Sinking Concrete: Why Is It Happening?

Why Does Concrete Sink?

In Georgia, sinking concrete is often caused by the state’s heavy clay soil, which expands and contracts dramatically with changes in moisture. Let’s dive deeper into this issue for more context.

Expanding and Compacting Clay Soil

Georgia’s soil contains a lot of clay, which expands and pushes against concrete when it absorbs water. Later, when the soil dries out, it shrinks and settles, causing the ground under your concrete to shift again. Without proper support, parts of the concrete slab sink and eventually crack.

Soil Washout

Georgia’s wet weather, with frequent heavy rains and wet winters, can erode the soil under a concrete slab. As the soil breaks down, the concrete loses support and becomes uneven.

This can leave empty spaces, or voids, under the slab. Quickly, the concrete will start to sink or collapse into these voids.

How to Fix Sinking Concrete

Fixing sinking concrete involves a specific process known as concrete lifting (sometimes called concrete leveling). It’s a process that raises and evens out sinking concrete by injecting a material beneath it to provide support. This helps lift the surface to a safe level without the need for costly replacement.

Polyurethane Injection: A Modern Method

Polyurethane injection is also ideal for areas where the soil may continue to shift, as the foam is durable and resistant to moisture. Homeowners tend to love it due to its short curing time and minimal disruption to the property.

What About Mudjacking?

Lift Your Sinking Concrete With AquaGuard Foundation Solutions

Sinking Concrete FAQs

How long does the concrete leveling process take? 

The timeline can range from 1-3 days depending on the size of the job. Professionals work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property. Setting materials like polyurethane expand quickly while concrete replacement and mudjacking takes longer to cure. You’ll receive an accurate timeline during a free concrete inspection by an AquaGuard expert. 

How long does leveled concrete last? 

Depending what repair method is used, professionally leveled concrete can last for many years with proper maintenance. Factors like soil movement, freezing/thawing, and heavy loads can cause slab settlement to occur. Ongoing cracking should be evaluated. To learn more about concrete leveling, particularly with long-lasting polyurethane injections, contact AquaGuard for a free inspection and estimate. 

Can I level sinking concrete on my own?

Concrete leveling is not recommended as a DIY project because it requires specialized tools and materials for proper results. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly and prevents further damage or uneven surfaces.

Related Resources

3 Reasons Why DIY Concrete Lifting Is a Bad Idea

Have you been dealing with uneven concrete slabs in your driveway, walkway, garage, or patio? Learn what NOT to do before you DIY.

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Consider these seven benefits to fixing your sinking and unleveled concrete slab 1.The problem always gets worse: if a slab has cracked or has begun to sink, the issue will not eventually stop; it will continue to get worse. •Note, when problems get worse, the cost of fixing the issue increases. 2.Resale value diminishes: no […]

Concrete Replacement vs. Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane Foam

Does your driveway, sidewalk, concrete steps, or patio have noticeable areas where sunken concrete has caused uneven surfaces and tripping hazards? Along with being annoying eyesores, these uneven areas can cause injuries, lawsuits and prevent your home from selling for the price you want. Fortunately, there is an easy solution. Past methods of correcting settled […]

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.

_{*Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. AquaGuard Foundation Solutions does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.}