Why Should I Worry About a Sinking Concrete Slab?

A single, sinking concrete slab may not seem like a huge deal, but it could be a warning sign for much more serious issues at work in your home. It also has a very real impact on your home as a whole! 

Accidents and Injuries 

The most pressing concern when it comes to a property with sinking or sunken concrete slabs, either inside the home or in the exterior areas of the property, is the potential for accidents and injury. This unevenness poses a tripping hazard to anyone who might be present in the property, but is most dangerous to those who are already vulnerable, of course. Older adults, young children, and people with mobility issues are at high risk. 

A fall onto concrete can be incredibly serious for people who fall into these categories. Those who are already vulnerable are at higher risk of broken bones and serious injury as a result of tripping on a sunken or uneven concrete slab, for example. This is not only worrying, but can lead to legal liability if the person who has an accident is visiting you or working for you. As such it is better to get it fixed quickly. 

Underlying Issues 

Secondly, a sunken concrete slab (even just one) can be a sign of more serious issues at work in your home. For example, a sinking concrete slab in your basement could be a sign that your property’s foundation is undergoing a process known as settlement. This is a very damaging process that will eventually impact the whole structure of your property. 

Likewise, a sinking concrete slab in the exterior areas of your property can indicate that there are serious issues with the soil around your home. This can indicate that there are issues like erosion and soil washout at work, or that the soil around your home is fundamentally incompetent in some way or another. These issues can impact your property’s foundation over time and cause damage, so it’s good to act as soon as you can.