Sinking Concrete Slab

Concrete slabs are what hold up most concrete structures on your property. Driveways, patios, porches, and pool decks are all types of concrete slabs that can sink under certain conditions. 

No matter where a sinking concrete slab is, it signals a larger issue at hand. Eventually, the same issues that are causing a concrete structure to sink could expand to your home’s foundation and lead to even more damage. 

Our team is made up of homeowners, so we understand the desire to keep your most important assets 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 sink in the first place and what you can do to stop the process.  

• Driveways 
• Sidewalks 
• Pool decks
• Porches
• Patios 
• Steps 

Moreover, sinking slabs tend to cause further issues for concrete like: 

• Cracked Concrete 
• Pitting, flaking, and staining

Concrete damage of any kind usually stems from environmental conditions, although some damage appears because of construction errors.  

Either way, the reasons why concrete damage occurs are mostly out of your control. Here are the most common reasons a sinking concrete slab shows up: 

• Settling Soil: With passing time, soil beneath the slab compresses and shifts, leading to sinking. Improperly compacted dirt and dry spells only exacerbate this. 
• Eroding Soil: Issues like water drainage, soil movement, or leaks erode the supporting soil, making it too weak to support concrete structures. 
• High Precipitation: Prolonged exposure to moisture from rain, snow, or floods causes soil expansion, destabilizing the slab. 
• Poor Drainage: Flawed drainage setups, including gutters, enable water accumulation, intensifying soil issues. 
• Tree Roots: Expanding tree roots displace the surrounding earth, creating voids that induce slab sinking. 
• Freeze-thaw Cycles: Repeated ground freezing and melting strains the earth beneath slabs. 
• Installation Problems: Initial construction errors such as poor concrete mixing or faulty curing can result in slabs sinking over time. 

Basement Authority of West Virginia has a leading repair process when it comes to repairing a sinking concrete slab. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us: 

• Thorough inspection of affected concrete areas. 
• Drill penny-sized holes into the damaged concrete. 
• Place polyurethane injection ports into these holes. 
• Prepare our exclusive polyurethane foam. 
• Inject PolyRenewal™ beneath the sunken slab. 
• Foam fills voids in the ground and expands, strengthening weak soil and lifting the slab. 
• 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. 

Homeowners have trusted us to repair their concrete since 2003, and there’s a reason why: we have one the best repair methods in the state. We make sure every home has safe, stable concrete for years to come. 

Prevent minor issues from spiraling into costly setbacks. Should you spot any symptoms of sagging or uneven concrete on your premises, contact us today for a complimentary assessment.  

Our team combines expertise with leading techniques to give your home the safety it deserves. Whatever challenges your home presents, Basement Authority of West Virginia promises unmatched protection, stability, and resilience.