Reasons Why Concrete Settles

There are many different reasons why concrete settles and becomes uneven. Some of the more common causes include the following:

• Soil erosion – materials underneath your concrete slab can be washed out by a few different events. Damaged sewer lines, broken water pipes, excessive rain, and even improperly installed downspouts can cause the soil underneath your slabs to washout. This can cause your concrete slabs to sink and/or crack because of settling.
• Improper soil compacting before concrete pouring– when concrete driveways, floors, and slabs are being made, the first step should be compacting the ground. When this is not done or is done improperly, the weight of the slab will cause the soil underneath to compact, which will eventually cause cracking and settling.
• Vibrations from traffic and machinery– settling and cracking will also occur with the constant passing of vehicles on the road nearby or the passing of heavy equipment within facilities. The closer your home or facility is to highways and busy streets, the more likely settling and slab movement will happen.
• Climate and weather – the weather and changing climate also has an effect on concrete slabs. Cold weather can cause the moisture in the ground to freeze and when this happens, the slab will raise or heave. When frost thaws out, the soil will return to its original level and will settle, sometimes leaving a space between the concrete slab and the soil. When weight is applied to the slab, it can crack and cause parts to sink, creating uneven surfaces.