Sinking Concrete Slab

Your home’s structural well-being is paramount, and the evenness of concrete slabs significantly affects this. While concrete is robust and used in many property constructions, it isn’t invincible.

When you notice a sinking concrete slab—be it on your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or even inside your house—it’s not just an aesthetic issue. It poses safety risks and points to potential soil issues that might affect your home’s foundation over time.

Serving homeowners across Texas, FSS is well-acquainted with the challenges of sinking concrete slabs. We are committed to delivering lasting solutions to ensure the safety and appeal of your home.

Continue reading to understand the reasons behind sinking concrete slabs, their implications for your home, and the benefits of FSS’ specialized concrete lifting techniques and services.

What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab?

When concrete surfaces start to descend unevenly, you get a sinking concrete slab. This can manifest as a visible depression or crack. Not only does it mar your property’s appearance, but it also introduces safety issues like tripping.

It’s not uncommon to find sinking concrete slabs in:

Moreover, these slabs can also show signs of:

Detecting and addressing a sinking slab early on can stave off more significant damage and risks, making it crucial to reach out to local concrete repair experts, such as FSS, at the earliest signs.

What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Concrete slabs can sink for various reasons:

Settling Soil: Soil underneath the slab might compact over time, leading the slab to descend. This is especially common when fill dirt isn’t adequately compacted and during droughts.
Eroding Soil: Inadequate water drainage, leaks, or shifting soil can cause the soil beneath the concrete to wash away, depriving the slab of a stable base.
Excessive Precipitation: Soil that’s oversaturated due to rain, floods, or melting snow can disrupt slab stability.
Poor Drainage: Faulty drainage systems, like damaged gutters, can cause water to gather near the concrete, exacerbating soil issues.
Tree Roots: As they grow, tree roots can displace the soil and even lift slabs. When these roots decay, they leave gaps in the soil, causing slabs to sink.
Freeze-thaw Cycles: Regular freezing and thawing cycles lead to soil expansion and contraction, impacting the slabs above.
Installation Problems: Errors during the concrete installation process can cause slabs to crack and sink later.

Addressing the root causes swiftly prevents more extensive damage to your home’s foundation.

Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab?

Absolutely! Addressing a sinking concrete slab early is essential. The right solution often hinges on pinpointing the root cause. Merely filling the gap beneath the slab might not stop it from sinking again.

For a lasting solution, a holistic approach is required. FSS employs SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, an innovative polyurethane injection method, to lift exterior concrete slabs that have sunk. We deploy other techniques for homes with foundational issues, like foundation piers, to stabilize the foundation permanently.

Each home is unique and requires a tailored repair strategy. Get in touch with our team for a customized solution.

How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab

When FSS employs PolyRenewal™ to address sunken slabs, we:

Inspect the problematic slabs.
Confirm the need for PolyRenewal™ or other treatments.
Bore small holes into the impacted concrete.
Attach installation ports in these holes.
Create a special closed-cell polyurethane foam mix.
Inject this foam beneath the concrete slab.
Let the foam expand and lift the concrete by filling the void underneath.
Allow a brief curing period (around 15 minutes).
Remove the injection ports.
Seal the bored holes.
Ensure cracks and joints are sealed to fend off future damage.
Regularly check and maintain the treated slabs to ensure lasting protection.

FSS’s specialized products are designed to resolve specific issues, promising unmatched quality and durability.

Why Address a Sinking Concrete Slab Now

Acting swiftly on a sinking concrete slab is crucial for:

Safety: Sunken slabs can cause tripping and pose risks, especially for the elderly, kids, or those with mobility challenges.
Ongoing Movement: Without intervention, slabs will continue to move and sink further.
Structural Damage: Soil issues that result in sinking slabs can also harm walls and foundations.
Water Concerns: Sunken slabs can cause water to gather and seep into foundations, leading to damage and mold growth.
Appearance and Resale Value: Damaged slabs detract from a property’s appearance and value, potentially discouraging potential buyers.

FSS’s unique solutions are pivotal in addressing these challenges. Our solutions promise enduring results.

Reach Out to FSS for Premier Concrete Lifting Solutions

When you notice sinking, settling, or uneven concrete slabs on your property, take action right away. FSS combines years of experience in Texas’s diverse soil conditions with cutting-edge techniques like SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™ to offer you efficient and lasting solutions.

Our expertise ensures tailored solutions that match your property’s unique challenges, all while prioritizing the longevity and quality of repairs. Committed to excellence, we transform compromised concrete structures, enhancing your home’s safety and aesthetics.

Contact FSS to schedule your free inspection and repair estimate and ensure the beauty and integrity of your property remain intact.

FAQs

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

The cost of fixing a sinking concrete slab varies depending on the size, damage severity, and specific methods employed. At FSS, we pride ourselves on offering competitive prices and financing opportunities while delivering top-tier service. We recommend scheduling a free inspection for a precise estimate tailored to your needs.

How quickly can FSS repair my sinking concrete slab?

Our team prioritizes both speed and quality. Many of our concrete lifting procedures, especially with SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, can be completed rapidly, often within a day. However, the exact duration depends on the project’s complexity and size. We always strive to minimize inconvenience, ensuring you can enjoy your restored property as soon as possible.

Are the repairs long-lasting, or will I face similar issues in the future?

At FSS, we don’t just address the symptoms; we tackle the root causes. By using advanced techniques and high-quality materials, our repairs are designed for longevity. With proper maintenance and care, our solutions can protect your property from recurring issues for years to come.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Support Specialists does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}