Many residential properties have concrete surfaces- from driveways and sidewalks to garage floors. Overtime, even with care and maintenance of the home or property, these concrete structures may begin to sink, settle, and crack. Why would that happen if a homeowner has stayed on top of maintenance and repairs? Well, sometimes it is completely out of their control. Let’s explore why residential concrete sinks and how Mr. Level’s concrete leveling services can help resolve this problem.
Why Residential Concrete Damage May Happen
Residential concrete may sink, settle, crack for a variety of reasons. Here’s what may be causing it:
- Soil Loss: Soil loss can occur underneath concrete slabs from extreme weather and flooding events, high water tables, or even unknown plumbing leaks. Overtime, water saturation can carry away soil, causing voids to grow and the slab to sink.
- Improper Installation: Improper installation can allow concrete to sink or settle. Incorrect installation may include soils that were not properly compacted. As the soils shift beneath the weight of the concrete, the slab may settle, sink, or crack.
- Natural Wear and Tear: Like any material, concrete ages. Over time, exposure to the elements and everyday use—such as vehicle parking, heavy impacts, weather, or repeated foot traffic—can lead to surface wear and eventual settling.
- Poor Drainage: Water pooling on top of concrete or in the soils surrounding concrete indicate poor drainage. Unfortunately, these puddles can damage concrete over time, causing cracks or spalling.
Mr. Level’s Residential Concrete Leveling Services
At Mr. Level, we offer polyurethane injection, an ideal solution for leveling settled and cracked concrete slabs. Here’s how it works:
- An inspection is conducted of the property and especially the sunken concrete.
- An injection plan is formulated based upon the specific needs of the concrete and soil.
- Holes are drilled and injection rods are placed.
- A high density polyurethane foam is injected into the soil beneath the slab.
- The foam expands, filling voids, and forming a dense soil polyurethane matrix.
- The slab is lifted.
Throughout the entire process, the slab is closely monitored with tools like levels or laser levels to ensure that the slab is returned to grade, trip hazards are resolved, and the slab is not damaged further.
Concrete slabs settle for many reasons—whether it’s shifting soil, poor drainage, or simple wear over time. The good news is, you don’t have to live with uneven, unsafe concrete. Mr. Level specializes in lifting and leveling residential concrete quickly and effectively. Contact us today for a free assessment and see how we can restore your concrete without the mess of replacement.