Why Concrete Slabs Settle, Crack and Sink
Whether you have a sinking driveway, uneven sidewalk, or sunken patio, the ACS team has the expertise to lift, level and restore your concrete.
Concrete is used for residential driveways, sidewalks and patios due to its durability, strength, and longevity. However, over time, homes in the greater Atlanta area offen experience problems such as settling, cracking, and sinking. Here are the most common causes:
Water Drainage Problems
Water drainage problems can be one of the leading causes of concrete settling, cracking, and sinking. Poor water drainage can cause soil to become saturated, which can weaken the soil’s structure, leading to a lack of support for the concrete slab. This issue can be resolved by improving water drainage around the concrete slab.
Poor Soil Compaction
When soil is not properly compacted before the concrete slab is poured, it can lead to voids beneath the slab. Over time, these voids can cause the slab to settle or crack. To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure that the soil is properly compacted before pouring the concrete slab.
Sudden Soil Washout
Sudden soil washout can occur due to heavy rain or flooding. The water can wash away soil beneath the concrete slab, causing it to settle or sink. This issue can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage around the concrete slab.
Tree Root Growth
Tree roots can cause damage to concrete slabs, leading to cracks or sinking. This issue can be prevented by planting trees away from the concrete slab or by installing root barriers.
Underground Critters
Underground critters such as moles, chipmunks and rodents can cause damage to concrete slabs. They can burrow beneath the slab, causing it to sink or crack. To prevent this issue, it is important to ensure that the soil is free from such pests before pouring the concrete slab.
Substandard Craftsmanship
Substandard craftsmanship during the installation of a concrete slab can also lead to settling, cracking, and sinking. To avoid this issue, it is essential to hire a qualified and experienced contractor to install the concrete slab.
Improper Ground Slope
An improper ground slope can cause water to accumulate around the concrete slab, leading to settling, cracking, and sinking. To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure that the ground around the concrete slab is properly sloped.
Wintertime Frost Heave
Wintertime frost heave occurs when the soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, causing the concrete slab to rise and fall. This issue can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is properly compacted before pouring the concrete slab.
There are many reasons concrete slabs can experience settling, cracking, and sinking due to various reasons such as poor water drainage, poor soil compaction, sudden soil washout, tree root growth, underground critters, substandard craftsmanship, improper ground slope, and wintertime frost heave. The concrete professionals at American Crawlspace Solutions can lift and repair concrete slabs in your patio, driveway and sidewalks.
Why Does Concrete Sink?
There are several possible reasons that a concrete patio, driveway or sidewalk might sink or otherwise become uneven. Most of these reasons have to do with water interacting with the soil beneath the concrete.
Erosion of Washed Out Soil
Soil Compaction
Water Intrusion
Poor Drainage
Key Benefits of Concrete Lifting & Leveling
Stabilizes Soil Under the Slab
Improves Safety and Aesthetics
Often Usable the Same Day
Reduces Trip & Fall Hazards
Cheaper than Replacing Concrete
Our Work is Guaranteed
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