outdoors, in freezing temps hand digging overly saturated ground and muck. The last day was warmer with rain and water had to be pumped out to complete the job. Through all of this they laughed and joked, were cordial and respectful. The front part no longer has spongy spots and some gaps have closed or are much smaller. The work in the back part has us confident the house won't sink and fall apart. Great crew did a great job!!!!!

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Josh A, Greg H, Justin S and Wyatt S were all really great and we love how our basement turned out! Thank you :]

Josh A, Greg H, Justin S and Wyatt S were all really great and we love how our basement turned out! Thank you :]

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Groundworks conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided a custom solution for my specific situation. The team was prompt, courteous,…

Groundworks conducted a comprehensive assessment and provided a custom solution for my specific situation. The team was prompt, courteous, hard working, knowledgeable and efficient. They described the solution, delivered what they described, and addressed all of my concerns.

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Our house was built in 1931 and I was fairly certain it was sinking. I called Brice at Innovative Basement and told him my entire long…

Our house was built in 1931 and I was fairly certain it was sinking. I called Brice at Innovative Basement and told him my entire long theory on what I thought was happening.He was incredibly patient and said that could be happening but quite unlikely, please let me take a look.He drove up to Duluth from Rush City and put my mind at ease when he said, this is super simple, you only need two supports installed.My vision of having to have the house lifted to the tune of 6 figures was put to rest. I had another company take a look and they agreed to assessment but wanted $2000 more for the work. I went with Brice and Innovative.Their crew of Steven W, Codi S and Zane came rolling in and I can say I don't think there is a crew that enjoys their job more, has more fun doing it and is incredibly professional, capable, respectful and put my mind to ease. They know what to do, how to do it and do it right. We had immediate results and I'm so grateful for the referral. I highly recommend them! Five stars for all of them all the way!

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Austin T Brady P and Sam did a great job. Mark and his co-worker were super with outside concrete

Austin T Brady P and Sam did a great job. Mark and his co-worker were super with outside concrete

Is Concrete Lifting the Right Solution for Me?

Concrete is all around your home, including your sidewalk, driveway, patio, garage floor, exterior steps, and interior slab floors. Any cracking and uneven slabs will not mend themselves. They not only make your home look unkempt, but they also are dangerous to anyone walking or driving over them. This is especially true for those with mobility issues. You have a lot to think about as a homeowner, and your safety and that of your family and guests should be a top priority. Keeping all this in mind, it is important to have a reliable repair solution installed to protect your family and home.

Before any repairs, it is also important to understand why concrete experiences problems like cracking and sinking. These and other damages can happen for many reasons, but the root cause typically is the soil underneath the concrete slabs. There are thousands of types of soil throughout the world, and our area has a good mix of clay loam in Bismarck, silty clay loam in Sioux Falls, fine sandy loam in Duluth, silty loam in Rochester, and sand in Eau Claire. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and drainage properties, but all can fall victim to the region’s often wet weather and erode, settle, and heave. When the concrete slabs are no longer supported by underlying soil, they will succumb to settling, cracking, and other damage.

Tackling these problems at the source is the key to long-lasting, effective repair. Outdated methods like mudjacking and repouring do not address problems with the soil. But concrete lifting with PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam injections does. This lightweight but durable material is injected underneath the concrete slabs to fill the void between the soil and the slabs. Once the foam hardens, it simultaneously lifts and stabilizes the concrete and strengthens the soil below, as well. This is generally a fast process, as the foam cures 15 minutes after it is installed. It also is waterproof and will not wash out from under the concrete.

FAQs

Call or click for an appointment. One of our Certified Field Inspectors will come to your home and inspect your concrete. He or she will then sit down with you and explain what caused your issues, how they can be fixed and exactly what it will cost.

No. PolyRenewal is a proprietary product.

Yes. PolyRenewal is made from an environmentally friendly material that is waterproof and won’t degrade over time. This means it won’t leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil.

PolyRenewal cures very quickly. In fact, you can drive your car over a driveway slab just 15 minutes after it’s been lifted with PolyRenewal.

PolyRenewal is cost-effective because it offers a solution that is long-lasting, unlike mudjacking and slab replacement. And your concrete will never cost less to repair than it does right now.

We do not recommend that you try to lift or level sunken concrete slabs alone. Instead, call a professional to get the best results. 

Concrete Lifting Requires Specialist Tools 

Concrete lifting may seem very simple, and while it can be in some cases, it is very often a complex process that unearths unexpected issues at every turn. For this reason, concrete lifting services often need to use specialist tools and equipment to get the best result for their clients. Lifting a single slab into place may be possible with mudjacking, for example, but if the underlying cause is a foundational problem, the issue will become more complex. 

