Whether you’re a homeowner inspecting their home or a contractor completing an inspection, it’s essential to identify the warning signs you need concrete lifting repairs. Sinking concrete can happen to your driveway, patio, or even your home’s foundation, all of which can pose safety hazards. This is why it’s important to be able to recognize these signs that you need concrete lifting repairs.
Uneven Concrete
Uneven concrete is the most obvious sign that your home or a client’s home needs concrete repairs. Not only is uneven concrete a clear sign of erosion and sinking, but it also poses a health hazard for homeowners. Concrete dips can be a tripping hazard and will only worsen over time. Potholes and dips may also indicate that the ground beneath the concrete has sunken and requires filling.
Cracked Pieces
Concrete is a strong and durable material, but even it will crack with age and wear. This is why cracks may not come off as an immediate red flag for concrete lifting repairs. However, if you notice deep cracks that start to slope or look uneven, this is a definite sign of sinkage. Fixing deep cracks like these requires more than a simple mortar mixture. Minor surface area cracks may be quick fixes, but these deeper cracks will require professional attention.
Soil Erosion and Runoff
Runoff from rainstorms, melting snow, and other weather conditions is one of the leading causes of soil erosion and sinking concrete. Even if your concrete looks perfectly normal now, if you’re experiencing runoff and erosion nearby, it could only be a matter of time before your concrete starts to shift. Runoff and erosion can also lead to foundation problems for the home, so it’s essential to address these warning signs as early as possible. Try rerouting runoff away from your home by installing gutters and drainage systems.
Concrete lifting during the winter may be a bad idea, but spring provides the ideal conditions for this process. Now that much of the winter snow has melted, if you notice any of these warning signs that you need concrete lifting repairs, contact your local contractor immediately to avoid further damage.