Water can be one of concrete’s worst enemies. Constant exposure to water below the slab erodes the soil or stone base, creating voids that lead to sinking. If your yard has clay-rich soil, the problem worsens. Clay expands when it freezes and contracts when it thaws, leaving gaps beneath the concrete.

Here are a few common ways water can undermine your concrete:

• Downpours: Water discharging too close to a slab can seep underneath.
• Poor grading: A yard that doesn’t direct water away from the concrete can create pooling and erosion.
• Leaking pipes: Broken water or sewer pipes near or under the slab can wash away supporting soil.

Fortunately, you can take simple steps to protect your concrete from sinking or worsening.

For Existing Concrete

1. Seal cracks and joints: Use polyurethane or silicone caulk to fill gaps. For larger openings, insert a backer rod before caulking.
2. Redirect downspouts: Ensure downspouts discharge at least five feet away from concrete slabs—or farther, if possible.
3. Pack open slab edges: Tightly pack soil around any exposed edges to prevent water from seeping underneath.

For New Concrete

1. Prepare the base properly: Use at least 4 inches of compacted gravel. It should be firm enough that it doesn’t shift when you stomp on it.

Bury downspouts: Install downspouts below the concrete and extend them into the yard to keep water far away.

If your concrete has already settled, don’t worry, there’s a modern solution that’s faster and more affordable than replacing it.

Using an innovative process called concrete lifting, Mainmark will drill small holes in the slab and inject an expanding resin underneath. This resin fills any voids, strengthens the base, and re-levels the concrete back to its original position.

We offer concrete slab lifting and slab jacking in the following locations. NSW, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne,  Victoria, Tasmania, Adelaide, South Australia, Queensland, Brisbane, Townsville, Perth and Western Australia.

Mainmark provides underpinning in, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville  NSW, QLD, SA, WA, Tasmania, Victoria plus the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle

This method is:

• Quick: Most jobs are completed in just a few hours.
• Clean: Minimal disruption, with small, nearly invisible drill holes.
• Affordable: Costs a fraction of full concrete replacement.

Mainmark also offers a 50 year product warranty for added peace of mind.