Do You Have a Sinking Garage?
Over time, you may find that concrete floors on your property, particularly in your garage, begin to settle, sink, and become uneven. But unfortunately, after a while, a sinking floor can give way to a whole host of other problems, such as cracks, uneven ground, and other foundation issues. There are a number of things that cause this, but mostly it is the result of years of wear, traffic, and weight. The good news is, we have a few solutions when it comes to raising garage floors!
Consider how much the vehicle or vehicles parked in your garage weigh: at least 2,500 pounds, and up to 4,000, while the average prehensile resistance of a concrete floor is 3,000 pounds per square inch. It is, of course, possible to restore a level floor by building up the sinking areas, but this is temporary and doesn’t tend to the issues of support beneath the concrete. Among the best and most effective ways for raising a garage floor is a process known variously as “slab jacking,” “foam jacking,” “mud jacking,” “concrete leveling,” or, simply, “concrete raising”.
In short, slab jacking reinforces the problem areas beneath the surface that are yielding to the pressure from the concrete and the activity upon it. Read on to learn more about what causes concrete floors to sink, slab jacking to raise the garage floor, and what slab jacking is in detail.
What Causes Garage Floors to Sink
In most cases, the cause of a sinking garage is a “settlement.” Settling is because the ground beneath the structure is constantly shifting and settling. A number of things may cause the slab concrete to sink. Recesses and sinking in concrete floors often occur due to minor miscalculations or poor preparation during installation. It’s necessary to compact and reinforce foundation materials before laying concrete slab floors.
Other reasons can include soil beneath the slab settling improperly or in unanticipated ways. Improper drainage or changes in grades around a property can also impact the soil underneath and on the periphery of concrete floors by exposing them to water and erosion. Also, did you consider the weight of decades or years of parking at least one car in your garage? Think about all the stuff in your garage if you use it for all your tools or lawn care equipment.
Poor drainage is also one of the most common causes. When the water beneath your garage is not adequately drained away, it can cause the soil to become saturated and heavy. This, in turn, can cause the foundation and the garage to sink with it.
Without solving these underlying problems, efforts to raise the garage floor will be a temporary solution that will require repeating.
Importance of Repairing a Sinking Garage
Settling and sinking garage floors can crack, present tripping hazards, and even alter the grade of the structure. Mechanical elements that depend on even surfaces, such as garage and entry doors and windows, can fail or sustain damage. This can present a security issue, lead to further damage, or both. Exposed egresses in an attached garage can cause noticeable increases in energy costs as well. Raising the garage floor back up will make your home safer and more structurally secure.
A sinking garage floor also signifies more significant structural issues that need addressing. Consider the sinking garage a symptom.
A sinking garage floor can also cause problems with the structural integrity of your home. This is because the floor is no longer level, which can weaken the foundation and other structural components. Fixing and raising the garage floor can help ensure your home remains strong and stable.
What is Slab Jacking?
Slab jacking stabilizes the soil beneath a concrete floor. In slab jacking, a slurry of water, cement, and sometimes polyurethane or foam is piped into voids or hollows in the soil under the concrete floor. This mixture is designed to bind to the soil and dry.
This mixture is pumped with a hydraulic jack, which lifts the floor slab and fills any cavities that may have caused the slab to settle in the first place. The result is a stable and level garage floor that can withstand the weight of vehicles, storage items, and other heavy objects.
Slab jacking is a great deal less expensive and less invasive than replacing a concrete floor. You can use the space as normal almost immediately after you raise the garage floor. For a hundred years, people have used this highly effective and convenient technique to raise concrete floors in a variety of applications, such as garage floors, driveways, walkways, and more. It is quick, cost-effective, and permanent.
A Level Floor Is a Safe Floor
A level garage floor is essential for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, it creates a safe, comfortable and secure environment for your vehicles, tools, and any other items you may store in your garage. It also reduces the risk of tripping, slipping, or falling due to an uneven floor. Raising your garage floor adds comfort and security to your home.
Need to Raise Your Garage Floor? Give Us A Call!
Slabjack Geotechnical is among the leading garage floor specialists in the Pacific Northwest. We don’t mean to brag, but our work and our team of experts have the tools and talent to fix any of your garage sinking issues. So call us today or submit a contact form if you already see the signs of garage floor trouble.
FAQs
Do you have to raise the floor in a garage conversion?
The need for additional work in converting a garage depends on the floor height and intended use. If the garage floor matches the main living area, no extra work may be needed. But if it’s lower, a new subfloor may be necessary. For living spaces, follow code requirements for insulation, ventilation, and moisture barrier to ensure comfort and health.
Is it cheaper to raise concrete or replace it?
It can be cheaper to raise existing concrete rather than replace it. That is because it is typically less labor-intensive and less expensive than breaking and removing the existing concrete and pouring a new slab.