A contributing factor to un-even concrete is irregular soil behaviour. For example, soils containing reactive clay can expand or contract throughout the year. Rainy seasons will lead to soil expansion from moisture, while contraction occurs in the warm, dry conditions of hotter months. 

These fluctuations could be regular, or the soil may expand and contract unevenly. This causes stress to the foundations of your home, which could lead to internal and/or external wall cracks. This will be of particular concern as more parts of the country experience extreme weather events year on year.

Neighbouring trees and shrubs absorb water using their roots causing movement in the soil as it soaks up moisture in the ground.

One major contributor to lifting concrete is issues with drainage. Pipes left unconnected, broken drains and other leakages can mean water drains into the soil under your home. This erodes the soil over time, leading to ground instability. 

The soil under your home could also suffer from aeration, or voids could form. This eventually leads to ground instability, which causes uneven concrete.

Lifting concrete can appear when the weight of your home increases beyond the foundation’s capacity. Wall extensions or other extra loads increase the weight of the house, as well as increasing the force exerted on the foundation and the soil it sits on.

As with soil expansion, uneven direction or distribution of this force can put stress on the structure. Uneven in this case might be the start of more serious issues.

Natural disasters such as flooding, drought and earthquakes affect soil moisture levels in particular clay resulting in excessive foundation movement.

Vibration caused by nearby construction activity such as drilling or piling, or heavy road traffic causes soil particles to shift and settle, resulting in ground subsidence.

Expanding materials can also cause concrete to lift, contract or shift over time. 

Recognising when an uneven concrete floor is a sign of a serious issue requires professional assessment. However, there are some indicators that suggest immediate attention is necessary:

• The unevenness is widespread or worsening over time.
• There are visible cracks that are expanding.
• Doors and windows within the area are jamming or no longer aligning properly.
• Gaps between the floor and walls or skirting boards are appearing or widening.
• You notice changes in the levelness of the floor by sight or when walking.

At Mainmark, we recommend having a professional assess your concrete floor if you notice any of these signs. Our team can diagnose the severity of the issue and recommend the best course of action to prevent further damage and restore levelness and stability to your floors.

Yes, cracked concrete floors can be a cause for concern as they may indicate underlying issues with your foundation or soil conditions. Here are some reasons why you should pay attention to cracked concrete floors:

1. Structural Integrity: Cracks can signify potential structural problems, especially if they are large or increasing in size.
2. Water Damage: Cracks can allow moisture to penetrate, leading to further deterioration or potential problems with damp.
3. Aesthetic Impact: Cracked floors can be unsightly and may reduce the value of your property.
4. Tripping Hazard: Depending on their size and location, cracks can pose a safety risk to occupants.

It’s advisable to have the cracks assessed by professionals, like those at Mainmark, to determine their cause and the best repair method. Ignoring such issues can lead to more significant problems over time. Mainmark’s innovative solutions, including our Teretek resin injection method, can often address these issues without the need for invasive procedures.

Raising and levelling a concrete floor is a specialised process that should be undertaken by professionals using the right methods and materials. At Mainmark, we utilise advanced solutions like our proprietary Teretek® resin injection technology to efficiently and safely raise and level concrete floors.

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Assessment: We begin with a thorough assessment of the affected area to understand the extent of the issue and the underlying causes, such as soil conditions or structural problems.
2. Planning: Based on the assessment, a plan is devised to address the specific needs of your property. This includes determining the injection points and the amount of resin required.
3. Injection: Small holes are drilled through the concrete slab, and our Teretek® resin is injected into the voids beneath. The resin expands, filling any gaps and gently raising the floor back to its original level.
4. Monitoring: The process is carefully monitored to ensure precise lifting and levelling. The method allows for real-time control to achieve the desired outcome.
5. Finishing: Once the floor is level, the holes are sealed, and the area is cleaned, leaving a level floor with minimal disruption to the property.

Our non-invasive approach ensures there is minimal disruption to your home or business, and in most cases, the area can be used again the same day. To discuss raising and levelling your concrete floor with our Teretek® resin injection solution, please fill in our enquiry form to arrange a free site inspection.

Your property insurance typically covers the repair of structural damage caused by subsidence, including cracks. However, it usually doesn’t cover the expenses related to preventing further subsidence and home movement.

Fill out the form for further assessment, and one our experts will be in touch with you.