If you find yourself tripping on an uneven basement floor, patio, or driveway, there’s a good chance the concrete has settled. Concrete slab settlement usually occurs in areas where the distance between the soil and slap is minimal. In addition to being uneven, settled concrete will crack over time. With locations in Indianapolis, IN, and Cincinnati, OH, Jaco Waterproofing has been the region’s go-to crack repair company for over 40 years.

Here, their team of foundation repair specialists explains five reasons concrete settles:

1. Dry Soil 

Over time, the dirt beneath the concrete slab may dry out or shrink, creating a gap. When there’s a void, the soil can’t support the concrete, causing it to crack and sink. This issue often arises in basement flooring where concrete slabs are set on top of ductwork, which is set on top of clay soil. The gap is created when air leaks dry out the dirt. In this case, you’ll need an HVAC inspection as well as crack repair. 

2. Soil Washout 

Water beneath the slab can cause the soil to wash out, creating a void between the soil and slab. Because of the gap, the soil cannot support the concrete, causing it to sink and break. Most washouts are caused by severe plumbing leaks. 

3. Tree Roots 

Tree roots aren’t just a threat to your plumbing; they can also damage your concrete flooring or driveway. Large trees with extensive root systems near the surface are most problematic. Before having concrete installed, survey the area and ensure there are no trees nearby that could pose a problem down the line. 

4. Poorly Compacted Soil 

Poorly compacted fill soil can also cause concrete to crack or sink. When a home is constructed, the earth is spread out to a desirable grade level. If the construction crew doesn’t compact the soil properly, it will eventually settle and cause the concrete to sink. 

5. Earthquakes 

Strong earthquakes can decimate buildings, and even average ones can cause structural damage such as cracks in the walls and concrete. As the ground rapidly shifts, the earth beneath the concrete will shift, causing the concrete to settle. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, have your foundation inspected periodically to ensure the concrete remains level. You may also consider basement waterproofing to protect your home from flooding. 

For reliable, experienced concrete crack repair, look no further than Jaco Waterproofing. In addition to foundation and basement crack repair, they offer a host of waterproofing and sealing services to protect your home from flooding. For a free estimate, call (317) 721-9379 if you’re in the Indianapolis, IN, area, or (513) 738-0084 for Cincinnati, OH. You can also visit them online.