Concrete Settlement Damage in Knoxville
Concrete sinks and settles for a variety of reasons. That’s why sometimes even fresh, new concrete needs to be repaired. Whether you’ve got a newly poured driveway that’s starting to sink or an old, settled patio slab, the team at American Foundation & Waterproofing can likely rescue concrete that would otherwise need to be replaced, saving you time and money.
While it may seem like the last thing on your to-do list, fixing broken concrete is actually an important project to undertake. Unsightly concrete not only decreases your curb appeal, but it also decreases your home’s value upon resale. Also, it creates a trip hazard for residents, guests, and passersby, meaning you could be stuck with a medical bill or lawsuit should someone fall and get hurt.
Causes of Concrete Settlement Damage in Knoxville
Concrete slabs sink when they don’t have adequate support below the surface. Concrete can sink, settle, and crack for any one of the following reasons, or even a combination of a few of them.
Soil Erosion
If soil washes out from below your slab, it no longer receives the support it needs and can start to sink.
Wet Conditions
Excess water causes soil below your concrete to swell, and is a common cause of concrete damage in Knoxville. Once that water eventually evaporates, soil will start to shrink and leave the slab above it unsupported.
Drought
Drought causes soil to shrink. As it shrinks, it leaves voids below the surface of the concrete that the slab will eventually settle into.
Soil Type
Depending on the type of soil around your home, your concrete may be prone to sinking. Sandy soil washes away easily, while soil with a high clay content is prone to shrinking and swelling with changing weather, which is a common cause of foundation crack in Knoxville homes.
Poor Soil Compaction upon Installation
When your concrete was first installed, the team laying it should have compacted the soil it will lay on top of. If they didn’t compact that soil properly, it will eventually start to compact under the weight of the concrete which will start to settle in an uneven pattern.
Animals Burrowing or Tree Roots
Pests burrowing below your concrete create voids that will leave your concrete unsupported. Similarly, large trees can push slabs up with their roots, causing concrete damage to your Knoxville home. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this is to remove the tree, wait for the roots to dry up, and fill the voids left behind.
Contact American Foundation & Waterproofing
If you’ve noticed the concrete damage around your Knoxville home beginning to settle and crack, acting early can save you a major headache down the line. Fix it the right way when you call American Foundation & Waterproofing for a free inspection and estimate today!