Cracked Concrete Patio

Your patio offers an outdoor space for you and your family to relax in, but without adequate care and safeguarding, it is susceptible to damage. Cracks in the patio are a common issue, and they lead to dangers like tripping or broader damage to your home. 

Our team is made up of homeowners, so we understand the desire to keep your home safe. We provide an innovative approach to concrete lifting—one that is built to last. 

After reading this page, you’ll understand what causes concrete to crack in the first place and what you can do to stop the process. Let’s dive in and make your patio safe for everyone. 

What Is a Cracked Concrete Patio? 

A cracked concrete patio is easily identified by lines, breaks, or fractures on the structure’s surface. This negatively affects its visual appeal and structural integrity. 

These cracks might vary from minor surface fissures to deep, significant damage. No matter what, cracks are safety hazards.  

Not to mention, broken and uneven patios create openings for pests, unwanted vegetation, and debris. They can also lead to pooling water which can find its way into your basement or crawl space. 

If your patio is cracking, you might also see other concrete issues on your property, such as: 

• Cracked driveway 
• Cracked sidewalks 
• Cracked pool deck
• Sinking porch
• Cracked patio
• Sinking steps 
• Cracked concrete 
• Pitting, flaking, and staining

If left unrepaired, concrete damage only gets worse with time. As soon as you spot these issues, work with an expert like Basement Authority of West Virginia for the best repairs.  

What Causes a Cracked Concrete Patio? 

Concrete damage of any kind usually stems from environmental conditions, although some damage results from errors during the concrete installation.  

Most of the reasons behind concrete damage are out of your control. Here are the most common causes of a cracked concrete patio: 

• Shifting Soil and Erosion: Movement or erosion of soil beneath a patio destabilizes the concrete, leading to sagging and subsequent cracks. Dry soil also struggles to sustain the weight of the concrete above. 
• Climate Effects: Heavy rain or flooding intensifies soil erosion, particularly in areas with clay-rich soil. The freeze-thaw dynamics that happen during winter can also result in cracking. 
• Expanding Tree Roots: Tree roots, when growing close or beneath a patio, exert pressure against the concrete, causing cracks. 
• Poor Installation: Faults during concrete pouring or the hardening phase can lead to inherent fragility and eventual cracking. 

It’s vital to note that these disturbances can also harm a home’s foundation. Addressing concrete damage promptly is crucial, or it could spread to your home. 

Can You Fix a Cracked Concrete Patio? 

Yes, you can certainly repair a cracked concrete patio. Early intervention is key, as major damage narrows down repair options. 

However, DIY patchwork and store-bought concrete fillers aren’t enough. These are temporary solutions that don’t actually address the core causes behind cracked concrete. 

Efficient concrete restoration requires specialized tools and methods. A comprehensive solution that addresses both visible and hidden issues is essential for long-term results. 

Basement Authority of West Virginia delivers a leading solution: our SettleStop PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting system. This material not only lifts concrete to a safe level but also targets the underlying issues. 

How to Fix a Cracked Concrete Patio 

Basement Authority of West Virginia uses a modern technique to restore and stabilize cracked concrete patios. Our approach looks like this: 

• Thorough inspection of affected patio sections. 
• Drill penny-sized holes into the damaged concrete. 
• Place polyurethane injection ports into these holes. 
• Prepare our exclusive polyurethane foam. 
• Inject PolyRenewal™ beneath the cracked patio. 
• Foam fills voids in the ground and expands, strengthening weak soil and lifting the cracked sections. 
• Let the foam cure to a solid state (usually 15 minutes). 
• Detach the injection ports. 
• Seal and smooth the penny-sized holes, making them virtually invisible. 
• Fill any remaining cracks to deter future issues. 
• Regularly inspect and provide maintenance to ensure lasting concrete protection. 

We know that each home is unique. PolyRenewal™ can be tailored to your individual needs, something that traditional approaches and solutions simply can’t do. 

Why Address a Cracked Concrete Patio Now 

Besides the immediate fix that concrete repair brings, it also has some lasting benefits. By fixing a cracked concrete slab you will experience the following advantages: 

• Increased Safety: Cracked patios become a tripping hazard, especially for children or those with mobility issues. 
• Stop Ongoing Movement: Concrete lifting puts an end to the issues that cause concrete to move and crack in the first place. 
• Prevent Structural Damage: Repairing concrete will stop damage from spreading to your home’s walls and foundation. 
• Water Issues: Cracked patios allow water to pool outside your home and lead to mold growth in a crawl space or basement. Concrete lifting stops this from happening. 
• Maintain Appearance and Property Value: Investing in concrete repair helps your home stay safe and protects its value. 

Swift and expert intervention like ours ensures lasting results. With our advanced solutions, you can thoroughly address your patio concerns in the long term. 

Reach Out to Basement Authority of West Virginia for Trusted Concrete Uplifting Solutions 

You deserve a patio that allows your family to make memories and relax. Rely on Basement Authority of West Virginia to protect your concrete patio’s structure.  

We’re dedicated to delivering lasting and effective solutions. Contact us today for a commitment-free inspection. Let our specialists guide you in rejuvenating your patio’s functionality and beauty. 

Resources

Top 3 Reasons for Concrete Lifting

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Polyurethane Injections Vs. Mudjacking: Which Is the Best Concrete Repair Solution?

BAWV is Charleston, WV's concrete lifting specialist. In this guide, we offer a comparison between polyurethane foam injections and mudjacking as popular concrete repair methods.

4 Benefits of Polyfoam Injection

Concrete lifting and leveling has used the same techniques for most of its existence. Mudjacking used to be the go-to method for lifting concrete slabs. Mudjacking involves pumping large quantities of a muddy slurry under for slab leveling, and it can be messy and take time to set. It also used large machinery which sat in […]

Disclaimer: By “concrete leveling,” we mean the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Basement Authority of West Virginia does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.