What Causes Water Pooling on Concrete?
If you’ve noticed water pooling on your concrete surfaces at home, your business, or a university, it can be both bothersome and potentially hazardous, especially in freezing temperatures. Let’s explore why concrete pooling occurs and what you can do to address this issue.
Why is Water Pooling on My Concrete?
Concrete pooling happens when a concrete slab settles in the opposite direction of proper drainage. For example, a driveway slab might settle toward the house on a slightly sloped property, creating a 1-inch trip hazard. As a result, water collects along this uneven section during rain, forming pools that can range from one inch to several feet deep. Unfortunately, this settled concrete can exacerbate the problem, leading to further pooling.
Why Does My Concrete Slope Even If It Looks Even?
Sometimes, concrete can settle uniformly in an area with poor drainage. While the concrete itself may appear fine, the surrounding dirt might have a slight elevation, indicating the extent of concrete settling. This issue is commonly observed in walkway sections that become blocked by water pools during rain.
How Can You Fix Concrete Pooling?
Concrete lifting is a straightforward solution to correct concrete settlement and the associated pooling problem. By raising the slab back to its original height, proper drainage can be restored, and the pooling issue resolved. The time required for this repair depends on the size and location of the pooling, ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Walkways and driveways are the two common areas where concrete pooling occurs.
Addressing Poor Drainage
In addition to lifting concrete, it’s crucial to address any underlying drainage problems. Sometimes, improper drainage channels can lead to soil erosion beneath a concrete slab, causing settling and pooling. Concrete lifting alone may not suffice if the drainage issue isn’t resolved.
Dealing with Tree Root-Related Concrete Pooling
If tree roots are causing concrete pooling, the solution can be more challenging. If the difference in elevation is less than an inch, the concrete can be removed. However, if the issue is more substantial, the tree must be removed, and the concrete replaced. Concrete replacement is typically more expensive and time-consuming than concrete lifting.
Seek Professional Inspection and Advice
If you’re unsure about the cause of your concrete pooling issues, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. A team of experts can inspect the situation, identify the root cause, and recommend appropriate repairs or solutions. They can also assess whether other factors, such as drainage problems or tree roots, contribute to the pooling and address them accordingly.
Addressing concrete pooling promptly not only improves the appearance of your concrete surfaces but also prevents potential hazards and further damage.
This article was written by a professional at Nav Construction. At NAV Construction, there’s pride in everything we do. We focus on the details; those little things that make your project distinctive and, frankly, YOURS. Our customers continue to come with the confidence that the job will be done right the very first time. While we specialize in residential installation, we also have a number of commercial clients that keep us just as busy. Contact us now to learn more about NAV Construction, the best Concrete Contractors in Manassas Park, VA!
