If you have concrete on your property for a sidewalk, driveway, or patio, you might assume it will last forever. However, if it wasn’t installed properly or if the workers failed to stabilize the soil underneath before pouring it, hidden air gaps might form underneath. If you notice sinking slabs or cracking concrete, consult professionals who offer concrete leveling in Wichita for help with this common issue.
Here is how they do it.
1. Visually Inspecting the Concrete
If you have a void under the concrete at your home, you’re likely to notice that adjacent slabs no longer line up. The slab with the void may slightly sink, creating a lip that becomes a trip hazard.
Hidden voids may also cause cracks in the slab or crumbling at the edges.
2. Looking for Displaced or Missing Soil
When laying slabs of concrete, workers must properly prepare the soil underneath and at the edges. If you see gaps in the dirt at the edges of the slab, water may have washed some of the soil away. As water moves under the slab, erosion can create a void.
3. Using the Manual Sounding Technique
If your visual inspection leaves you unsure whether you have hidden voids under the concrete, you could use the manual sounding technique before calling professionals for help. If you have a large, heavy chain, drag it across the slab several times.
If the sound changes as the chain moves around, you might have a void. A gap under the concrete will generate an echoing or hollow sound. If the ground underneath the slab is firm, the sound will resemble a solid thud that doesn’t change.
Some professionals will opt for a hammer instead. However, homeowners using a hammer should exercise significant caution to avoid further damaging the concrete.
4. Deploying Ground Penetrating Radar
For larger sections of concrete, such as under a driveway, professionals might need to deploy ground-penetrating radar to find voids. This technology has the ability to pinpoint the location of a void, making it easier to determine the best course of action.
This is not a common technique for homeowners to use, as they probably don’t own this equipment. Yet another reason to rely on an experienced professional to handle the process from start to finish.
Trust Arise Concrete Leveling for Safe Slab Lifting in Wichita, KS
Soil erosion under concrete slabs is more common than you may think. However, spotting these issues can be a challenge for homeowners because they’re usually hidden from view. You’re probably more likely to spot the consequences of the voids under the concrete than to see any of the actual gaps.
At Arise Concrete Leveling, we specialize in finding clues of subsurface voids and sidewalk settlement before they cause damage that requires concrete repair. Our work levels the slabs once again, reducing the risk of tripping over uneven sidewalks. To discuss your situation or to request a price quote, contact us today at (316) 867-6565.
