Causes, Effects, and Solutions for Concrete Sinking
The main cause of concrete sinking is poor installation.
Most homeowners prefer using concrete on their pavements and driveways because it's eye-pleasing, long-lasting, and economical to install. However, concrete's common downside is that it's prone to sinking, leaving the floor unsightly and uneven.
Let's discuss what causes concrete to sink, the effects, and the solutions.
What causes concrete to sink?
Concrete can sink for various reasons. Some of them include:
Improper installation: When concrete is installed over an unsteady base, such as loose aggregates or soft soil, it lacks weight-bearing capacity and will sink over time. Also, using an incorrect water-to-concrete ratio results in a weak concrete mix that's unable to withstand excessive weight.
Water seeping into the slab: When water forms pools, a good portion seeps beneath the concrete and washes away the soil that forms the base. This leaves empty spaces, which weaken the concrete, causing it to sink. Alternatively, in areas with extreme temperatures, water beneath the concrete freezes and expands in cold seasons and contracts during warm seasons. This activity leaves voids behind, and applying weight to such concrete causes it to sink.
Excess weight exceeding the design: Most concrete designs help to distribute weight evenly on the base. However, the base gets compressed when the weight exceeds the concrete's capacity. This causes the slab to sink.
Effects of sinking concrete
Concrete sinking often leaves an uneven surface, making it challenging for homeowners to walk on it without tripping, and can cause serious injuries. Or when it happens in driveways, vehicle tires become easily worn out.
Also, when concrete sinks and results in cracks and uneven ground, it robs a property of its aesthetic beauty. Sometimes, concrete sinking also disrupts water drainage, causing pooling in some areas.
Solutions for sinking concrete
Although concrete sinking is a common problem that most homeowners experience, it's possible to avoid it using the following measures:
Stabilizing the soil before installation: Homeowners should consider soil grouting and compaction if the soil is weak. The process involves injecting cement into the soil to increase its density. However, before using this method, homeowners should consult a professional to assess the soil condition and determine the extent of stabilization needed while observing the integrity of other structures.
Lifting the sunk concrete: This is done through slab jacking or mud jacking. It involves blending cement, soil, and other mixtures, drilling holes into the sunken concrete, and injecting the mixture beneath the concrete until it rises to its original level.
Sealing joints and cracks: Joints and cracks can cause water to penetrate beneath the concrete, resulting in sinking. In such cases, homeowners should seal cracks and joints with silicone caulk or polyurethane. If the sides of the concrete have openings, cover them with soil to prevent water from seeping through.
Talk to a professional
The main cause of concrete sinking is poor installation. To prevent this, homeowners should contact professionals to correctly assess the area and install concrete. They can also help repair sunk concrete and take measures to prevent the issue from recurring.
Accurate Builders of the Chesapeake provide foundation, basement, and crawlspace installation and repair for the greater Baltimore area homeowners.
