Ensuring concrete slabs remain strong and durable involves finding the best ways to fill the void.
Concrete is extremely heavy, and when there isn’t a firm foundation below it a void can form under a driveway or sidewalk. Voids can start off small but if they aren’t addressed you will quickly find yourself facing huge problems.
Voids can be caused by a few things. Among them is erosion of the soil beneath the slab, which happens frequently in Alberta’s freeze and thaw climate. Soil will inevitably settle over the years but it is influenced by the soil type: the looser the original soil, the more likely that it will erode.
Human error can also be the cause of voids beneath concrete. If water is not drained properly, or if the concrete was placed incorrectly in the first place, air pockets and holes can form, causing further erosion by water.
Conversely, drought can also cause a void. Soil shrinks as it dries out, leading to a void. Not maintaining your concrete can also lead to massive voids. Even small cracks in the slab can cause water to leak into the foundation.
A void needs to be fixed as soon as you notice it; if you don’t get it fixed the slab will no longer be able to support any weight and it will collapse. This is not only unsightly but also extremely dangerous for homeowners, visitors, animals, and anyone else that tries to walk on it.
So how are they fixed? Glad you asked.
We here at TCB Foam Solutions are experts in filling voids, concrete lifting and more. We use polyurethane foam to fill the space, which will expand beneath the surface and lift sunken concrete back into place. It will also consolidate the soil, rock, and any organic material under the slab. Best of all, you can start using the slab as soon as the work is done. No down time needed!
Let the professionals at TCB Foam Solutions bring their expertise to your next concrete lifting, void filling, concrete sealing, or soil stabilization project.