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WHAT MADE MY CONCRETE SETTLE?
There are many reasons why concrete settles. Some of the most common are:
- WATER EROSION - Water infiltrating the subbase (the base beneath the slab). The common sources are open joints or cracks in the slab, gutters that channel the rainwater towards the slab, and poor drainage.
- BURROWING ANIMALS - In our area chipmunks are tireless
burrowers. Once begun, the hollows are prime location for snakes, wasps, and other rodents as well as making a perfect place for water to collect.
- INSUFFICIENT COMPACTION - Uncompacted or poorly
compacted subbase will tend to settle over time. The concrete slab with no support below will naturally follow the subbase down as it settles.
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WILL THE RAISED CONCRETE BE AS GOOD AS NEW?
YES!
Once raised, the concrete will remain at the new elevation as long as:
- The subbase has completely compacted (2-3 years are usually sufficient to complete the majority of the settlement).
- The water problems causing erosion are addressed. (most often, the fix can be as simple as putting an
extension onto gutter spouts but it is always a good idea to caulk open joints and major cracks in a slab as well. If you like, we can perform the caulking service for you.
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WHAT ADVANTAGES DOES RAISING THE SLABS HAVE OVER BREAKING OUT AND PUTTING IN NEW CONCRETE?
Slabjacking has many advantages over new, the most important of which are:
- COST - Slabjacking usually costs less than half the cost of new and sometimes far less.
- TIME - Many times the jacked concrete can be driven or walked on the same day we repair it. Whereas new
concrete involves the demolition and removal of the concrete, pouring new concrete, and cure time of the fresh concrete. This process can take up to two weeks or more.
- APPEARANCE - New concrete is invariably a different color than the remaining concrete. A large
patched section will be conspicuous to the eye. Slabjacking uses only a few small holes that blend in more inconspicuously.
- CONVENIENCE - One of the advantages we are complimented on the most is the convenience of our
process. There is no heavy equipment on the lawns or landscaping, and the noise is at a minimum.
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