How to Identify The Signs of Concrete Settlement in Atlantic Canada
As summer gradually bids farewell to The Maritimes, it's the time of year when you're likely preparing your property for the upcoming winter season. After enduring a dry spring and an unusually wet summer, you might have noticed some unsettling issues with the concrete slabs surrounding your home or business. The climate in Atlantic Canada can take a toll on these concrete slabs, leading to gradual sinking and settling. This isn't just an aesthetic concern; it poses significant safety risks to anyone using your property. So, what exactly causes concrete settlement in Atlantic Canada, and how can you address it? In this blog post, we'll delve into the signs of concrete settlement and explain how the expert team at Maritime Concrete Lifting can effectively resolve these issues. Read on to discover more!
Understanding the Causes of Concrete Slab Settlement
Concrete settlement is a relatively common problem in Atlantic Canada, typically attributed to environmental factors and sometimes poor construction practices. These sunken and settled concrete slabs can have far-reaching consequences, affecting your property's appearance, safety, and structural integrity. Understanding the root causes of concrete sinking and settling is crucial for recognizing the warning signs. The primary culprits behind concrete settlement in the Maritimes include:
- Soil Washout Under Concrete Slabs: Factors like snowmelt, heavy rainfall, poor drainage and plumbing leaks can introduce water beneath concrete slabs, eroding the subgrade. Over time, this erosion leads to a loss of stability in the concrete slab, resulting in cracks, sinking, and settling.
- Poor Soil Compaction: Adequate soil compaction is paramount during the concrete pouring process. Insufficient compaction causes loose soil beneath the slab to compress over time, forming voids contributing to sinking, settling, and uneven surfaces.
- Moisture Fluctuations in the Soil: The cycle of freezing and thawing, along with extreme wet-dry weather patterns, can cause the sinking and settling of concrete slabs. Soil expansion and contraction create voids beneath the slab, causing it to crack and settle.
- Excessively Dry Soil: Dry soil lacks sufficient moisture content and can shrink, destabilizing the ground. As the soil beneath the concrete slab shrinks, it loses its ability to provide proper support, leading to sinking and settling.
Identifying the Signs of Concrete Settlement
Recognizing the telltale signs of concrete settlement is vital for both homeowners and business proprietors. Timely identification can prevent potential safety hazards and property damage, saving you from costly repairs and potential liability. Whether you have concrete slabs around your residence or commercial establishment, keep an eye out for these indicators of settlement:
- Gaps Beneath Concrete Slabs: Small gaps along the edges of your concrete slab may hint at soil erosion beneath. Ignoring these gaps can exacerbate the sinking and settling of the slab.
- Surface Cracks: Hairline cracks on the concrete slab's surface may indicate settlement. If these cracks worsen and expand, it's likely that the ground beneath can no longer support the slab's weight.
- Water Pooling: Pooled water on the slab's surface is a clear sign of sinking and settling, often associated with voids beneath the slab.
- Tilting or Sloping: A noticeable tilt or slope in the concrete slab indicates settlement. This compromise in stability and functionality can be detrimental.
- Misaligned Doors and Windows: Concrete settlement can affect the alignment of doors and windows, causing them to stick, jam, or no longer close correctly. This is often a result of the shifting and settling of the concrete foundation slab.
- Edge Wear: Concrete settlement may cause increased wear and tear along the slab's edges. Significant deterioration, crumbling, or chipping on the edges can result from sinking and settling.
- Structural Damage: In severe cases of concrete settlement, structural damage may become evident. This includes cracks in the foundation walls, tilting or shifting of supporting structures, or visible damage to adjacent structures.
Polyurethane Concrete Lifting: The Ultimate Solution for Sunken and Settled Concrete Slabs
At Maritime Concrete Lifting, we specialize in rectifying sunken and settled concrete slabs using our environmentally friendly polyurethane concrete lifting method. This method is the superior choice for lifting and levelling residential and commercial concrete slabs. It offers greater strength, durability, and less intrusion than alternative concrete lifting methods like mudjacking. Our polyurethane foam is resistant to environmental factors and contains no harsh or toxic components that could harm people or the environment. Furthermore, it addresses settlement issues at their core and prevents further sinking and settling of concrete slabs. With its many advantages and extended lifespan, it's evident why an increasing number of homeowners and business owners are opting for polyurethane concrete lifting to restore their sunken and settled concrete slabs.
Maritime Concrete Lifting: Your Solution for Sunken Concrete Slabs in Atlantic Canada
Don't let concrete settlement problems go unattended. By promptly recognizing the signs and taking action, you can prevent further deterioration and ensure your property's safety. Maritime Concrete Lifting is your trusted partner, offering expert solutions for sunken and settled concrete slabs in the Maritimes. With years of experience lifting and levelling sunken concrete slabs for homeowners and business owners, we have the knowledge and expertise to effectively address your concrete settlement issues. If you're grappling with concrete settlement in Atlantic Canada, contact us today. We can swiftly restore functionality to your property's concrete slabs, ensuring your peace of mind.