Concrete use dates back as far as 12,000 years ago into ancient civilizations. Though innovations and new building technologies have led to the entry of more sustainable and eco-friendly building materials, concrete is still widely used in building roads, dams, bridges, houses, tunnels among other structures.
Concrete is used more than any other manmade material in the world. Unlike steel, it is an inexpensive building material and requires less maintenance due to its excellent durability and performance.
But even with excellent durability, concrete can deteriorate with time due to various reasons. If the problem won’t be detected early or ignored, it could completely damage the concrete. Consider inspecting your floors or structures to find any uneven or sunken concrete, and slab jacking (a process of filling voids in concrete) should help fix the problem.
Causes of Sinking Concrete and How Slab Jacking is Fixing The Problem
Soil Erosion and Poor Compaction
Sinking concrete is mainly due to soft soil getting eroded or poor compaction. Heavy downpours, poor drainage and leaking pipes can lead to massive soil erosion leaving behind a weakened base. The slab eventually succumbs to the weight of concrete and sink. Depending on how big concrete void is, the first thing you’ll probably notice is the cracks if the issue is just beginning. But sunken and uneven concrete is a clear indicator of a weak base.
Shrinkage Due to Change in Soil Water Content
Increase and decrease of moisture content of soil cause soil cements to soften and expand during rainy seasons, and shrink during dry seasons. This shrinkage will form small voids beneath the concrete which are susceptible to slab settlement.
Poor Soil Compaction
When concrete is built on a poorly compacted soil it can cause voids to form over time thus requiring concrete leveling. This is commonly observed on sidewalk pavements and concrete footpaths where there is too much foot traffic.
Benefits of Concrete Crack Repair
Slab jacking should be considered as soon as the problem is detected. This will help you avoid:
- Reduce Further Damage
Concrete leveling can help manage the damage on your concrete eliminating the need for extensive concrete construction. Before a massive sunken concrete is formed, the issue can be easily rectified when the cracks start forming. - Avoid Legal Issues
In case someone gets injured because of your negligence to fix a concrete crack in your property, you are might be liable. As a building owner, you must ensure everyone accessing your property is safe. This means slab jacking sunken concrete and fixing concrete cracks.
Indicators That Your Foundation Needs Reinforcement
A damaged foundation is a risk to you and your family and fixing it early can help you avoid extensive foundation repairs which are so expensive. What are the common indicators of foundation problems.
- Foundation cracks and fractures
- Foundation sinking
- Uneven foundation
- Damp crawl space
- Windows and doors that won’t latch
- Tilted chimney, counters and cabinets
We’ve seen that despite concrete being one of the most durable building materials, it’s still susceptible to damage. Consider conducting regular inspections around your house to spot foundation problems such as cracks on walls and floors.