When it comes to types of foundations, each has its benefits and downsides. While the basement is great for storage and can be transformed into an additional living area, the crawl space makes building a home on sloped land a piece of cake. On the other hand, a concrete slab is easy to build, requires very little excavation, and can be completed with a minimum amount of labor. Unfortunately, the concrete slab has its weaknesses. Due to changes in the soil, the concrete can shift and move, causing all sorts of problems. If you’ve noticed that large bumps have appeared in your concrete floor, you’re most likely wondering what is causing them and how to fix this problem.
A bumpy concrete floor is an eyesore and potential source of problems. It is a tripping hazard but also could indicate much larger problems lurking underneath it. Ordinary concrete slabs have been a staple for years since they are extremely strong and durable. So, how does a concrete floor become bumpy?
Fixing Bumps in a Concrete Floor
Bumps in the floor don’t have to be the result of some radical changes. Sometimes something as simple as a builder’s tired arm can lead to mistakes during troweling and create bumps. If the bumps in your concrete floor were caused by something mundane, here are several ways you can get rid of them.
Concrete Grinder
If you have really large bumps in your concrete floor, you can remove them with a machine called a concrete grinder. This device removes the bumpy layers with grinder wheels, which you roll over the affected area. This machine won’t make the surface completely smooth, but it will make it almost uniform so that a layer of finish coat can be applied.
Sanding
For quarter-inch and half-inch bumps, regular sanding will get the job done. You can use a sander or an angle grinder with a cup wheel to remove the bumps. A buffing machine with a sanding pad will smooth out the surface, just remember to vacuum the pad every now and then for maximum performance.
Self-Leveling Compound
If you would rather opt for something that doesn’t require much time and effort, a self-leveling compound is an ideal choice. This liquid cement-based mixture needs to be poured over the bumpy concrete where it will settle naturally. You don’t have to do anything, except maybe some initial troweling to make sure that the compound has reached every corner of the room. Also, leveling isn’t necessary, because gravity will do all the work for you.
Underlying Problems
Unfortunately, sometimes bumps in the concrete floor are a result of serious underlying foundation problems. If you have large bumps in your concrete, contacting an expert who will inspect your home and detect the cause of problems might be a good idea. Here are some of the foundation problems that might be causing the bumps.
Upheaval
During a heavy rainstorm, the soil underneath your foundation becomes saturated. As a result, the soil particles swell up and push against the concrete slab, leading to large bumps in your floor. Another cause of upheaval is faulty designs.
Settling
If your concrete floor has become bumpy because some areas are suddenly lower than others, you might have a problem with a settling foundation. Settling is a process where your home slowly sinks into the ground. Droughts or heavy rains can form gaps in the soil due to which the foundation becomes unstable. Unsupported areas slowly begin to sink into those gaps, causing cracks and uneven floors.
Shifting Piers
Is your home supported with piers? If this is the case and you have noticed that your concrete floors are bulging, you should call the experts in Springfield, MO, and have them take a look at the foundation. It is quite possible that your old piers have shifted, so you will need to replace them with new ones.
Repairing the Foundation Problem
In case problems with your foundation have caused bumps in your concrete floor, several methods can be used to restore your home to its previous state. Here are some of the repair methods your contractor might suggest:
Push piers: These piers are driven into the ground to support a settling foundation. They are galvanized so there is no need to worry about corrosion and they come with a lifetime warranty. Push piers can raise your home back to its original position and level your floors.
Helical piers: If you have a problem with bumps on your porch or some other lighter structure, helical piers will get the job done. They also come with a longtime warranty and will permanently stabilize a settling foundation.
Slab piers: Slab piers are specifically designed for the slab foundation. They are invisible once installed and have a long-term warranty.
Concrete lifting system: Uneven concrete floors can be repaired with a PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting system.
Drainage system: Problems such as upheaval are caused by excess moisture in the ground. To prevent this, you should think about installing a proper drainage system. It will collect excess water from the soil and direct it away from your home.
If the bumps in your concrete floor have been caused by foundation issues, you shouldn’t try to repair the damage on your own. Foundation repairs should be handled by a skilled expert. Therefore, contact the professionals at Foundation Recovery Systems and schedule a free inspection. Our expert will assess the situation, determine the problem, and recommend suitable solutions.
