Why Does Heat Causes Concrete to Sink? | Sunken Concrete Repair Near You!
During periods of intense summer heat, you may notice that your concrete has cracked or started to sink. If you've spotted uneven sidewalks, settled driveways, or sunken steps around your property, you may be wondering what caused the problem. While heat does not directly damage concrete, it can create conditions that lead to concrete settlement. Here are some of the most common reasons heat causes concrete to sink:
Shrinking and Drying Soil
Heat itself does not cause concrete to melt, shrink, or settle. However, it can have a major impact on the soil beneath your concrete slabs. Extended periods of hot, dry weather can cause the soil to lose moisture and shrink. As the soil contracts, it creates gaps beneath the concrete, leaving portions of the slab unsupported. Clay-rich soils are especially susceptible because they expand when wet and shrink dramatically when they dry out.
Soil Washout
When soil becomes dry and shrunken, empty spaces can develop beneath your concrete. As rainwater moves through the ground, it can wash away the already weakened soil that supports the slab. This process, known as soil washout, creates larger voids underneath the concrete. As these voids continue to grow, the slab may crack, settle, or sink due to insufficient support.
Soil Compaction
Another common cause of sinking concrete is soil compaction. This occurs when the soil's load-bearing capacity is exceeded, and the ground compresses over time. The repeated cycle of expansion and contraction caused by changing moisture levels can weaken the soil below concrete slabs. As the soil settles, sections of the slab may sink, shift, or heave, creating uneven surfaces and potential safety hazards.
How Can You Tell if Your Concrete Has Been Affected?
There are several signs that your concrete may be suffering from settlement issues. Below are some of the most common indicators that your concrete may need professional repair:
Sinking Sidewalks and Walkways
One of the most noticeable signs of concrete settlement is uneven sidewalks and walkways around your home. In addition to being an eyesore, these sunken sections can create dangerous trip hazards for family members and visitors.
Cracked Concrete
Cracks are another common sign of damaged concrete. Even minor settlement can put stress on a slab and cause cracking. Without professional repair, cracks often become larger over time and may lead to more serious structural issues.
Settling Steps
Your front steps and walkway help create the first impression of your home. When steps begin to sink or separate, they do not affect curb appeal but can also become significant safety hazards. Addressing settling steps early helps protect both the appearance and functionality of your property.
Dropping Driveway
Driveways naturally experience significant wear from vehicle traffic and the weight of large concrete slabs. Over time, the supporting soil beneath the driveway may settle, causing the concrete to sink. If left unaddressed, uneven driveways can create drainage issues and even cause vehicle damage.
Now that you know what signs to watch out for, it's important to address settlement issues before they become more costly and difficult to repair. American Waterworks has the proper products, expertise, and experienced crews to restore your concrete.
How American Waterworks Helps Lift Sinking Concrete
At American Waterworks, we offer industry-leading concrete leveling and repair solutions designed to restore stability, safety, and appearance to your concrete surfaces.
Skip the mess and disruption of mudjacking and complete concrete replacement by choosing PolyLevel. This high-density polyurethane foam is specifically engineered to stabilize and lift sinking concrete slabs. Our trained crews drill small, strategically placed holes into the slab and inject the structural-grade polymer into the void beneath. As the foam expands, it fills empty spaces and precisely lifts the concrete back into position.
PolyLevel is the state-of-the-art solution that provides long-lasting results and minimum disruption to your property.
Reasons to Choose PolyLevel
- Strong, yet lightweight
- Waterproof
- Stable and inert
- Fast-curing
- Adjustable for precise lifting
- Non-invasive installation
To complement the PolyLevel system, American Waterworks also offers NexusPro, a high-performance silicone-based sealant designed for damaged joints and cracks. NexusPro provides exceptional flexibility and long-term durability, helping protect your concrete from water intrusion and additional settlement.
Unlike traditional sealants, NexusPro withstands harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and extreme summer heat. With NexusPro, you can have peace of mind knowing your concrete is protected and looking its best.
- Performs in extreme temperatures; long-lasting durability
- Works seamlessly with the PolyLevel system
- Cures in hours under the right weather
- UV-resistant to prevent drying, cracking, and bubbling
If you're dealing with sinking concrete, cracked sidewalks, uneven driveways, or settling steps, American Waterworks has the solutions you need. Contact us today to schedule your FREE estimate with one of our professionally trained Design Specialists and discover how we can help restore your concrete for years to come.