Why Does Concrete Sink?
The erosion of soil beneath the slab is the main reason concrete sinks. Because concrete is heavy, it requires a strong support system to keep it intact. When the soil beneath the concrete is compromised, it causes the concrete to sink into the soil. Cracks will appear, and the sinking will worsen if the issues aren’t properly addressed. Sunken and cracked concrete isn’t only unsightly, it can become a safety issue, leading to trip and fall hazards. If you’re experiencing issues with a sinking concrete slab on your Durham property, reach out to Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair. We use cutting-edge methods to quickly and permanently lift and repair concrete slabs in Durham, restoring them to their former glory.
Concrete Settlement Causes
Compromised soil beneath the concrete is the root cause of why concrete slabs settle. To repair the concrete successfully, homeowners need to address the reason why the concrete has settled. The three main reasons concrete slabs settle are:
- Shrinkage and expansion of the soil
- Eroded or washed-out soil
- Improperly compacted soil
Soil expansion occurs when the soil becomes saturated. When the soil dries, it shrinks. As soil goes through this cycle of expansion and shrinkage, it will shift, causing the slab to move with it. When the concrete moves, it settles, cracks, and sinks into the soil. If large amounts of water find their way to the soil beneath the concrete, the soil may erode, leaving empty spaces beneath the slab. The slab of concrete settles into the empty areas, causing sinking and cracking.
It is also possible that the soil beneath your concrete slabs wasn’t compacted properly during construction. Loose soil allows the concrete to move, compressing the soil further and causing the concrete to shift. This causes the slab to sink and crack.
Sinking concrete is a concern homeowners want to address sooner rather than later. If you’ve noticed sinking concrete slabs on your property, you want our Durham-based concrete slab repair experts on your side. Regional Foundation & Crawl Space Repair uses innovative methods to quickly and permanently lift the slab back into its proper position, repairing the cracks.
