Why is My Garage Sinking? 3 Top Causes and Solutions

Have you ever walked into your garage and felt that unsettling dip beneath your feet? A stable garage floor is crucial for the safety and functionality of your home. If you're noticing your garage sinking, it's time to understand why and what you can do about it. 

In this blog, we'll explore the top three causes of sinking garages and provide practical solutions to restore your garage floor to its original position.

Understanding the Problem

As a homeowner, discovering that your garage is sinking can be frustrating and worrisome. This issue isn't just a minor inconvenience; it can signify underlying problems that need professional attention. 

Affordable Mudjacking, with over 20 years of experience in foundation repair, emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis. Let's dive into the three primary causes of sinking garages.

Cause 1: Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs when the soil beneath your garage foundation shifts or washes away due to water flow, leaving voids that compromise the stability of the concrete slab.

Soil erosion can feel like an unseen force undermining the security of your home. It's like waking up one day to find the ground beneath your feet has shifted without warning.

Signs of Soil Erosion:

• Cracks in the garage floor

• Uneven surfaces

• Water pooling around the foundation

Soil erosion affects the structural integrity of your garage, leading to safety hazards and increased repair costs if left unaddressed.

Prevention Tips:

• Ensure proper drainage systems around the garage

• Maintain healthy vegetation to stabilize the soil

• Avoid excessive water flow near the foundation

Affordable Mudjacking's expertise can effectively address soil erosion and restore stability to sinking garage floors by filling the voids with durable materials. One of the most effective materials for this job is polyurethane foam. This foam expands and hardens, creating a solid base that supports the concrete slab and prevents further erosion.

Cause 2: Poor Drainage

Poor drainage occurs when water isn't properly directed away from the garage foundation, leading to standing water or excessive moisture buildup.

Imagine stepping out after heavy rain and seeing water pour against the sides of your garage, slowly eroding your peace of mind.

Signs of Poor Drainage:

• Persistent puddles around the foundation

• Water stains on garage walls

• Damp spots inside the garage, especially after heavy rain

Poor drainage leads to water infiltration and soil saturation, causing soil expansion and contraction cycles that destabilize the foundation, resulting in a sinking or shifting garage floor.

Preventative Measures:

• Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and functional

• Grade the yard to slope away from the foundation

• Consider installing French drains or other effective drainage systems

Professional assistance is invaluable in addressing drainage issues. Affordable Mudjacking's team can analyze and implement reliable solutions to prevent further damage and ensure the long-term stability of your garage floor. 

One advanced method is polyjacking, which uses polyurethane foam to lift and stabilize the concrete. This method is not only effective but also more permanent compared to traditional mudjacking.

Cause #3: Subpar Construction Practices

Subpar construction practices involve using inadequate materials or improper methods during the building process, leading to a compromised foundation.

Realizing your garage was not built to the highest standards can be disappointing and frustrating, akin to investing in a dream home only to discover underlying flaws in its foundation.

Indicators of Subpar Construction:

• Large cracks on the garage floor

• Noticeable sinking or unevenness soon after construction

• Use of inadequate materials

These improper methods compromise the structural integrity of the garage, leading to early wear and tear, accelerated sinking, and potentially hazardous conditions.

Corrective Measures:

• Reinforce the foundation with high-quality materials

• Implement underpinning techniques

Expert assessment and repair are crucial to adequately address subpar construction practices. Affordable Mudjacking specializes in identifying and fixing construction defects to restore stability. Our advanced techniques, such as polyjacking, ensure that even poorly constructed foundations can be stabilized and lifted to their original position.

Advice for Future Construction:

• Verify contractor credentials

• Ask for references

• Ensure the use of high-quality materials and techniques

Additional Solutions and Preventative Measures

Polyjacking: A Permanent Solution

When dealing with a sinking garage, polyjacking offers a long-lasting solution. This method involves injecting polyurethane foam beneath the concrete slab. The foam expands, fills the voids, and hardens, providing robust support to the garage floor. 

Unlike traditional mudjacking, which might need repeated applications, polyjacking is more durable and less invasive, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Routine Maintenance

Regular maintenance can prevent many issues related to garage sinking. This includes:

• Inspecting and cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Regularly checking for cracks and addressing them promptly.

• Ensuring that the landscape slopes away from the foundation to prevent water accumulation.

Professional Inspections

Periodic inspections by professionals can help catch early signs of foundation issues before they become major problems. Affordable Mudjacking offers comprehensive inspections and can provide tailored solutions based on the specific needs of your garage.

In summary, the top three causes of a sinking garage are soil erosion, poor drainage, and subpar construction practices. Understanding these causes and knowing the solutions can help you restore your garage floor to its original position. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's essential to seek professional help. Affordable Mudjacking offers reliable and effective solutions to ensure your garage remains stable and secure.

Don't let a sinking garage undermine your home's safety. Contact Affordable Mudjacking today for a free estimate and take the first step towards a stable and secure garage floor.