Sinking Concrete Slab

The endurance of concrete slabs is vital for a home’s structural stability. While concrete is inherently robust, it isn’t immune to natural wear and tear. Hence, it’s crucial to implement measures that uphold the quality of concrete slabs, particularly in high-traffic zones or regions prone to harsh weather conditions.

Sunken concrete slabs are more than just a nuisance. They’re a safety hazard and a sign of potential foundation problems. If you see sunken slabs on your driveway, walkway, porch, or inside your home, it’s important to have them repaired right away to prevent further damage and potential injury.

This page provides a detailed look into the causes and effects of sinking slabs and offers insights into the professional concrete lifting solutions provided by Baker’s Waterproofing.

What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab?

A sinking concrete slab refers to a surface that has descended unevenly, resulting in a noticeable dip or crack. This not only poses a potential safety hazard, but it also diminishes the overall visual appeal of your property.

Common signs of damage in sinking concrete slabs may include:

Sinking concrete slabs manifest problems in many concrete structures, including:

Identifying and remedying sinking concrete slabs prevents additional damage and escalated repair costs.

Contact Baker’s Waterproofing at the first indication of concrete damage. Our expertise offers a comprehensive and lasting solution to these problems.

What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Concrete slabs and foundations may sink due various factors, including:

Ground Settlement: Over time, soil issues caused by natural compaction and consolidation of the ground beneath a slab can result in sinking. This is particularly prevalent when fill dirt is improperly compacted, a situation exacerbated during extended dry spells.
Soil Erosion: Issues with water drainage, leaks, or shifts in the soil can erode and wash away the foundational support beneath the concrete, leading to an unstable base and subsequent sinking.
Weather-Related Effects: Heavy rain, flooding, or snowmelt can saturate the soil, causing it to expand and shift. This can lead to instability in the concrete slab above, which can crack, sink, or even collapse. Prolonged exposure to moisture can further erode the soil and weaken its ability to support the slab.
Drainage Shortcomings: Damaged drainage systems like gutters and downspouts can result in the accumulation of excess water on or near the concrete, aggravating underlying soil issues.
Influence of Tree Roots: Growing tree roots cause problems as they displace the surrounding soil, potentially causing slabs to lift and crack. As these roots decompose, voids form in the soil, contributing to sinking slabs.
Impact of Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Repetitive cycles of freezing and thawing in the ground lead to expansion and contraction, putting stress on and shifting the soil beneath slabs.
Oversight in Installation: Mistakes during site preparation, base compaction, slab curing, and pouring can lead to later sinking and cracking of concrete.

Addressing these root causes promptly is crucial in preventing any further structural damage to your home’s foundation.

Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Yes, repairing a sinking concrete slab is possible and crucial, given that severe damage may limit available repair options.

To find a long-term solution to sinking concrete slabs, it’s essential to identify and address the underlying cause. Traditional methods like mudjacking and gravel filling provide temporary relief, but they often lead to recurring problems.

A comprehensive approach is essential to lasting repairs and protection. This means using a holistic solution that addresses all potential causes, such as poor drainage, soil erosion, and foundation failure. Advanced techniques and products, such as our polyurethane foam injection, also to ensure optimal results and prevent future occurrences.

At Baker’s Waterproofing, we utilize the SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ Injection System, a polyurethane injection technique engineered to raise sunken exterior concrete slabs. In cases of foundational concerns, we also implement specialized methods like foundation piers, designed for slab foundations, to provide stabilization and the potential for elevation.

Every home is unique and necessitates its own customized repair approach. Contact our team to determine the ideal solution for your residence.

How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab

When utilizing PolyRenewal™ to raise sunken concrete slabs, Baker’s Waterproofing follows a careful process:

First, we begin with a thorough concrete slab inspection to assess the extent of damage and determine the most effective repair approach.
If PolyRenewal™ is deemed the optimal choice, we mark the affected areas and proceed to carefully drill small holes into the concrete.
Next, we securely position and fasten injection ports into the prepared holes.
We prepare the proprietary closed-cell polyurethane foam and introduce it beneath the slab through the designated injection ports.
As the foam expands, it lifts and reinstates the concrete slab to its original position.
The foam cures for 15 minutes to ensure a durable repair.
Following the curing process, we remove the injection ports and fill and smooth out the drilled holes.
We seal any existing cracks and joints to prevent future damage.
Routine inspections and maintenance are crucial for prolonging the lifespan of the concrete slabs, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.

Baker’s Waterproofing customizes its proprietary products to cater to your individual requirements, ensuring a level of quality and durability that surpasses generic solutions.

Why Address a Sinking Concrete Slab Now

Professional repair of sinking concrete slabs is essential for a variety of reasons:

Safety Hazards: Uneven or sunken slabs pose a significant risk of tripping and falling, especially for seniors, small children, and individuals with mobility challenges.
Continuous Shifting: In the absence of proper repairs, slabs will persistently shift and sink further, exacerbating the issue over time.
Potential Structural Issues: The underlying soil problems responsible for sinking slabs can also result in damage to walls and foundations if not promptly addressed.
Water-related Challenges: Sinking slabs create openings for water to accumulate and seep beneath foundations, leading to moisture-related damage, mold growth, and the emergence of cracks. Exterior concerns like inadequate drainage, flooding, and pest attraction may also ensue.
Aesthetic and Property Value Implications: Cracked or uneven slabs diminish the overall visual appeal of a property and can negatively impact curb appeal. These aesthetic issues may also deter potential buyers.

Our tailored solutions are essential for a thorough resolution, and our specialized products yield superior, lasting results that outshine off-the-shelf alternatives.

Contact Baker’s Waterproofing for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

Dealing with sinking concrete slabs can be costly, but Baker’s Waterproofing offers swift and effective solutions. Our skilled professionals use cutting-edge diagnostics and exclusive products to elevate concrete and prevent future sinking and cracking.

Using the PolyRenewal™ foam injection system, we provide a prompt and accurate method to lift settled slabs. We also offer comprehensive foundation repair options to address associated foundation challenges and ensure lasting protection for your home.

Baker’s Waterproofing has the precise solutions to maintain your home’s safety, stability, and security. Contact us for a free inspection and estimate.

FAQs

How much does it cost to fix sinking concrete slabs?

The expense of repairing a sinking concrete slab is contingent upon factors like its size, the severity of the damage, and the necessary repair methods. At Baker’s Waterproofing, we streamline the process by offering complimentary inspections, obligation-free estimates, transparent pricing, and a range of payment and financing options tailored to your specific needs.

How quickly can a sunken concrete slab be lifted?

Baker’s Waterproofing employs the SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ foam injection technique, known for its exceptional speed and efficiency in lifting settled slabs, often achieving remarkable results in as little as 15 minutes. While the overall project duration is influenced by factors like the slab’s size and damage extent, we can provide a timeline estimate.

Our financing options and maintenance plans are designed to streamline the process, providing peace of mind. The Baker’s Waterproofing team is dedicated to selecting the optimal repair solution that aligns seamlessly with your needs and budget.

Will repaired concrete slabs withstand extreme weather conditions?

Our concrete lifting repairs are designed to endure a spectrum of weather conditions, from heavy rain and flooding to snowfall and dry spells, ensuring steadfast stability and enduring durability. Engineered with water-resistant properties, our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam is fortified against washout and erosion, granting your concrete prolonged support and shielding it from the elements. Rely on our team to evaluate your property and propose a tailored repair strategy. Contact Baker’s Waterproofing to learn more about our concrete lifting and foundation repair services.

_{Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Baker’s Waterproofing does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}