Like with many other home or building improvement areas, no one wants to deal with concrete sinking or settling. Concrete is a strong and durable product, and as such, it’s tempting for some to ignore minor or early signs of such issues, assuming the surface will be protected due to its natural qualities.
At Lift-Up Concrete, we’re here to tell you that you’re putting your structure and your wallet at real risk if you ignore concrete issues and don’t consider solutions like commercial or residential concrete lifting and leveling. These services, which are far cheaper and more efficient than replacing your concrete, can help protect you from multiple risk areas that you may not have even considered. Here are several of the biggest chances you’re taking by ignoring your settled, sinking or otherwise damaged concrete.
Physical Hazards and Safety Issues
For starters, did you realize you might be putting those who occupy your structure at risk by ignoring concrete issues? This is concerning enough if it’s your family or friends we’re talking about in a residential situation, but it could lead to even more severe liability or insurance issues in a commercial or municipal setting.
Concrete settling or other damage leads to tripping and other physical hazards. In public areas, they may cause you to be outside compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Liability issues may even impact homeowners if someone is injured on their property. All of these concerns can be eliminated through basic leveling services, however.
Structural Risks
Concrete settlement can also be a significant risk to the structural and foundational integrity of your home or building. Especially if sinking is seen in driveway and garage areas, it can create issues with pads, footings and other important surfaces.
Similarly, cracks and other damage in concrete allow for moisture and water to infiltrate your foundation. Moisture can create significant soil stability issues, which in turn can have a broad impact on your structure’s foundational qualities.
Home Value
Due to both the above risks and major potential aesthetic concerns, damaged concrete can lead to significantly lowered home or building values. Poor concrete has a direct effect on curb appeal as well as major risks outlined above.
It Only Gets Worse
Worst of all? If you continue to ignore concrete settling or other damage issues, there’s no magical solution around the corner. These issues get progressively worse with time and inaction, not better. All that will happen the longer you continue to push the issue aside is greater and greater damage, to the point where your repairs get more and more expensive.
For more on why failure to address concrete sinking is a major risk, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete today.
