Concrete Repair Solutions in Stoneham, MA

Monday, April 28th, 2025 by Marcus Girard

Challenge

Concrete often sinks and cracks over time due to shifting soil, which creates voids beneath the surface. This can be particularly challenging for homes with extensive walkways and large patios. To address these issues, a homeowner in Stoneham, MA, contacted Erickson Foundation Solutions. The homeowner faced three distinct problem areas: a walkway by a staircase leading to the driveway that had sunk 2.5 inches, creating a trip hazard; a front walkway that was in good condition but lacked protection against future damage; and a back patio that was slightly sunken and cracking.

Our System Design Specialist, Chuck Benedict, conducted a thorough inspection of the property. He took precise measurements and paid close attention to details, such as the joint sealant that had dried out, flaked, and lost its sealing effectiveness. Based on his findings, Chuck recommended a custom-tailored solution to meet the homeowner's specific needs. This solution included:

130 lbs of PolyLevel - Lifts, levels and stabilizes concrete
27 ft of NexusPro - Seals cracks and joints
610 sq ft of SealantPro - Defends against concrete water damage and chemical absorption

By implementing these solutions, the homeowner can prevent further sinking and cracking, ensuring the longevity and safety of their concrete surfaces.

Solution

It was evident that the sunken slabs needed precise elevation and leveling to restore safety and usability. To address these challenges, our dedicated production team, led by foreman Kris Sergi, applied the PolyLevel system, a high-strength polyurethane foam solution ideal for such concrete repairs. We drilled pea-sized holes strategically in the walkway and patio slabs and injected the PolyLevel foam. As the foam expanded and cured, it precisely lifted the sunken areas back to their intended positions, seamlessly resolving the height disparity without requiring large, intrusive renovations. This resulted in a perfectly level and stabilized walkway and back patio, reinstating the safety and function of these areas.

Following the installation of PolyLevel, the team applied NexusPro to the joint connecting the concrete walkway to the staircase and the cracks in the patio. NexusPro's advanced formulation provides enduring protection by preventing water infiltration and soil washout from beneath the slabs. Unlike the previous sealant that decayed, NexusPro is formulated to resist UV rays, thereby preventing the sealant from drying out and deteriorating over time.

The last portion of this three-part process is applying SealantPro to the concrete. This specialized product is known for its ability to extend concrete lifespan by creating a protective barrier against water and chemical absorption. Unlike typical sealants that may degrade over time, SealantPro® penetrates and chemically bonds with the concrete, offering long-lasting protection. The team carefully cleaned and prepared the surfaces to ensure optimal product adhesion. With meticulous attention, SealantPro® was applied, and within a short timeframe, the concrete was shielded with a clear, strong, and permanent barrier—marked temporarily with a colorant to confirm coverage. This demonstrates that, despite the front walkway being fully functional prior to the intervention, the homeowner now enjoys the assurance that their walkway is safeguarded for the long term.

Before departing the site, the crew conducted a thorough cleanup and a final walkthrough with the homeowner. This time was used to showcase the completed work and address any questions the homeowner had regarding the installed products. The homeowner was highly pleased with the project's outcome and felt reassured knowing that his concrete patio and walkway were now safe and durable.