Sinking Concrete Slab

As a homeowner, maintaining the structural integrity of your property is paramount. One major component of this is the firmness and stability of your concrete slabs. Concrete, though robust, has its weak points.
When you notice a sinking concrete slab, be it on your driveway, walkway, or inside your house, it’s more than just an aesthetic concern. This could indicate potential soil issues that jeopardize your home’s foundation.
At Foundation Recovery Systems, we recognize the challenges of sinking concrete slabs present. Therefore, we’ve developed specific solutions that address these challenges, ensuring your home remains safe and looks its best.
Discover the reasons behind sinking concrete slabs, their impact on your home, and how our expert concrete lifting techniques can offer the remedy you’ve been seeking.
What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab?
When you see concrete lowering unevenly, creating noticeable depressions or cracks, you’re witnessing a sinking slab. Beyond just affecting the aesthetic appeal of your property, it introduces safety concerns, including the risk of tripping.
Such sinking can manifest in various areas, including:

Sinking concrete slabs can also exhibit other damage, such as:
Catching these signs early and addressing them quickly is key to preventing further damage. If you spot these indicators, it’s essential to consult a concrete repair service like Foundation Recovery Systems.
What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab?
Several reasons can cause slabs to sink:

- Settling Soil: Over time, the soil beneath the slab might naturally settle, especially if not compressed adequately. This often results in sinking during prolonged dry periods.
- Eroding Soil: Poor drainage or ground movement can erode soil, leaving the concrete with no support.
- Excessive Precipitation: Prolonged wet conditions from rain or snow can cause soil to expand and shift, destabilizing the slab.
- Poor Drainage: Inadequate gutters and downspouts can lead to water buildup, intensifying soil-related problems.
- Tree Roots: Expanding tree roots can push the soil around, leading to slab elevation. Conversely, decaying roots can instigate sinking.
- Freeze-thaw Cycles: Repeated freezing and thawing can exert strain on the underlying soil.
- Installation Mistakes: Flawed slab installation processes can set the stage for subsequent problems.
Addressing these core issues promptly is vital to protect your home’s value and its foundation.
Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab?
Yes! It’s important to intervene as soon as possible. Addressing the problem quickly offers a broader range of solutions.
A comprehensive approach that considers both drainage and repairs yields the best outcomes. Foundation Recovery Systems uses SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, an innovative polyurethane injection system that raises sunken slabs. For foundational challenges, we have other methods, like slab piers, to ensure your foundation remains stable.
Every home is unique and requires a tailored solution. Engage our team to determine the ideal fix for your property.
How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab
With more than three decades of experience, Foundation Recovery Systems has developed a precise process to address sunken slabs:

- Inspect the affected concrete areas.
- Determine the need for PolyRenewal™ or alternative solutions.
- Drill small holes, about the size of a penny, into the distressed concrete.
- Insert installation ports in these holes.
- Combine our exclusive closed-cell polyurethane foam.
- Inject foam beneath the slab.
- Allow the foam to fill the void, effectively raising the concrete.
- Allow foam to cure (typically within 15 minutes).
- Detach injection ports.
- Seal and smooth out the drilled sites.
- Caulk cracks to deter future deterioration.
- Periodically inspect and maintain the concrete slabs
Our distinct solutions are crafted specifically for your issues, ensuring unparalleled lifting and long-term reliability.
Why Address a Sinking Concrete Slab Now
Immediate repair of sinking slabs is essential due to:
- Safety Concerns: Sinking slabs pose a tripping risk.
- Continuous Shifts: Without action, slabs will continue to sink.
- Structural Consequences: Unaddressed soil problems can harm walls and foundations.
- Water Issues: Sinking fosters water accumulation, leading to additional damage.
- Aesthetic and Worth: Damaged slabs diminish your property’s appearance and value.
Foundation Recovery Systems delivers unparalleled solutions that tackle these concerns, ensuring lasting effects.
Contact Foundation Recovery Systems for Dependable Concrete Lifting Solutions
Avoid letting small issues escalate into significant expenses. Upon noticing sinking or uneven slabs, reach out to Foundation Recovery Systems for a free inspection and quote.
Our specialists employ advanced diagnostic tools and our signature product, PolyRenewal™, to ensure your home’s safety, stability, and long-term well-being.
Connect with us now to book your free inspection.
FAQs
While tree roots are commonly associated with lifting or cracking concrete, they can also lead to uneven soil compaction, which can cause sections of concrete to sink.
Absolutely, but it’s probably not the only reason. However, persistent or significant water flow can erode the soil beneath the slab, leading to sinking.
It’s challenging to predict without professional assessment. An expert can examine soil conditions and other factors to determine ongoing risks.
Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Foundation Recovery Systems does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.
Explore more problem signs

Our Locations
3349 Southgate Ct SW,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 220-5034
14678 E 925 North Rd, Building 5
Bloomington, IL 61705
2401 SE Creekview Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 373-8491
7280 NW 87th Terrace, Suite C-210
Kansas City, MO 64153
(816) 774-1539
211 SE State Route 150
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
(816) 774-1539
1872 State Hwy M
Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 202-8662
3020 N. Martin Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 612-8286
1625 Larkin Williams rd.
Fenton, MO 63026
(314) 207-9995