Why Uneven Concrete Could Cost You More Than You Think
Most people walk over uneven concrete without thinking about it. There are small cracks everywhere and it’s not uncommon to see uneven slabs. Because of this, it may not seem urgent to fix. But uneven concrete creates liability that can cost you far more than the repair. For instance, it’s a trip hazard, an invitation for water damage, and it can lower your property value.
When ignored, uneven concrete can lead to even more expensive repairs down the road. Ignoring it is a bad decision. Leveling your concrete when you notice a problem is a preventive measure that will save you money and protect your property long term. Here’s a look at what ignoring uneven concrete can cost you.
- Uneven concrete creates a trip hazard
A raised edge or sunken slab might not bother you, but it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Falls are common, and people trip over broken concrete all the time. The resulting injuries can be severe. As a business or property owner, you owe a duty of care to all of your guests. If you don’t fix concrete hazards and someone gets hurt, they could sue you and win.
Leveling your concrete at the first sign of a problem eliminates dangerous uneven surfaces before they injure someone. A professional repair is far cheaper than the potential medical bills and legal judgments that can result from a fall.
- Standing water can cause structural damage
Uneven concrete can allow water to pool, and that water can seep into cracks and erode the base underneath. When that water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the surrounding material, causing even more cracking.
Water infiltration is one of the leading causes of concrete deterioration, but it can be avoided by leveling the concrete. When you level uneven concrete, you restore proper drainage and prevent water from eating away at the surface. This is crucial for protecting nearby structures, like your home’s foundation or garage. The longer you wait to fix what looks like just a simple crack, the more time water has to infiltrate the space.
- A small issue can lead to a total replacement
What begins as a slightly sunken slab can escalate into a total replacement if it’s not addressed. Once the soil shifts or cracks start to get bigger, leveling won’t be an option. And concrete replacement can cost up to four times more than leveling.
Getting your concrete leveled is designed to be a solution that stops the problem from getting worse before replacement is your only option. You can pay a little now or a lot later. By investing in leveling early, you can avoid costly nightmare replacement scenarios.
- Uneven concrete drops property value
Curb appeal is more than just having an attractive yard and a good paint job. If you have crooked, cracked, or slanted concrete, buyers will perceive it as a sign of neglect. Unfortunately, the data shows that homes with neglected features sell less. And worse – sometimes they don’t sell at all.
- Damage can spread
Uneven concrete slabs often come with additional problems. When one piece of concrete shifts, it puts extra strain on the surrounding concrete and can cause even more cracking or sinking. That’s why it’s important to address the issue at the first sign of a problem, before it has time to make a more destructive impact.
Leveling your concrete will stabilize the whole area, reduce pressure, and support the surrounding slabs.
- Insurance claims might get denied
If you need to file an insurance claim for property damage or an accident, your claim might get denied if you’ve ignored uneven concrete. Many policies require property owners to perform reasonable maintenance, and uneven walkways can be flagged as neglect. Worse, some companies won’t just deny your claim – they require concrete repair or they’ll cancel your entire policy.
When you level your concrete at the first sign of damage, you’ll have a better chance at getting insurance claims paid if anything happens on your property. Doing so will show you’ve taken proactive measures to safeguard your property, which can strengthen future claims.
Don’t let uneven concrete drain your bank account
Although uneven concrete may look like it’s just a visual problem, it’s not. When left unrepaired, it can become a safety risk and major financial liability. If you wait until it’s too late, you could end up spending thousands of dollars for a total concrete replacement.
The solution is to hire a professional concrete leveling service to address the problem early. By doing so, you’ll protect your home, your guests, and your property value.
