Understanding Why Concrete Shifts
Sinking concrete occurs when concrete slabs move from their original location and shift positions. This happens for a variety of reasons that usually have to do with the earth the concrete was placed on, poor compaction and washouts.
Sunken concrete generally results in uneven surfaces, tripping hazards, cracking and structural/foundational issues as well as water damage to the buildings surrounding it. Fixing sunken concrete can be a quick and easy job with professional concrete lifting in Calgary.
Why Does Concrete Sink and Move?
Usually, concrete sinks and moves due to erosion beneath the concrete slab. When water flows under concrete slabs and through the soil and earth supporting them, it will eventually wash away and cause void spaces. These void spaces result in the concrete being unevenly supported, causing slabs to move, sink, shift and even crack.
Frost is another major factor when it comes to sunken concrete. Frost heaving and thawing caused by long, cold winters will move slabs every year. The best way to prevent this is to ensure you have a solid and dry base beneath your slabs.
When Is Sunken Concrete More Likely to Occur?
Concrete slabs are more likely to sink and shift if the soil has a high clay content, when there is a high volume of water that passes through the soil the slab is on, or if there’s not enough soil to support the slab.
For example, if you live in an area where there is a lot of rain, your slabs may be more likely to sink and shift due to the rain washing out the soil beneath the concrete. When it comes to concrete lifting in Calgary, we often deal with the damage that occurs due to the frost cycle. When everything thaws, the base beneath the concrete becomes wet and causes a lot of movement.
Is Sunken Concrete Dangerous?
Yes, sunken concrete can be dangerous. The size and weight of the concrete will affect how much it shifts, cracks, and sinks. If the concrete sinks on one end, it can result in the other end becoming uneven and heightened to the surface it is meant to be level with. This can result in significant tripping hazards, especially on pathways and stairs or steps.
If the concrete cracks and becomes jagged, the tripping hazard can also become a risk for further injury such as scrapes or cuts due to the rough surface of the broken concrete sticking out.
Sunken concrete is particularly dangerous for individuals who may have mobility issues such as senior citizens or children.
How Do I Fix Sinking Concrete?
The best way to fix sinking concrete is to get professional concrete lifting services in Calgary. Concrete lifting involves using specialized equipment and mix to fill voids and adjust concrete slabs to the correct surface level. A professional concrete lifting service knows how to accurately target void spaces beneath the concrete. They will also use a specially customized formula to fill these void spaces depending on the quality of the soil the concrete is on.
All Time Concrete Lifting has the specialized skill set necessary to accurately measure the various factors that affect the concrete lifting job. They also have the right tools and equipment to ensure the job is done correctly without further damaging your concrete.
For example, one concrete lifting job may require different lifting techniques than another. Depending on the site of the concrete and the weight, shape, and size of the slabs, some tools and techniques may be more appropriate than others. A professional concrete lifting service will do their best to ensure that the concrete slabs are not further damaged and the concrete is levelled and even.
The team at All Time Concrete Lifting gets every job done right – all the time, every time. All Time Concrete Lifting offers Calgary and surrounding areas the best void filling, concrete lifting and slab jacking services available. For all of your concrete lifting needs, contact All Time Concrete Lifting at (403)560-8626 or [email protected] and get your free estimate today.
