Concrete floors are a great option for homeowners. They can polish the floor, put a rug on it, or even lay laminate or tiles on top. Concrete can resist scratches from heavy furniture and pets, can be customized, and is durable. Unfortunately, despite its longevity, concrete floors are susceptible to cracking and sinking. This is because the soils beneath concrete can move and shift over time! Through no fault of the concrete, soil conditions below the slab may be constantly changing. Read this article to learn about the soil changes that cause concrete to sink and how our concrete floor leveling service can stop the issue in its tracks.
How Soil Conditions Affect Concrete Floors
The conditions of the soil that supports your concrete can affect both its appearance and structural integrity. Here’s how:
- Soil Erosion: Soil erosion can occur as a result of heavy rain and other harsh weather events that can wash away soil. Additionally, soil erosion can occur if the grade of your yard pushes water toward your home. It may also happen because of plumbing leaks. Whether it’s a small drip or a total pipe break, plumbing leaks can lead to devastating erosion beneath the home.
- Expansion and Contraction: All soils, but especially clay soil, expand and contract depending on its moisture content. When dry, soil tends to shrink, pulling away from the bottom of a concrete floor. When wet, especially after a heavy rain, a flooding event, or during snow melt, soil absorbs water and expands. This expansion causes the soil to push up against concrete floors.
- Poor Soil Compaction: Before foundations or concrete floors are laid, soil compaction is usually performed. This helps prevent differential settlement and increases the soil density. When poorly compacted, the soil is more likely to shift under the weight of your home.
Signs Of Concrete Floor Damage
If soil movement is taking place beneath your slab, then you will likely notice one or more of the following signs:
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Flooring lifting or pulling away
- Cracks in the concrete floor
- Cracks in the walls
- Gaps between the floor and the wall
- Windows and doors that won’t close correctly
How Concrete Floor Leveling with Polyurethane Injection Works
Our concrete floor leveling service does more than stabilize floors, it stabilizes the soils below too. By stopping soil movement beneath concrete slabs and filling voids, further damage to the floor is mitigated. The service is fast, minimally disruptive, and does not require excavation. Here is how it works:
- An inspection of your concrete floor is conducted. During the inspection, areas of concern are marked.
- Small injection holes are drilled into the concrete floor. In some cases, these injection points may be outside. The location of injections varies based on your home’s specific needs.
- After holes are drilled, rods may be placed. Rods are placed into the holes when polyurethane needs to reach greater depths in your soil. In some cases, the polyurethane may be injected directly under the concrete slab through the holes.
- The polyurethane moves as a liquid under the slab or into the soil. It then expands, stabilizing soils and lifting your sunken slab back to grade. This is all completed under the watchful eyes of the Mr. Level team, ensuring proper grading.
- After the job is completed, the holes in the floor are patched. Polyurethane cures quickly, and in most cases, you can walk on your floor again immediately after.
Why Mr. Level?
When it comes to protecting your home, choosing the right team makes all the difference. That’s why homeowners across Ohio trust Mr. Level: a crew known for honest service, strong reviews, and years of hands-on experience with soil-related damage and concrete floor issues. If you’ve started to notice sinking floors, cracks, or signs of soil movement beneath your slab, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Contact the Mr. Level team today for a reliable assessment and our long-lasting solution: concrete floor leveling.