damage

Concrete slabs are known for being strong and durable. So it can come as a surprise when they eventually crack. Unfortunately, cracked, sunken, or voided concrete is more common than you might think.

Settling concrete can happen for a number of reasons, from environmental impact to accidental damage. Understanding some of the causes can help you prevent settling concrete in the future, reducing the need to replace or repair your concrete.

What Are The Biggest Causes of Settling Concrete?

Machinery Damage

One of the obvious causes of damaged concrete is machinery. If the machinery is regularly parked over concrete, it can compact the dirt beneath. This leads to cracks and other damage. Dropping large objects on the concrete can also cause damage. 

Erosion

Damage due to erosion can happen to concrete. This is usually as the result of environmental factors, but can include animals or sustained impacts over time. Erosion can take a long time to affect concrete, but once the concrete cracks, the damage can be terrible.

A Change to Soil Moisture

Changes to the moisture content of soil can also cause concrete to settle. If the soil either becomes too dry or too damp, it can affect the foundation of the concrete, causing it to sink and crack. 

Environmental Damage

Weather can have a huge impact on concrete. Periods of heavy rain, cold or hot weather can all impact your concrete, causing it to crack. It can be difficult to predict the weather, which means concrete settling can happen unexpectedly.

With various reasons why concrete can settle, it’s important to know where to get help if your concrete becomes damaged. Repair or replacement can help bring your concrete slabs back to life, so get in touch with experts today.

If your concrete slabs have become cracked, sunken, or voided contact Poly Lift USA today for a free estimate!