Your homes foundation cracking or sinking can put you in a situation where you may have to spend quite a bit of money on repairs. Often times we notice cracks in our driveways, patio decks and other areas on our property where concrete has be laid but it can be harder to know if your slab foundation is having problems. Some cracks don’t occur until a great deal of time has passed, others can pop up quite immediately after a slab of concrete has been laid. It is important to know what causes these cracks and sinks in your concrete to better understand how to prevent it from happening again and how to go about repairing this type of damage. DuraTech Texas outlines the common causes of foundation cracking and sinking below.
Poor Compaction of Soil
One common cause of concrete cracking or sinking is inadequate soil compaction. This usually happens during the construction phase and is responsible for subsurface settlement. Concrete basement walls that are from eight to ten feet as a rule of thumb requires that same depth of compacted back fill. It is important to become familiar with the proper techniques for concrete, so you will not run into future problems that could have easily been prevented if the proper steps were taken in the beginning. It can take up to eight years for these problems to stabilize, and will be much to late to take any preventative action at that point.
Improper Drainage
Another major factor in concrete sinking and cracking is attributed to improper drainage. Down spouts that are clogged or not properly directing the water to the appropriate areas can allow water to seep into areas that will eventually result in concrete slabs cracking or sinking. A large amount of water underneath a concrete slab will cause settlement and result in cracks and sinking. Cracks will appear in the unsupported areas of the concrete due to the weight of the concrete and the lack of support underneath the slab.
Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
When installing a new concrete slab on your property, contact a professional who is experienced and knows what they are doing. A professional knows the necessary factors that must be present to prevent any future cracks or sinking with your slab foundation. Avoid future problems with your slab foundation by calling DuraTech Texas to take care of all your concrete needs. For a professional concrete slab job done right, look no further than they great service that DuraTech Texas has to offer. You will not be disappointed with the results of our services.