3 Common Reasons for Cracked or Uneven Concrete

In a perfect world, our driveways, patios, and sidewalks would be level all the time. But due to external factors, that isn’t the case. Uneven concrete can be unsightly and an eyesore. It can also be a tripping hazard, which we’ll talk about in a later blog. In this blog, we will discuss three common reasons for cracked and uneven concrete. 

 

 

Soil will compact and settle on it’s own, especially when it’s supporting weight. How much weight soil can support depends on the type. When soil is generally made up of clay or silt it is more likely to shrink as it dries. Think of it like a sponge. When a sponge absorbs water, it expands, when it dries it shrinks therefore becoming smaller. Once that soil dries out, concrete will likely settle causing cracks and uneven slabs. 

 

One common reason for cracked and/or sinking concrete is water. As water moves around concrete, it can create a path beneath the concrete causing the soil to wash away. Because of this, the concrete has nothing to support it, thus leaving the slab with nothing else to do except sink. Imagine you’re standing on a shoreline with water washing over your feet. As the water continuously hits your feet, you begin to sink. This, just like with concrete, is due to the fact water is washing away the only thing holding you up. 

 

 

When weight is placed on soil, it causes soil to compact. This is commonly caused by the soil not being packed properly before the concrete is poured. Much like a ball, the more pressure added, the smaller the ball gets. Soil works the same way. With continual weight and pressure, the compaction of the soil can cause concrete to become unevenly supported leading to sinkage. 

 

 

With a better understanding of why your concrete is sinking, you can take the measures necessary to help fix it. Look out for our next blog on what we can do to help.

 

For more information on what is causing your concrete to sink visit our website. Also, don’t forget to contact us for a free estimate!