Understanding the Causes of Sunken and Cracked Concrete

By Josh Macy / Published on February 16, 2024 /

Cracked garage floor before repair

LevelUp Concrete Solutions, a trusted concrete restoration company serving Indiana, is dedicated to providing insights into common concrete issues. Damaged concrete floors are not just ugly but can also be dangerous and weaken the structure of your home or business. Let’s explore the primary causes of sunken or cracked concrete floors and how our team can address these issues.

Soil Erosion

One of the leading causes of sunken concrete is soil erosion beneath the concrete slab. Erosion happens when soil settles, water infiltrates, or drainage is bad.

*A traditional slab of concrete (9×10) weighs 4,000 lbs, that’s a lot of weight!

When the soil erodes or compacts unevenly, it can create empty spaces under the concrete. This can cause the concrete to sink and crack because of the weight on top.

  1. Poor Installation: Improper installation practices during the initial pouring of the concrete can result in sunken or cracked surfaces. Problems such as inadequate soil compaction, insufficient reinforcement, or improper curing can weaken the concrete slab. This weakening can lead to sinking or cracking of the slab over time.
  2. Heavy Loads: Excessive weight or pressure placed on the concrete floor can cause it to crack or sink. In industrial or commercial settings, people frequently use heavy machinery, equipment, or vehicles, which makes this particularly common. Did you know: 20% of unplanned downtown is preventable with leveling concrete surfaces? Overloading the concrete beyond its designed capacity can lead to stress fractures or gradual sinking in specific areas.
  3. Freeze-thaw: In Indiana, freezing temperatures can harm concrete floors because of freeze-thaw cycles during winter. Water freezing in concrete cracks causes pressure, leading to cracking and deterioration over time.
  4. Tree roots under or next to concrete can push hard, causing cracks or lifting the floor. When roots grow, they can break concrete by pushing against it. This happens because they need water and nutrients from the soil.
    Insufficient drainage around your concrete floor can cause water to accumulate or pool underneath. This is especially true during heavy rainstorms that overwhelm your drains and wash away your mulch.
    Moisture in the soil weakens your concrete floor. This can cause settlement or erosion under the concrete. As a result, the floor may sink or crack.

How We Can Help:

Our team at LevelUp specializes in addressing sunken and cracked concrete surfaces for residential and commercial businesses. We use advanced techniques and best-in-class products from our partner supplier SupportWorks.

A LevelUp technician measuring the levelness of a driveway

Our design technicians have extensive experience in identifying the causes of concrete problems. They offer personalized solutions to address both the structural and aesthetic issues with your concrete.We offer long-term solutions for our customers in Indiana. These solutions include filling voids, sealing concrete, reinforcing soil, and repairing cracks. We customize each solution to meet their specific needs.

Knowing why concrete floors sink or crack is important for repairing and restoring them properly. Please find a specialist who will accurately identify the issue and offer a solution that suits your requirements. Our team in Indiana is here to help residents and businesses with their needs. We customize expert solutions to ensure long-lasting durability and safety.

Contact us for a complimentary inspection to fix sunken or cracked concrete floors. These issues can affect both the functionality and appearance of your space.

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