Patio Concrete Leveling at Toronto Retirement Facility

The Challenge

Settled patio created trip hazards for elderly tenants.

In Toronto, Ontario, a retirement facility faced settlement issues on a patio located on the north side of the building. This outdoor space was more than just a walkway, it was a central gathering area for social events and daily use by tenants. Unfortunately, the 1-2 inches of settlement had caused uneven concrete, creating dangerous trip hazards. For a retirement home where residents are especially vulnerable to falls, this presented a safety risk and a major liability for the facility’s management. Additionally, the facility had previously hired another contractor to perform concrete grinding to smooth out the uneven surfaces. While grinding temporarily reduced some height differences, the underlying soil problem continued to worsen. What the facility needed was not a cosmetic fix, but a long-term solution that addressed the cause of the settlement at its source.

Key Facts

The Solution

Polyurethane injection concrete leveling to rescue the patio.

Groundworks assessed the patio and recommended polyurethane injection concrete leveling as the most effective method of repair. Technicians strategically drilled small holes into about 350 feet of affected slabs. A specialized polyurethane was then injected beneath the patio in its liquid state. The polyurethane then reacted and expanded, reestablishing soil connectivity and gently lifting the slabs back to grade.

The Impact

Trip hazards mitigated in a day.

Unlike concrete grinding, polyurethane injection resolved both the surface level hazards and the underlying soil loss issues. The process was minimally disruptive, required no demolition or removal of the patio, and was completed quickly without disturbing the residents. The project was completed in just one day, immediately restoring the patio to a safe and level condition. The elimination of trip hazards provided peace of mind to facility management, knowing that both residents and visitors could use the space without risk. By choosing polyurethane injection, the retirement facility gained a long-term solution that stabilized the concrete slabs, reduced liability, and preserved the value of the property, all while minimizing disruption for the residents who rely on the patio every day.