Fix Sinking Floors
Have you noticed that your concrete floor has started to sink – either gradually or very rapidly?
It can be hard to specifically identify and measure a sinking floor when you’re walking or working on it daily. It is essential that you keep a close eye on your floor, and if you think it might have started sinking, even if only a tiny bit, it could be an early warning sign for something more serious.
How and Why Does A Floor Sink?
Sinking floors (those made from concrete) usually indicate building subsidence.
This is when the movement of underground material such as soil or earth causes the ground to sink.
Floors, and therefore buildings, can sink in different ways:
- Across the entire foundation
- At specific points across the foundation
The way in which a building sinks will depend on the location of the affected ground and the size of the area.
The Causes Of Subsidence
Subsidence occurs when a change in the ground results in movement of underground material (with buildings, this material is most likely to be soil from the earth on which it sits).
Specific causes of subsidence include:
- Drought: lack of water usually causes soil to contract
- Flooding: too much water can flood the ground
- Liquefaction: this is generally caused by earthquakes or other seismic activity when the ground shakes and liquid is squeezed up from the ground
- Vibration from heavy traffic or machinery used
- Excavation work from a nearby area or Construction sites close by
Need to Fix a Sinking Floor?
Sinking floors need to be fixed and it’s a job that you absolutely need to deal with quickly and effectively.
We can help to advise you on the best options for your property.
To fix a sinking concrete floor, the floor must be raised and re-levelled in order to support the building.
This will also help to strengthen weak ground under the foundations which will create a stable base and avoid further sinking issues in the future.
