Sinking Concrete Slab

The structural integrity of a home is crucial, and the stability of concrete slabs plays a vital role in maintaining it. Concrete is a durable material used to build many structures on properties, but it is not immune to damage. 

A sinking concrete slab along your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or inside your home is more than just an eyesore. It’s a safety hazard and a sign of underlying soil problems that could damage your home’s foundation if left unaddressed. 

Ohio Basement Authority understands the problems homeowners face when dealing with sinking concrete slabs, whether outside or inside the house. We specialize in comprehensive and durable solutions tailored to address and remedy these issues, enhancing your home’s safety and appearance. 

This page explains why sinking concrete slabs occur, how they impact your home, and how you can benefit from Ohio Basement Authority’s proprietary concrete lifting solutions and additional repair services. 

What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

A sinking concrete slab is a condition where a concrete surface begins to lower unevenly, which can cause a noticeable dip or crack. This situation compromises the aesthetic value of your property and poses serious safety risks due to tripping hazards.  

Sinking concrete slabs are common in many concrete structures, including: 

• Driveways 
• Sidewalks 
• Pool decks 
• Porches 
• Patios 
• Steps 

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

• Cracks 
• Pitting, flaking, and staining 

Identifying and addressing a sinking slab early can prevent more extensive damage, mitigate risks, and restore the functionality and beauty of the space. That’s why contacting local concrete repair professionals, like Ohio Basement Authority, is crucial as soon as you notice concrete damage. 

What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

There are several common causes of a sinking concrete slab: 

• Settling Soil: Over time, the soil underneath the slab naturally compacts and consolidates, causing the concrete above it to sink. This often happens when fill dirt is used and not properly compacted, and results during periods of drought. 
• Eroding Soil: Water drainage issues, leaks, or shifting soil can erode and wash away dirt under the concrete, leaving it without a stable base and causing it to sink. 
• Excessive Precipitation: Saturated soil from rain, flooding, or snowmelt expands and moves, causing instability in the slab. Long-term moisture causes erosion and weakens the dirt. 
• Poor Drainage: Damaged drainage systems like gutters and downspouts allow excess water to collect on or near the concrete, aiding in underlying soil problems. 
• Tree Roots: As tree roots grow, they displace the surrounding soil, and can lift and crack slabs. As the roots decompose, they leave voids in the soil leading to sinking slabs. 
• Freeze-thaw Cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing of the ground causes expansion and contraction, which stresses and shifts the soil under slabs. 
• Installation Problems: Mistakes during site prep, base compaction, slab curing, and pouring can lead to later sinking and cracking of concrete. 

Addressing these underlying causes promptly is crucial in preventing further structural damage to your home’s foundation. 

Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

Yes, fixing a sinking concrete slab is not only possible, but it is also crucial. It’s also important to identify and repair the slab sooner rather than later, as severe damage limits repair options. 

The appropriate long-term solution depends on accurately identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Simply mudjacking or filling the gap under the slab with gravel can result in continued sinking. 

A comprehensive approach is vital to lasting repair and protection. A whole-home solution, addressing all underlying causes and utilizing advanced techniques and products, can guarantee optimal results and prevent future occurrences. 

Ohio Basement Authority uses SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, a state-of-the-art polyurethane injection system that lifts sunken exterior concrete slabs. If your home is suffering from a foundational issue, we use other methods like foundation piers—including slab foundation-specific slab piers—to permanently stabilize and potentially lift your settling foundation. 

Every home is different and has its own repair requirements. Contact our team today to determine the proper repair for your home. 

How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab 

When utilizing PolyRenewal™ to lift sunken concrete slabs, Ohio Basement Authority follows a precise process: 

• Inspect problematic concrete slabs. 
• Verify the need for PolyRenewal™ or other repairs. 
• Drill penny-sized holes into the affected concrete. 
• Affix installation ports in the holes. 
• Mix proprietary closed-cell polyurethane foam. 
• Inject foam under the concrete slab. 
• Allow 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. 

Ohio Basement Authority’s proprietary products are customized to address your specific issues more effectively than generic solutions, providing unparalleled 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 present a tripping and falling risk for homeowners. This is especially dangerous for seniors, small children, and anyone with mobility issues. 
• Ongoing Movement: Slabs will continue to shift and sink lower without proper repairs. The problem worsens over time. 
• Structural Damage: The same soil problems that cause sinking slabs can damage walls and foundations if left unaddressed. 
• Water Issues: Sinking slabs allow water to pool and seep under foundations, leading to moisture damage, mold, and cracks. Exterior issues with pooling water include poor drainage, flooding, and attracting pests. 
• Appearance and Property Value: Cracked, uneven slabs look unattractive and bring down curb appeal. They also deter potential buyers. 

Ohio Basement Authority and our distinctive solutions are essential to fully resolve these issues. Our products offer superior, lasting results that stand out from off-the-shelf options. 

Contact Ohio Basement Authority for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions 

Don’t wait until small problems turn into expensive repairs. If you discover signs of sinking, settling, or uneven concrete slabs on your property, contact Ohio Basement Authority for a free inspection and estimate. Our trained experts have advanced diagnostics and proprietary products to lift concrete and prevent future sinking and cracking. 

The PolyRenewal™ foam injection system can quickly and precisely lift settled slabs. Additionally, our comprehensive foundation repair solutions address related foundation issues for long-lasting protection. Regardless of what your home requires, Ohio Basement Authority has superior solutions to ensure its safety, stability, and longevity.

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in most cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Ohio Basement Authority does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.