How to Stay Afloat Amid Sinking Concrete
Have you noticed cracks or separation in the concrete around your home? This is concrete evidence that something is wrong. It could be a minor cosmetic thing, or it could be more like the Titanic. Know the warning signs and causes so you can determine the best way to repair any damage and avoid sinking into bigger and more expensive issues down the road.
So what causes sinking concrete? Often it’s elevated moisture levels in the soil either below or around the concrete slab. Other causes may include:
Not having proper water drainage around the concrete.
Not installing the concrete correctly.
Not using rebar or ample reinforcement.
Not prepping the grade properly.
Not putting down gravel or a similar product before pouring the concrete.
Sinking concrete is most commonly found on driveways, front steps, front or back porches, poured concrete foundations or retaining walls, around the pool, and with homes built on concrete slabs. So what’s the solution? How exactly does one tackle sinking concrete repair?
Unfortunately, there is no real quick fix. Sometimes carbon fiber strips or steel wall braces can secure a failing concrete foundation. Tiebacks can repair retaining walls. When it comes to sinking concrete slabs such as your driveway or sidewalks, the damaged areas need to be removed and reinstalled. This repair is often much cheaper than attempting quick fixes that some companies offer, such as polylevel or mudjacking. By taking the time to replace the affected areas, you’ll get the results you want and have the peace of mind that the job was done correctly.
Since we brought up polylevel and mudjacking, we are not big fans of either solution, which involves pumping a mortar-based mixture or foam beneath the sinking slab in hopes of raising it back to where it should be. While sometimes you can obtain results, it is very rare that your slab will hold the test of time or get back to a perfect level. So why pay more for inferior results?
What about the cost? Depending on your situation, you can expect to pay between a few hundred dollars and as much as $3,500 if serious structural concrete repair is required. And while we’re big fans of those industrious enough to take on DIY projects, sinking concrete repair is one of the few we would recommend you always leave to the pros. A foundation and structural repair expert can best address issues affecting the structural integrity of your home.
As with most home repairs, catching the problem early is the key to reducing the cost. As the seasons change, make it a habit to walk your property, intentionally inspecting everything as you go. And remember, nobody ever has to go down with the ship just because of a little sinking concrete.