limiting concrete sinking risks

Limiting Concrete Sinking Risks on Your Property

Because concrete sits on a base surface generally made of some combination of soil and other materials, one of the long-term risks for any concrete area is sinking. Often caused by settlement in the soil or base of the concrete, sinking can lead to not only aesthetic integrity concerns on your major concrete surfaces, but also significant and potentially costly hazards.

At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we provide residential and commercial concrete lifting and leveling services for surfaces experiencing sinking due to settlement or other possible concerns. While you may not always be able to 100 percent prevent sinking risks in or around your concrete, there are absolutely a few important areas you can make an impact in – let’s look at several where you can significantly lower the potential for concrete sinking and possible costly concrete repair services.  

Rainwater Downspouts and Runoff

For starters, one of the most common causes of concrete sinking concerns is the presence of moisture in the wrong places. When enough water is able to penetrate deep into concrete, including to below its surface and into its soil foundation, it can make significant changes in the soil structure that permeate back up to the surface. This leads to not only sinking concerns, but also concrete cracking and other potential damage.

To avoid this, ensure your downspouts and water runoff system are in proper working order – and directed in the right ways. All gutters should be checked for leaks and pointed in such a way that they move rainwater far away from concrete slabs, ideally into the yard. We also recommend checking the edges of your concrete slabs regularly, especially during any rain or snow, to ensure that water isn’t pooling up or seeping underneath into the foundation. If needed, pack any open areas with extra soil to limit this risk.

Joint and Crack Sealing

Concrete joints are helpful additions that help mitigate the risks posed by shrinkage and expansion. These joints, plus any minor cracks that develop over time, need to be sealed so they don’t allow moisture in.

Trees and Root Systems

You may not have considered it, but the trees on your property – and their roots, more importantly – may impact your concrete surfaces. Roots near any concrete areas may organically grow into base or soil areas, leading to soil changes and often to sinking concerns. If you’re planting new trees, keep a safe distance from any concrete area. If you have previous trees that are showing these concerns, speak to our pros about some tools at your disposal.

Leveling Services

Finally, in cases where minor areas of sinking or any uneven surface has developed, be proactive and call our team for basic leveling services. These will be affordable and simple for such small concerns, but will prevent expanding cracks or other issues that will become far more costly in the future if left unchecked.

For more on limiting the risks of concrete sinking on your property, or to learn about any of our concrete repair services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.