Whether due to poor installation in the past or changing environmental surroundings, one of several possible issues with concrete slabs over time is the potential for sinking. Often due to soil settlement or related issues below the concrete slab itself, sinking and similar concerns can lead to everything from safety hazards to major financial issues.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC, we’re here to help. We offer a wide range of residential, commercial and municipal concrete lifting and leveling services, servicing a variety of sunken concrete slabs or other settlement issues. One major tip we offer any client who has undergone this process: Resist any temptation to ignore or put off concrete repair needs for sinking issues. Today’s blog will detail why this is so important.
Safety Considerations
First and foremost, ignoring or waiting on concrete repairs for sinking concerns often leads directly to safety hazards and related risks. Whether on a residential or commercial property, uneven and sunken concrete can be a major tripping hazard, especially when present on common walkways.
These safety hazards will not only be present for you and any other common users of the property, but also guests. If third parties are injured on your property due to sunken concrete issues you’ve ignored, you could be held liable for their injuries.
Property Value
In addition, homes or buildings with major concrete sinking issues on the property will see their value lowered as a result. These areas play a big role in what real estate pros would call curb appeal, or numerous visual elements that help make a first impression on prospective buyers during a sale situation.
Luckily, concrete lifting and leveling services restore not only practical areas of concrete slabs, but also aesthetic areas. They leave your concrete smooth and level to present a strong visual impression.
Moisture Infiltration and Structural Issues
On top of the concerns above, sunken concrete also often tends to crack or form gaps based on gravity’s pull and other factors. When this happens, it’s far easier for moisture to infiltrate the concrete, further destabilizing soil and worsening the issue. When this happens near structural areas of the building, such as footings and pads, the entire structure’s integrity could be threatened.
It Gets Worse
Finally, one broad reality that applies to each of the areas above: If you leave sunken concrete alone, the issues will do nothing but worsen. Moisture infiltration and further soil settlement will only grow more significant the longer they’re allowed to run rampant – eventually, your concrete may be damaged to such a point that you have to replace it entirely.
For more on why you absolutely should not ignore or put off concrete repair for sunken surfaces, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting, LLC today.
