There are many factors that have an impact on how well concrete holds up over time. One of the most common issues homeowners have with concrete is having it settle, or sink, as the years pass. As this happens, the first question that a property owner asks, is why did my concrete sink?
While the exact reasons can vary upon different factors, the ultimate reason is that the base under the concrete made it a poor-quality location. This may not be due entirely to the chosen spot, but the workmanship that went into preparing the base. To help you understand why it happened a bit better, here are some of the factors to consider:
THE BASE WAS IMPROPERLY COMPACTED.
This is a workmanship error, as the crew that pours the concrete is responsible for making sure the soil, gravel and everything else under the concrete has been compacted firmly enough to support the weight of the concrete that will be poured on top of it.
EROSION OF THE BASE.
If there is any sort of water that can get under the concrete and into the base, then erosion can happen. Erosion is specifically the act of eating away at something solid. Water is the most common cause of this, so make sure any downspouts, water lines, gutters and other places that can cause water to flow around and under the concrete are sufficiently redirected or sealed.
THE EFFECTS OF THE REGIONAL CLIMATE.
Weather patterns, heat, humidity, cold and other aspects of the climate can determine how long your concrete will last in its position. While concrete may seem like it’s made to last forever, the reality is that no matter where it’s poured it will eventually breakdown. The harsher the climate, the faster this can happen. While damage is occurring on the surface, it’s also likely happening underneath as well.
HEAVY VIBRATION.
If the concrete is subject to nearby heavy traffic, or the movement of trains and heavy equipment, the vibration will settle the earth underneath the concrete. Just as shaking a bottle of salt will make the salt settle, the soil of the base under your concrete will do the same from outside vibration.
SLAB CURL.
Just as the name implies, this is when the curing process actually makes the concrete curl a bit. If the top of a large piece of concrete cures faster than the rest it changes the shape slightly, and this can add to the impact of settling.
If you have noticed the concrete settling on your property, then the best action to take is to contact a concrete professional for quotes to fix it. To request a free quote, reach out to Mr. Level today.
