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Sinking Concrete Slab

At Indiana Foundation Service, we understand how important it is to maintain the structural integrity of your home. That’s why we prioritize the stability of concrete slabs, as they are vital in ensuring your home remains safe and secure. While concrete is a durable material used in many structures, it’s crucial to remember that it can still be vulnerable to damage. 

If you notice sinking concrete slabs along your driveway, sidewalk, porch, or even inside your home, it’s not just a cosmetic concern. These damages pose a safety hazard and indicate underlying soil issues that could harm your home’s foundation if left unattended. 

Our team specializes in providing homeowners like you with comprehensive, long-lasting concrete repair solutions for sinking slabs. We understand the unique challenges in these situations and are dedicated to addressing and resolving them effectively. By doing so, we aim to enhance your home’s safety and appearance. 

What Is a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

A sinking concrete slab refers to the uneven settling of a concrete surface, resulting in noticeable dips or cracks. This condition can negatively impact the appearance of your property and pose safety risks, such as tripping hazards. 

Sinking concrete slabs are commonly found in various concrete structures, including: 

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

Additionally, sinking concrete slabs may display other forms of damage, such as: 

  • Cracks 
  • Pitting, flaking, and staining 

Identifying and addressing a sinking slab early can help prevent further damage, reduce risks, and restore the functionality and beauty of the affected area. That’s why it’s essential to contact local concrete repair professionals, like Indiana Foundation Service, as soon as you notice any signs of concrete damage. 

What Causes a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

There are several common causes of a sinking concrete slab

  • Settling Soil: Over time, the soil underneath the slab naturally compacts and consolidates, causing the concrete above it to sink. This often occurs when fill dirt is used without proper compaction, especially during periods of drought. 
  • Eroding Soil: Water drainage issues, leaks, or shifting soil can erode and wash away dirt under the concrete, leaving it without a stable base and causing it to sink. 
  • Excessive Precipitation: Saturated soil from rain, flooding, or snowmelt expands and moves, causing instability in the slab. Long-term moisture causes erosion and weakens the dirt. 
  • Poor Drainage: Damaged drainage systems like gutters and downspouts allow excess water to collect on or near the concrete, aiding in underlying soil problems. 
  • Tree Roots: As tree roots grow, they displace the surrounding soil, and can lift and crack slabs. As the roots decompose, they leave voids in the soil, leading to sinking slabs. 
  • Freeze-thaw Cycles: Repeated ground freezing and thawing causes expansion and contraction, which stresses and shifts the soil under slabs. 
  • Installation Problems: Mistakes during site prep, base compaction, slab curing, and pouring can lead to later sinking and cracking of concrete. 

Addressing the underlying causes of sinking concrete slabs is crucial in preventing further structural damage to your home’s foundation. 

Can You Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab? 

Yes, repairing a sinking concrete slab is not only possible, but it is also crucial. It’s important to identify and fix the slab sooner rather than later, as severe damage limits repair options. 

The best long-term solution depends on accurately identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Simply using mudjacking or filling the gap under the slab with gravel can lead to continued sinking. 

Taking a comprehensive approach is vital for lasting repair and protection. We can ensure optimal results and prevent future occurrences by addressing the underlying causes and using advanced products and techniques. 

Indiana Foundation Service uses SettleStop™ PolyRenewal™, a state-of-the-art polyurethane injection system that lifts sunken exterior concrete slabs. If your home is experiencing foundation problems, we also use other repair methods like foundation piers, including slab piers specifically designed for slab foundations, to permanently stabilize and potentially lift your settling foundation. 

We understand that every home is unique and has its own repair requirements. Contact our team today to determine the proper repair solution for your home. 

How to Fix a Sinking Concrete Slab 

When you choose PolyRenewal™ to raise sunken concrete slabs, Indiana Foundation Service follows a precise and careful process: 

  • First, we inspect the problematic concrete slabs to identify the issues. 
  • After confirming the need for PolyRenewal™ or other repairs, we proceed. 
  • Our skilled technicians drill penny-sized holes into the affected concrete. 
  • Then, we affix installation ports in these holes. 
  • We mix our exlusive closed-cell polyurethane foam. 
  • Next, we inject this foam under the concrete slab. 
  • The foam fills the void under the slab, effectively lifting the concrete. 
  • We allow the foam to cure, which generally takes around 15 minutes. 
  • Once cured, we remove the injection ports. 
  • Our experts carefully fill and smooth the drilled holes. 
  • We also seal cracks and joints to prevent any future damage. 
  • To ensure lasting protection, We recommend regular inspections and concrete slab maintenance to ensure lasting protection. 

At Indiana Foundation Service, we take pride in offering proprietary products tailored to address your specific issues with unmatched quality and durability. 

Why Address a Sinking Concrete Slab Now 

It’s crucial to have a sinking concrete slab professionally inspected and repaired for several reasons: 

  • Safety: Uneven, sunken slabs can be a tripping and falling hazard for homeowners. This is especially concerning for seniors, small children, and anyone with mobility issues. 
  • Ongoing Movement: Slabs will continue to shift and sink if not correctly repaired. This problem worsens over time. 
  • Structural Damage: If not addressed, the same soil problems that cause sinking slabs can also damage walls and foundations. 
  • Water Issues: Sinking slabs allow water to pool and seep under foundations, leading to moisture damage, mold, and cracks. Exterior issues related to pooling water include poor drainage, flooding, and attracting pests. 
  • Appearance and Property Value: Cracked, uneven slabs can significantly detract from curb appeal. They can also discourage potential buyers. 

At Indiana Foundation Service, we understand the importance of addressing these issues properly. Our distinctive solutions are designed to provide superior, long-lasting results that really make a difference.  

Contact Indiana Foundation Service for Reliable Concrete Lifting Solutions 

Don’t wait until minor problems become costly repairs. If you notice signs of sinking, settling, or uneven concrete slabs on your property, contact Indiana Foundation Service for a complimentary inspection and estimate. Our highly trained experts utilize advanced diagnostics and exclusive products to raise concrete and prevent future sinking and cracking. 

The PolyRenewal™ foam injection system can efficiently and accurately elevate settled slabs. Our comprehensive foundation repair solutions address associated foundation issues to ensure long-lasting protection. Whatever your home needs, Indiana Foundation Service offers exceptional solutions to guarantee its safety, stability, and durability. 

FAQs

Sinking concrete slab repair costs vary based on slab size, damage severity, and repair methods. Indiana Foundation Service provides free inspections, estimates, transparent pricing, and flexible payment options. Contact us for more information and an accurate cost breakdown. 

Indiana Foundation Service’s PolyRenewal™ foam injection process can lift settled slabs in as little as 15 minutes. Project duration depends on slab size and damage extent. We’ll provide a timeline estimate during your free inspection

Yes, our solutions are designed to withstand diverse environmental conditions, maintaining stability and durability. Our PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam won’t wash away or erode, providing lasting support to the concrete. Contact Indiana Foundation Service today for more details and to schedule a free inspection. 

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

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Our Locations

Indianapolis, IN

624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184

Kokomo, IN

2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902

Lafayette, IN

8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901