Concrete Settlement in The Maritimes: Common Causes and Effective Solutions
Concrete settlement is a common issue faced by property owners in The Maritimes. Our cold and wet winters, unpredictable springs, and humid summers take a toll on concrete slabs, leading to sinking and settling. While concrete is durable, it is not invincible, and signs of settlement are evident through cracks, uneven surfaces, and other structural issues. Fortunately, there is a quick and long-lasting solution - polyurethane concrete Lifting. But you may be wondering, why are my concrete slabs sinking and settling in the first place? The concrete experts at Maritime Concrete Lifting are here to tell you! Let's explore the reasons behind concrete sinking and settling in Atlantic Canada and how our polyurethane concrete lifting method can resolve the problem efficiently. Read on to learn more!
What is Concrete Settlement?
In its most straightforward terms, concrete settlement refers to the gradual sinking and settling of a concrete slab into the ground. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors, all of which ultimately lead to similar problems. As concrete sinks and settles, it becomes increasingly uneven and develops cracks, posing significant safety hazards for anyone using your property. Concrete settlement can have far-reaching consequences, potentially causing severe structural damage to buildings, particularly foundation slabs. This structural degradation may eventually lead to a catastrophic collapse if left unaddressed. Now that you know what concrete settlement is and the problems it can cause, let's take a look at some of the most common causes of it.
Too Much Moisture in the Soil
Water is the primary culprit behind concrete settlement. Heavy rain or flooding can cause the soil to become soft or wash away, leaving voids beneath the concrete slabs, leading to sinking and uneven surfaces. The freeze/thaw cycle during winters also contributes to settlement. Water present in the soil freezes and thaws, causing shifting and weakening of the ground's support for the concrete. Inadequate grading around the foundation and improperly placed downspouts can result in washouts, leading to similar issues.
Soil That is Too Dry
On the other hand, soil that is too dry can also cause concrete settlement. During periods of drought, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the concrete slab, creating voids that the slab settles into, causing cracks and uneven surfaces. Additionally, when soaked by heavy rain, dried-out soil causes the ground to shift, leading to further settlement. Tree and shrub roots too close to the slab can exacerbate this issue, as they absorb moisture from the soil, causing it to dry out and the slab to sink and settle.
Poor Soil Compaction
Soil compaction is a critical step during construction, providing a strong base for the concrete slab. However, some types of soil do not compact well, including clay soils, those with high salt content, low pH soils, and soils with high water content. Inadequate soil compaction during construction allows the soil to compress and settle over time, creating voids beneath the concrete that cannot support its weight. This lack of support causes the concrete slab to sink, settle, and crack.
How To Fix Sunken and Settled Concrete
Although preventing concrete slabs from sinking and settling is nearly impossible, there is an effective way to address the issue and prevent further damage to the slab. Polyurethane concrete lifting! Polyurethane concrete lifting, also known as foam jacking or slab jacking, is the most effective way to raise sunken and settled concrete. Our polyurethane concrete lifting method offers a quick, simple, and noninvasive solution. We drill dime sized small holes in the concrete slab and inject polyurethane foam into the ground below. The foam expands rapidly, compressing loose soils and raising the concrete slabs to their original level. Once the job is completed, the holes are sealed, and the cured foam provides a durable, long-lasting solution. Smaller jobs like driveways, walkways, sidewalks and patios take just a few hours, and the lifted area can be used almost immediately. Polyurethane foam concrete lifting offers numerous benefits, ensuring a stable and level concrete surface. It truly is the most effective way to lift and level sunken and settled concrete slabs.
Maritime Concrete Lifting is Your Trusted Concrete Lifting Partner in Atlantic Canada
With a deep understanding of the various causes of concrete settlement, Maritime Concrete Lifting specializes in polyurethane concrete lifting services throughout The Maritimes. With years of experience in the industry, we have earned a reputation for providing high-quality concrete levelling solutions to homeowners, business owners, municipalities, and industrial clients in Atlantic Canada. If you are dealing with a sinking slab on your property, our team of concrete repair experts is here to help. Contact us today for a free estimate on your concrete lifting project, and we'll have your property level again in no time!