In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basic root causes of concrete settling on your property. Often due to issues with soil below the concrete, but also possible based on certain other concerns, concrete settling is the primary source of damage that often requires concrete lifting and leveling for repairs.
At Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC, we’re happy to offer a wide range of concrete repair services, from residential lifting and leveling to commercial and even municipal services. What are some of the other concrete settlement causes you should be aware of to help you steer clear of them? Today’s part two of our series will dig in.
Moisture Problems
Moisture is another key area when it comes to concrete quality, including the ways it interacts with the soil beneath your slab. We went over soil compaction in part one – a related concern takes place when soils are not compacted in the right ways, leading to the potential for water oversaturation during storms or other events.
With optimal moisture, the soil below your concrete will become cohesive within itself and resist movement or cracks. With too much moisture, however, the soil will turn to mud and become too soft, unable to resist sinking risks. On the flip side, if the material is too dry, it won’t bind together and will also risk sinking.
For these reasons, it’s important to work with concrete professionals who understand how to moderate moisture content in and below slabs.
Erosion Issues
Another soil-related concern here is erosion, which often takes place in areas like Utah due to varying weather patterns. We’ll go through long periods of drought here, but then will also deal with significant winter snows and other moisture – this makes soils more prone to expanding and shrinking, but also to eroding entirely. This often takes place over time as soil is weakened and then eventually washed away, leaving concrete surfaces with no support and at risk of sinking or settling.
Weight and Stress
Finally, often exacerbating existing soil or related concrete issues is the presence of heavy loads or weight on the surface. While healthy concrete slabs are meant to stand up to significant vehicle or other pressure, those that are at risk of cracks or other damage due to soil conditions will only be at greater risk when major weight is on top of them. This weight will often exacerbate existing concerns, allowing surface damage to get even worse while water makes its way down to your concrete soil.
For more on the common causes of concrete settling on your property, or to learn about any of our concrete lifting and leveling services, speak to the staff at Lift-Up Concrete Lifting LLC today.