Without addressing the underlying causes of sinking and cracking, any solution will be short-lived at best. The underlying issue will only continue to exert pressure on the newly repaired slab and lead to a recurrence of the sinking. Worse still, it could start to damage more of your property and cause wide-spread issues. Thankfully, you can rely on professionals to diagnose and treat underlying issues. 

Professionals Offer Better Results 

Foundation repair and concrete lifting specialists have all the tools they need to deal with most situations to hand. This means that you can expect a high-quality result from them no matter how complex the issue. 

Likewise, professionals have access to the best products via supply stores or direct from their manufacturers. This means that they can provide you with the most up-to-date solutions for your issue. This not only gives a fantastic result, but will essentially future-proof your home to a certain extent, offering durability as well as quality!  

Why is Concrete Lifting Needed?

Problems with the concrete around your home like cracks and uneven slabs can be harmful in many ways, including the following:

Sinking and uneven concrete

Personal Safety

Uneven concrete can be difficult for anyone to navigate, from young children and the elderly to anyone with mobility issues. Not only can these vulnerable groups easily trip and fall, but anyone could catch their feet on raised edges of concrete slabs and take a spill. Sunken concrete is a problem anywhere, but it is particularly dangerous around a swimming pool.

Cracked and sinking uneven driveway.

Vehicle Damage

Cracking and uneven concrete driveways and garage floors can not only succumb to the weight of vehicles, but they also can lead to vehicle damage. When vehicles have to continuously negotiate bumps and uneven concrete surfaces, the tires and suspension can suffer and require (frequent and often expensive) repairs.

Uneven walkway of a home.

Home Value and Appearance

Along with affecting the safety of your home, cracked and sunken concrete makes your property look bad. Whether you are house proud or not as concerned with the look of your concrete, the fact is that aesthetics matter. This is especially true when it comes to selling your home. It could be more difficult to sell, as buyers could be quickly turned off by unkempt appearances. This also can drag down the value of your home.

Common Concrete Tips & Mistakes

As experienced concrete lifting specialists in the industry, we have heard and seen it all when it comes to concrete problems and repairs. Here are some tips, as well as common mistakes, to consider in your concrete repair journey.

Helpful Concrete Repair Tips:

  • Monitor Foundation Problems: While they are not always related, problems with exterior concrete also could mean problems with your home’s foundation. Issues with both of these areas tend to be rooted in the soil underneath. As an example, if your driveway butts up against your foundation and there are sunken slabs, your foundation walls also could be cracking and bowing inwards. Keeping an eye on all problems around your home is important in catching and repairing them early.
  • Check for Problems with Drainage: Similarly, drainage issues also could be the cause of or caused by concrete problems. For example, if downspouts drain water directly onto concrete, it could cause the soil under and around the slabs to erode and the slabs to sink. And if uneven slabs are near water management systems like downspouts, water can puddle in the sunken areas.
  • Be Aware of Other Concrete Problems Around Your Home: Since the root of concrete issues like cracking and sinking is the soil, various areas with concrete around your home can be impacted. It’s possible to have uneven concrete along your front sidewalk as well as your back patio. Concrete also can sustain other damage in the form of pitting, flaking, and staining. Monitoring all areas of concrete for various problems is a good proactive practice.

Concrete Repair Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Concealing Cracks: It may be tempting to apply caulk or another sealant to concrete cracks in order cover them up so they won’t look so bad. But this is not going to solve the problem of how the cracks got there in the first place. The cracking will only continue, and whatever is used to try to fill the cracks could end up popping out of place and making the concrete look worse.
  • Installing Other DIY Solutions: In the same vein, other DIY attempts also are discouraged. You may have the best intentions, but concrete lifting and other repairs can be tricky and specialized. It’s important to contact a concrete lifting expert like Innovative Basement Authority so the issues can be properly diagnosed and repaired with tailor-made solutions.
  • Investing in Mudjacking: While mudjacking has been a time-honored tradition when it comes to concrete lifting and repair, it is an outdated method that is expensive, time-consuming, messy, and ultimately not effective. Large holes have to be drilled into the concrete to pump a heavy slurry mix under the concrete, and it takes a long time for the substance to cure. The slab and soil underneath also will end up settling again over time.

Providing Expert Concrete Lifting in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Western Wisconsin, and Eastern Montana

Pennsylvania trusts Innovative Basement Authority for reliable basement waterproofing, crawl space, foundation, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

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Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Innovative Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.    

Innovative Basement Authority Service Map

Our Locations

Fargo, ND

1330 41st St. N
Fargo, ND 58102

Minneapolis, MN

6265 Carmen Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

Rush City, MN

1325 S Frandsen Ave
Rush City, MN 55069