Learn More About Concrete Problems in the Denver Metro Area
The work we do at Advanced Concrete Lifting is dedicated to resolving a wide range of concrete concerns, from cracking and shifting to instability. While our team has the skills to reliably handle all these problems at both residential and commercial properties, we think it is also important to understand how these problems arise in the first place. Read on to learn about concrete issues and how they start.
What causes concrete to settle?
Many things can cause concrete to settle, but not all of them require full concrete replacement service to fix. Our poly jacking and caulking services can resolve nearly all these situations. Here are some of the most common sources of concrete concerns.
Poor/Improper Compaction of the Concrete Base
The weight of the slab will further compact the base after curing, and settlement can happen quickly.
- Climate: The Polar Vortex experienced last year by many in the northern hemisphere can wreak havoc on concrete slabs. Freezing and thawing causes slabs to expand when frost is in the ground. Frost causes concrete to heave or raise. When the ground thaws, the concrete will settle again, but many times not to where it was originally. This results in trip spots between shifting slabs. On the opposite end of the climate spectrum, heat and drought can cause expansive clay soils to shrink, causing concrete slabs to settle. When those clay soils receive much needed rain and expand, the concrete slabs become unlevel.
- Erosion: Damaged water or sewer lines, improperly placed downspouts, and excessive rain can all lead to the washout of base materials under concrete, causing slabs to settle.
- Machine/Traffic Vibrations: Concrete slabs may move or settle in industrial or highway settings where there is frequent movement and heavy loads. The vibrations from machinery and passing traffic can lead to the base compacting and slabs settling or moving.
- Slab Curl/Rocking Slabs: Slab curl occurs when a relatively large section of concrete is poured. During the curing process, the top slab may cure slightly faster causing the slab to curl, rock, and become unstable. Vibration can also cause slabs to settle.