Protect Your Concrete Before It Settles

Concrete Slab Maintenance Tips to Prevent Sinking & Settlement

Concrete slabs sink when the soil beneath them shifts, erodes, or loses compaction. The good news? Many causes of slab settlement are preventable. Proper drainage, soil management, and routine inspections can significantly reduce the risk of uneven driveways, sidewalks, patios, and foundations.

Learn practical maintenance tips that help protect your concrete and extend its lifespan — before costly repairs become necessary.

Improve Drainage Around Concrete

Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of concrete settlement. Water that pools near slabs can wash away supporting soil, creating voids beneath the surface

To prevent concrete from sinking

  • Ensure downspouts extend several feet away from the slab
  • Maintain proper grading so water flows away from the structure
  • Keep gutters clean and functioning properly

Preventing water intrusion is one of the most effective ways to stop concrete from sinking.

Maintain Proper Soil Compaction

Concrete relies entirely on the stability of the soil beneath it. If soil becomes loose, washed out, or poorly compacted, settlement can occur over time.

Avoid excessive landscaping excavation near slabs, monitor areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic, and address visible soil erosion early. Stable, well-compacted soil helps prevent voids under concrete.

Seal Cracks Early to Prevent Water Intrusion

Small cracks may seem cosmetic, but they allow water to penetrate below the slab. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles and soil erosion can worsen settlement issues.

Sealing minor cracks promptly helps reduce moisture intrusion and protects the structural support beneath your concrete.

How Tree Roots Cause Concrete Slab Movement & Settlement

Plant Trees a Safe Distance from Concrete Slabs

Large tree roots naturally expand outward and downward. When planted too close to driveways, sidewalks, patios, or foundations, roots can shift supporting soil and contribute to uneven concrete.

Prevent Soil Shrinkage from Root Moisture Absorption

Tree roots absorb significant moisture from surrounding soil. In clay-heavy soils, this can lead to shrinkage and voids forming beneath slabs, increasing the risk of concrete settlement.

Watch for Early Signs of Uneven Concrete Near Trees

Raised slab edges, widening cracks, and trip hazards near tree lines are common indicators of root-related soil movement under concrete.

Install Root Barriers During Landscaping Projects

Root barrier systems can redirect growth away from driveways and foundations, helping prevent future slab lifting or sinking caused by root expansion.

Schedule Periodic Concrete Inspections

Early signs of settlement include minor unevenness, pooling water, or small gaps between slabs and adjoining structures. Addressing these issues early can prevent more severe sinking.

Routine inspections allow you to catch minor problems before they require slab replacement or lifting.

Maintain Expansion Joints to Prevent Concrete Cracking & Shifting

Expansion joints allow concrete slabs to expand and contract during temperature changes. When joints deteriorate or fill with debris, slabs can press against each other and crack or shift.

To maintain expansion joints:

  • Keep joints clean and free of dirt or plant growth
  • Replace deteriorated joint filler as needed
  • Ensure joints remain flexible to accommodate seasonal movement

Proper expansion joint maintenance helps reduce surface cracking and long-term slab displacement.