The Signs of Concrete Settlement in the Greater Edmonton Region

With summer in full swing here in the Greater Edmonton region, you're probably in the process of making sure your property looks its best. After the long cold winter and mostly dry spring, you may have noticed some settlement issues with the concrete slabs around your home or business. Alberta's harsh winter and dry summers can take a toll on concrete slabs, causing them to sink and settle over time. Sunken and settled concrete slabs don't just detract from your curb appeal; they can pose serious safety hazards to people using your property. Concrete slabs sink and settle for many reasons. Now you may be wondering what causes concrete settlement in the Greater Edmonton Region and how can you fix sunken and settled slabs? In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of concrete settlement and how our team at LVL Concrete Lifting can help you address these issues effectively. Read on to learn more!

Why Do Concrete Slabs Sink and Settle? 

Concrete settlement is a relatively common issue in the Greater Edmonton Region. Concrete settlement is usually caused by environmental factors, but poor construction practices can contribute to this problem. Sunken and settled concrete slabs not only affect curb appeal and pose safety risks to individuals and vehicles but can also cause severe problems for your home or business. Knowing why concrete sinks and settles will help you recognize the signs of concrete settlement. The most common causes of concrete settlement in the Greater Edmonton Region include:

1. Soil Washout Under Concrete Slabs: Snow melt, heavy rainfall, and plumbing leaks can lead to water seeping beneath concrete slabs, eroding the subgrade. As the soil washes away over time, the concrete slab loses its stability and begins to crack, sink and settle.
2. Poor Soil Compaction: Proper soil compaction is essential when pouring concrete slabs. Inadequate compaction causes the loose soil beneath the slab to compact over time, resulting in voids that lead to sinking, settling, and uneven surfaces. 
3. Moisture Changes in the Soil: The freeze-thaw cycle and extreme wet-dry weather patterns contribute to the sinking and settling of concrete slabs. Expanding and contracting soil creates voids below the slab, causing it to crack and settle.
4. Poor Drainage: Insufficient drainage around concrete slabs allows water to erode the soil, form voids, and penetrate the slab, leading to cracks and settlement.
5. Soil that is Too Dry: Dry soil lacks moisture content and can shrink, causing the ground to become unstable. When the soil beneath the concrete slab shrinks, it loses its ability to provide adequate support, resulting in sinking and settlement.

What are the Signs of Concrete Settlement?

Identifying the signs of concrete settlement is crucial for homeowners and business owners alike, as it allows for timely intervention and prevents potential safety hazards and property damage. Whether you have concrete slabs around your home or commercial property, being able to recognize the indicators of settlement can save you from costly repairs and being potentially liable for any injuries or damaged vehicles. From gaps and cracks to uneven surfaces and water pooling, these signs indicate that your concrete slabs may be experiencing settlement issues. Keep an eye out for the following indicators:

1. Gaps Under Concrete Slabs: Small gaps around the edges of your concrete slab may indicate soil erosion beneath. Ignoring these gaps can lead to further sinking and settling of the slab.
2. Cracks in the Slab: Hairline cracks on the surface of your concrete slab could be a sign of settlement. If the cracks worsen and spread, it's likely that the ground below can no longer support the slab's weight.
3. Uneven Surfaces: Dips and unevenness in concrete slabs are early warning signs of settlement. As the slab continues to sink, more cracks will appear on the surface.
4. Water Pooling: Pools of water on the slab's surface are a clear indication of sinking and settling. This pooling is often related to voids beneath the slab, causing it to sink further.
5. Tilting or Sloping: If you notice a distinct tilt or slope in the concrete slab, it is a strong indication of settlement. The slab may lean to one side or have a noticeable slope, compromising its stability and functionality.
6. Doors and Windows Misaligned: Concrete settlement can also affect the alignment of doors and windows. If you observe that doors or windows are sticking, jamming, or no longer closing properly, it could be due to the shifting and settling of the concrete foundation slab.
7. Excessive Wear on Edges: Concrete settlement can cause increased wear and tear on the edges of the concrete slab. If you notice significant deterioration, crumbling, or chipping on the edges, it could be a result of the slab sinking and settling.
8. Structural Damage: In severe cases of concrete settlement, structural damage may become apparent. This can include cracks in the foundation walls, tilting or shifting of supporting structures, or visible damage to adjacent structures.

Polyurethane Concrete Lifting: The Best Solution for Sunken and Settled Concrete Slabs 

At LVL Concrete Lifting, we specialize in fixing sunken and settled concrete slabs using our environmentally friendly polyurethane concrete lifting method. Polyurethane concrete lifting is the ideal way to lift and level residential and commercial concrete slabs. It is stronger, lasts longer and is less invasive than other concrete lifting methods, such as mudjacking. Our polyurethane foam is resistant to the elements and contains no harsh or toxic components that can harm people and the environment. It also addresses settlement issues at the root cause and prevents further sinking and settling of concrete slabs. With its many benefits and long lifespan, it is easy to see why more and more home and business owners are choosing polyurethane concrete lifting to lift and level their sunken and settled concrete slabs.

LVL Concrete Lifting Can Help With Your Sunken Concrete Slabs in the Greater Edmonton Region

Don't let concrete settlement issues go unnoticed and unfixed. By recognizing the signs early on and taking prompt action, you can avoid further damage and ensure the safety of your property. LVL Concrete Lifting is here to assist you with expert solutions for sunken and settled concrete slabs in the Greater Edmonton Region. We have over ten years of experience lifting and levelling sunken and settled concrete slabs for homeowners and business owners. If you are experiencing concrete settlement in the Greater Edmonton Region, contact us today! We can make them functional for you in no time!