Why Are Some of My Concrete Slabs Cracking?

Damaged and cracking concrete slabs are caused by the fundamental inability of the soil underneath them to provide adequate support. This can be caused by excessive saturation or dehydration and usually starts with damage to your foundation.  

• Subsidence  

Concrete slabs and a property’s foundation subside when the soil under them lacks the structural integrity to hold them up. The result is that they begin to sink into the soil and will continue to do so, usually in an uneven manner, until they find competent ground. This kind of damage generally causes irregular depressions and increased issues with dampness.  

If the foundation below a concrete slab is subsiding, the property may be experiencing larger issues as a result of the disproportionate pressure being placed on specific areas of the structure. It is important that you get a professional involved as quickly as possible; these issues only grow in scope and severity over time.  

• Settlement  

Settlement usually occurs when the soil under a structure recedes or cracks as a result of dehydration. This shrinking leaves a void behind and removes support from the concrete slab or foundation section in question. As a result, they can ‘settle’ into the space left behind by the soil as it draws back. Unlike subsidence, this is likely to affect isolated areas of a property.  

While this issue is caused by dehydration, it can also lead to serious dampness in a home. This is because of the way that water will follow large cracks and gaps in the soil. In this case, choosing the path of least resistance will lead water directly to the damaged sections of your foundation and allow it to seep into your property.