The majority of settlement problems are due to soil movement and changes over time. Here are the two main changes that can affect the stability of your concrete slab.

Depending on its composition (clay, sand, rocks, etc.), soil can become compacted when a certain weight is imposed on it. Thus, a concrete slab installed on hard and compact soil may remain more stable than one installed on soft soil, which has less bearing capacity. On the other hand, clay or loam soils are more prone to settling on their own when they dry out. When the earth sinks under the slab, the slab is no longer fully supported by the soil, causing its own subsidence and the formation of cracks.

Heavy rainfall and over-watering of lawns, plants, and trees near the tiles can cause the soil in your yard to wash away. Groundwater will wash away some of the soil and create voids under the slabs. Without uniform support, the concrete will gradually settle and crack in some areas. The presence of unwanted animals digging burrows, broken underground pipes, and excavation near pool sidewalks can also form cavities under pools.

During dry spells, be sure to irrigate the soil in your yard to compensate for its moisture loss and prevent it from shrinking. Water trees near the slabs properly to prevent their roots from spreading too far and absorbing moisture from the soil under the slabs. This could cause the soil to compact, creating voids under the slabs.

If you have a double sidewalk in your yard and only one of the two sidewalks has collapsed, you should know that it is possible to proceed with its repair and renovation in a targeted manner thanks to our process. You will keep its original appearance and save a lot of money compared to the traditional method.

Previously, the problematic tile(s) were destroyed and removed for replacement. This service was very expensive and invasive. Alternatively, concrete slabs (such as swimming pools) were lifted by injecting liquid mortar underneath them. The major disadvantage of this method of repair was that it added extra weight to a floor that was already struggling to support the weight of the concrete. The drying time was also much longer. Now, GeoFix offers a state-of-the-art solution that greatly facilitates the leveling and straightening of concrete slabs and surfaces (including swimming pool sidewalks): the injection of high-strength polymer. This technique also fills the voids in the soil, giving it the necessary strength and resistance. After analyzing the problem, we will install nozzles at strategic locations on your slabs to be corrected through which we will inject two liquids simultaneously. By mixing, they will form a high-density foam capable of taking 15 times its original volume. This is how the concrete lifts. We will precisely control the amount of foam injected in order to obtain the desired results: straight and level slabs, solidly anchored and properly supported. No need for heavy machinery! In only 30 minutes, the foam will have hardened: the sidewalk slabs will be safe for bathers again.

In collaboration with Genyk, we have developed a special polymer adapted to Quebec’s climate and the different types of soil found in the Belle Province. The result of several years of research and development in Quebec, our high-density polymer resists freezing and thawing. Insoluble and waterproof, it will never disintegrate in water. Therefore, it will keep all its power through time and will not contaminate the ground with chemicals. Made in part from recycled materials, our lightweight polymer is also used for industrial purposes, demonstrating its high efficiency for residential use.