Why Concrete Sinks

Do you have a walkway, driveway or patio that is unlevel? Concrete slabs are notorious for sinking and settling, creating dangerous and unappealing uneven surfaces. While concrete is composed of solidly fused particles, the soil underneath it is not. Water, compaction and settling can all impact the soil structure under the concrete, allowing it to sink and become lower than when it was first installed.

Moisture has a big impact on soil, causing many problems for concrete slabs. One issue is water washout beneath a slab that removes soil. Heavy rains, a plumbing leak and erosion can all allow large amounts of water to travel under concrete slabs. As the water moves, it also moves the soil. Over time, this can diminish the soil levels under your concrete slab, allowing it to sink. Depending on the soil and the water flow, the entire slab can lower, or only part of it. If one side has less support, the slab can crack and become uneven on the surface.

Soil Compaction and Soil Settlement

Another reason that concrete sinks is due to the normal compaction and settlement of soil under the slab. When concrete slabs are poured, soil is often moved to create the area for the slab. If not properly compacted, loose soil will settle due to the weight of the concrete. Soil also settles as a result of fluctuations in moisture levels as it expands and contracts during different seasons.

Some concrete slabs can sink while staying intact, while others will crack and create unlevel areas. Regardless of why the concrete has settled or sunk, to fix the issue you either need to raise the slab or replace it. At Advance Concrete Lifting and Leveling, we offer a quick, lasting solution to repair your sunken, cracked or uneven concrete slabs with our polymer injection lifting technique. Contact us today to learn more about our fast, durable method to raise your concrete surface.