Soil washout, the erosion of topsoil from water flow, is a homeowner’s concern. It destabilizes the soil layer supporting your driveway, patio, pool deck, and even your home’s foundation. This displacement undermines your concrete structures, causing instability and potential damage. The solution for the washout is polyurethane foam concrete leveling.
Let’s delve into the causes and impacts of soil washout on your property.
Soil erosion is a common event, occurring with each step on your lawn or watering of your flower beds. However, soil washout is a more severe issue. It happens when a water stream rapidly displaces topsoil as it flows down a slope. This is particularly common in high-elevation areas such as inland Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, and it requires a slight incline for the water to flow. Residential properties, which are subject to changes in weather and human activity, can easily experience soil washout, especially if they are at least five years old.
Soil washout may seem a minor issue but it significantly damages your property’s concrete. It leads to ‘settling’, where erosion under concrete creates an uneven structure. Concrete slabs, typically four inches thick, rely on an even soil layer for support. When soil washout causes this layer to become uneven, sinkholes form. As the slab settles against the sinkhole, it can’t withstand pressure, leading to cracks.
Initially, you might notice a slight wobble or minimal unevenness. Concrete most prone to settling is on an incline, where soil washout is severe. This could affect your driveway or yard pathways, making them difficult to navigate.
Soil washout isn’t just a danger to the concrete slabs around your property; it can seriously damage your home’s foundation. Over time, soil washout creates sinkholes, leading to uneven foundation support. This instability triggers structural problems, including:
And in the specific case of slab foundations:
If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional. Soil washout and the resultant settling can lead to disruptive, increasingly severe structural changes. To avoid a potentially hazardous living situation and costly repairs, stay vigilant for signs of soil washout.
Concrete settling, a safety hazard and aesthetic concern, is caused by soil washout. However, a simple, innovative solution known as PolyRenewal™ can rectify this issue.
PolyRenewal™ is a quick and efficient method that uses polyurethane foam to combat soil washout. Small holes are drilled into the concrete slab and filled with this foam, raising the slab and filling the sinkhole underneath. The process, which takes under a minute, ensures the slab is level and the foam cures properly.
This straightforward solution goes beyond just lifting the slab; it prevents future settling too. Polyurethane foam, unlike soil or traditional cement mixtures, doesn’t erode over time. It’s waterproof, non-permeable, and doesn’t succumb to the freeze-thaw cycle.
This lightweight yet robust polymer supports over 100 tons of pressure, without displacing the soil underneath. This makes it perfect for loose, sandy soils, like those in Virginia Beach and Roanoke, VA, which can’t support weight without shifting.
Protect the concrete on your property by calling JES. We’ve been operating since 1993, helping homeowners keep their properties secure and livable. Our service area covers Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and the Outer Banks.
If you’re interested in PolyRenewal™ for your settling slab, contact us today to set up a free inspection. One of our field agents will assess the damage and give you a rundown of what needs to be done as well as a repair quote.
The durability of leveled concrete can extend many years, depending on the repair technique employed and proper upkeep. Factors such as soil settlement, freeze-thaw cycles, and the burden of traffic contribute to its lifespan. If cracks continue to appear, they should be inspected promptly. For more details on the longevity of concrete leveling, especially using durable polyurethane injections, get in touch with JES for a free inspection and estimate.
Opting for concrete leveling is typically more efficient and cost-effective than a full replacement, provided the concrete is not extensively broken or crumbling. When the concrete is severely damaged, removal and replacement may be necessary. For a precise assessment of your situation and to determine the most suitable repair solution, contact JES for a free inspection.
The cost to level a driveway is influenced by several aspects, including the severity of the damage, the repair technique selected, and the expenses related to labor, materials, and permits. Typically, the price for driveway leveling can vary between $800 and $4,000 or higher. For precise pricing tailored to your specific concrete leveling needs, reach out to JES Foundation Repair to schedule a free inspection and learn more about the process here.
