At some point, you might notice cracks in concrete sidewalks or vegetation growing between the slabs. According to the concrete repair specialists at The Dwyer Company, with locations in Lexington and Louisville, KY, as well as West Chester, OH, there are several common causes for sunken concrete. Below they share three reasons for the settlement issues with concrete installations. 

Why Concrete Slabs Sink Into the Ground

Water Settled Under the Surface

If your property can’t drain rain runoff, or a pipe bursts under the pavement, water can seep below a concrete slab and displace the soil. Without the fill material to hold it in place, the concrete will shift and sink into the earth. Without concrete repair to stabilize the slab, it will continue to sink and make the area unsafe.   

Fill Soil Was Installed Incorrectly

When concrete foundations or pavers of your home, patio, driveway, or sidewalk have started to sink into the ground, how the installations were constructed could be to blame. If the fill soil was loose before the concrete was poured, the slab will settle quickly after it dries. The soil needs to be compact to support every inch of the concrete surface. Otherwise, cracks will also start to form in addition to sinking. 

Water-Absorbent Soil Expanded

Some types of soil contain clay, silt, and other porous materials that trap water easily. This means the soil will expand when exposed directly to moisture. The soil shrinks when water evaporates, causing the ground to settle and the concrete to sink. 

If you need concrete repair to restore the safety, value, and appeal of your property, the technicians at The Dwyer Company are available to help. Beyond fixing sunken concrete, they will also provide foundation repairs and basement waterproofing to keep your space protected. They will also provide maintenance tips to prevent future damage. Call (859) 231-0998 to schedule concrete repair in Lexington, (502) 489-5438 to reach the Louisville location, and (513) 777-0998 for the West Chester branch. Visit the company online for a complete list of sunken concrete solutions the technicians provide, and Facebook to see project photos.