Made from aggregates, such as crushed rock, gravel, water, and cement, concrete is one of the strongest materials. Concrete surrounds us, used for heavy-load structures like parking garages, bridges, and public places, including sidewalks, parks, and patios, thanks to its durability. Though it’s one of the toughest materials, it will inevitably crack and become uneven with time as it gets exposed to the elements.
But what exactly causes concrete to sink, especially in Kansas City homes? Continue reading to learn why concrete cracks and what causes concrete to sink here in Kansas City, to understand a bit more about how your concrete developed those unsightly cracks, and how you can repair them.
What Causes Concrete to Sink in Kansas City Homes?
It’s not unusual for homeowners to feel uneasy when they notice cracks appearing in their concrete surfaces. Those unsightly cracks can cause significant issues in your home, including water damage, further sinking, and, not to mention, trip hazards, all of which put your loved ones at risk of serious injury.
If concrete is one of the toughest and most durable materials, why does it crack? The answer lies in how it’s mixed, placed, and cured, including exposure to the elements. Concrete can crack due to any of the following:
Incorrect Strength for the Job
Concrete isn’t a universal material; different projects require different strength levels depending on what it’s supporting. If the concrete mixture isn’t designed to handle the load it will bear, it may not perform well over time. For instance, standard concrete mixtures typically have compressive strengths ranging from about 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Using a mix that’s too weak for the application will increase the likelihood of cracks forming.
Rapid Drying/Poor Curing
Concrete needs time to cure properly. When moisture evaporates too quickly from the concrete mixture, whether due to heat, wind, or lower humidity, the concrete surface will shrink faster than the interior. Rapid drying/poor curing can cause cracks to form, making for unlevel driveways, patios, steps, or parking garages.
Improper Placement of Control Joints
When concrete is poured, professionals use control joints to guide the mixture, helping it cure in a way that causes intended cracks. However, improper placement of control joints, whether not using enough or placing them in the wrong spots, will cause the concrete to crack.
Pouring in Unsuitable Temperatures
Ideally, concrete would be poured in favorable temperatures so it can cure properly. Somewhere between 50-60°F is an ideal range for pouring concrete, ensuring the soil is above freezing yet not hot enough to evaporate the water inside the concrete too quickly. Now that temperatures are warming here in Kansas City, if you’re getting concrete poured, you’ll want to do it either early in the morning or evening when temperatures cool and humidity levels are lower.
Unstable or Poorly Compacted Soil
Soil should be properly compacted to avoid settling and sinking. If concrete is poured over unstable or poorly compacted soil, it’ll inevitably crack as the soil beneath it shifts and settles, creating uneven spots, cracks, and uneven, sinking concrete.
Summer/Heat Exposure
Kansas City has notoriously sweltering, humid summers that make for a sticky, hot season. Though our summers are perfect for lounging by the pool or visiting outdoor water parks and splash pads, they have quite a negative effect on concrete. Though concrete is a strong material, it can get damaged by sweltering heat, high humidity, and hot temperatures that can make it brittle and cause sun damage. The effects of summer on concrete can damage your driveway, patio, sidewalk, or other concrete structure over time.
Winter/Freezing Temperatures
Just like the sun and heat exposure can wreak havoc on concrete, so can freezing temperatures. The cold, winter storms, and fluctuating temperatures can damage concrete since it’s a porous material. Water can enter concrete during winter precipitation events, become trapped, and freeze, causing it to expand and contract. This will eventually create cracks, spalling, and unlevel concrete as it continues to be exposed to winter precipitation and freezing temperatures.
Many factors cause concrete to sink in Kansas City homes, putting your loved ones and the general public at risk of serious injury from slips and falls. Likewise, uneven and cracked concrete can cause further damage to your home, creating more cracks over time and water damage. Luckily, though concrete slabs sink, they can be repaired with polyjacking.
Why Choose Polyjacking for Concrete Repair?
Concrete repair is a smart investment for homeowners dealing with cracked, chipped, or sunken concrete. One of the biggest advantages is improved safety and the elimination of trip hazards caused by uneven concrete. Repairing uneven and cracked concrete not only restores a smoother, more stable surface, but it also helps prevent the damage from spreading.
Choosing polyjacking for concrete repair is the best choice for Kansas City homeowners for several reasons. For one, it’s the most permanent concrete repair method, outlasting other methods like mudjacking. The polyjacking process involves injecting polyurethane foam underneath the sunken concrete to lift it, ultimately fortifying the soil. This ensures you never need to repair the same slab again, unlike mudjacking, which requires ongoing maintenance. Polyjacking is also a wise investment because it’s the more wallet-friendly option; it’s a permanent solution, unlike mudjacking, which needs redoing as it wears down and sinks again.
Trust Pro Polyjacking, Kansas City’s Premier Polyjacking Company for Over 30 Years
If you need your unlevel or cracked concrete repaired, hiring Pro Polyjacking is the best solution. We have over 30 years of industry experience and have been serving Kansas City homeowners for decades. We’re a woman and family-owned local business with positive reviews and thousands of satisfied customers. Below are some of our customer reviews:
Pro Polyjacking can help with all commercial and residential concrete leveling needs in and around Kansas City, including: residential concrete leveling, commercial and industrial concrete leveling, concrete sealing and cleaning, deep injection, joint and crack repair, and farm silo polyjacking. We hold all required licenses and insurance that protects our employees. We also offer a warranty on all our projects, ensuring our customers are left completely satisfied. Get started by requesting a quote today!