Sinking Concrete Slab

Concrete slab stability is crucial for your home’s structural integrity. While concrete is known for its durability, it’s not immune to problems. If you notice a sinking concrete slab in your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or inside your home, it’s more than a cosmetic issue. It’s a safety hazard indicating soil problems that could affect your home’s foundation.

Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair understands the challenges homeowners face with sinking concrete slabs, whether they are outdoors or indoors. We offer tailored solutions to address and resolve these issues, improving the safety and appearance of your home.

This page explains why concrete slabs sink, their impact on your home, and how Dry Pro’s concrete lifting services can help.

What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Sinking concrete slabs occur when a concrete surface unevenly lowers, creating noticeable dips or cracks. This affects the appearance of your property and poses safety concerns.

Sinking concrete slabs occur in various places, including:

Sinking concrete slabs can also exhibit other damage, such as:

Identifying and addressing sinking slabs early by a qualified professional can prevent further damage and enhance the usability and aesthetics of the area. If you notice such issues, it’s essential to contact local concrete repair professionals like Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair.

What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Several common factors contribute to a sinking concrete slab:

Settling Soil: Over time, the soil underneath the slab compacts, causing the concrete above to sink. This often occurs with improperly compacted fill dirt, especially during dry periods.
Eroding Soil: Water drainage problems, leaks, or shifting soil can erode the soil beneath the concrete, leading to instability and sinking.
Excessive Precipitation: Saturated soil from rain, floods, or snowmelt can expand and move, creating instability in the slab.
Poor Drainage: Damaged drainage systems like gutters and downspouts can collect water near the concrete, exacerbating underlying soil issues.
Tree Roots: Growing tree roots can displace surrounding soil, leading to slab lifting and cracking. As the roots decompose, voids in the soil may cause sinking slabs.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing of the ground can stress and shift the soil under slabs.
Installation Problems: Mistakes during site preparation, base compaction, curing, or pouring can result in future sinking and cracking of the concrete.

Promptly addressing these causes is vital to prevent further damage to your home’s foundation.

Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Yes, is it possible to fix a sinking concrete slab, and it is also imperative. It is vital to identify and address the issue promptly, as more severe damage can restrict the available repair options.

The key to a successful repair lies in accurately determining and remedying the root cause of the problem. Merely filling the void beneath the slab with gravel may not result in a lasting solution. A holistic approach is necessary for a long-term fix and prevention. At Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair, we utilize cutting-edge methods, such as SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, to lift sunken exterior concrete slabs. Additionally, for foundational problems, we resort to techniques like foundation piers to stabilize and potentially lift your settling foundation.

Every home has unique repair requirements, so contact our team today for a free, no-obligation assessment.

How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab

When utilizing PolyRenewal™ to lift sunken concrete slabs, Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair follows a set process:

Inspect problematic concrete slabs.
Confirm the need for PolyRenewal™ or other repairs.
Drill small holes into the affected concrete.
Attach installation ports in the holes.
Mix proprietary closed-cell polyurethane foam.
Inject foam under the concrete slab.
Allow the foam to fill the void under the slab, effectively lifting the concrete.
Let the foam cure (approximately 15 minutes).
Remove injection ports.
Fill and smooth the drilled holes.
Seal cracks and joints to prevent future damage.
Regularly inspect and maintain the concrete slabs for lasting protection.

Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair’s proprietary products are customized for more effective results than generic solutions, ensuring superior quality and durability.

Why Address a Sinking Concrete Slab Now

It’s crucial to have a sinking concrete slab professionally inspected and repaired for several reasons:

Safety: Uneven, sunken slabs pose tripping and falling hazards, especially for seniors, small children, and those with mobility issues.
Ongoing Movement: Slabs will continue to shift and sink without proper repairs, worsening the problem over time.
Structural Damage: Soil problems that cause sinking slabs can also damage walls and foundations if left untreated.
Water Issues: Sinking slabs can lead to water pooling and seeping under foundations, causing moisture damage, mold, and cracks. Exterior issues include poor drainage, flooding, and attracting pests.
Appearance and Property Value: Cracked, uneven slabs diminish curb appeal and deter potential buyers.

Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair offers distinctive solutions that fully address these issues, providing superior, long-lasting results compared to off-the-shelf options.

Contact Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions

At the first sign of sinking or settling concrete slabs on your property, contact Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair for a complimentary inspection and quote. We offer various payment and financing options to fit your budget.

Our experts use the latest tools and exclusive products to raise concrete slabs, preventing future sinking and cracking. Whatever the needs of your home may be, rest assured that Dry Pro Crawlspace & Foundation Repair has you covered, delivering top-notch service and results.

FAQs

How much does it cost to fix a sinking concrete slab?

The cost of fixing a sinking concrete slab varies depending on factors such as the slab’s size, the extent of damage, and the chosen repair methods. Dry Pro offers free inspections and no-obligation estimates, providing transparent pricing and flexible payment and financing options. Contact us today to learn more and receive an accurate breakdown of costs.

How long does it take to lift a sunken concrete slab?

The projected timeline for concrete slab lifting varies, depending on the slab’s size and the extent of damage. Dry Pro’s advanced PolyRenewal™ foam injection process can lift settled concrete slabs in as little as 15 minutes. During your free inspection, we’ll provide an estimated timeline for your specific project.

Can a repaired concrete slab withstand harsh weather conditions?

Yes, our concrete lifting solutions are engineered to endure a wide range of environmental conditions, including heavy rain, flooding, snow, and droughts, while maintaining stability and durability. Dry Pro’s PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam is designed to never wash away or erode from beneath the concrete, ensuring long-lasting support. Contact Dry Pro today to discover more about our services and to schedule your free inspection.