Whether your concrete is brand new or newly raised, you can prevent concrete settling and cracking. Follow these three tips to ensure your cement stays level for years to come!
Seal Cracks and Joints
If you have any cracks or unsealed joints in your cement, seal them with right away with concrete caulk. For larger gaps in your cement, use a backer rod to fill the gap then seal it with caulk on top.
Calking the cracks and joints in your concrete helps keep out moisture that can cause washout below the slab. Washout is one of the leading causes of concrete settling.
Adjust Downspout Location
The easiest way to prevent concrete settling is to adjust the location of your downspout. To help your concrete stay level, make sure your downspouts are located at least 5 feet away from your sidewalk, driveway or patio.
Pack Surrounding Soil
To help prevent moisture from getting below your concrete, make sure that any open sides of your concrete slabs are tightly packed with soil. If this soil is not well compacted, it will compress, allowing more water to flow under the cement.
Getting New Concrete Poured?
The best way to prevent concrete settling starts before the cement is poured. Having a solid, tightly compacted base below the cement will help combat against
- Soil Compression
- Washout Below the Concrete
- Changes in Soil Moisture.
What if My Concrete has Already Settled?
If your concrete has already settled, the best solution is to raise it with polyurethane foam! While replacing your concrete may be the first solution to enter your mind, raising your concrete is actually less expensive and less timely than replacing it.
In addition, though you have a couple of options for your concrete raising, polyurethane foam holds many benefits over mudjacking.
Do you have concrete that needs leveling? Give us a call at (319) 535-2401 or get a FREE concrete raising estimate from Concrete Polyfix!
