RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Sinking Floors & Concrete Slabs

What Sinking Floors and Concrete Slabs Indicate

The presence of sinking floors and uneven floors is something that many people are not aware of. Occupying a property for an extended period of time may result in progressive changes being so slight that they are not detected, yet newcomers to the building may notice a slope straight away. Tell tale signs can be the pet toys always accumulating along one wall of the room or your eggs always slide to the back of the fry pan.

Fortunately in instances where the construction has suspended timber floors, most floor sagging can be corrected by adjusting the supporting stumps or piers. However, where there are masonry walls, either internally or around the perimeter, the continuous strip footing will need to be corrected. In the case of concrete slabs, this would also be addressed by treating the foundation elements together with the panels, across the entire affected area.

Not all floor settlement represents foundation movement. Infill slabs are a flooring system that is independent of the perimeter walls and so are capable of moving in isolation. Therefore the mechanism of failure may be unrelated to external factors that typically influence perimeter foundations. Commonly, deterioration of the underlying ground below the slab, due to poor preparation or plumbing failures, leads to unacceptable level variations. As with structural slabs, treatment involves supporting the portion of the slab that is out of tolerance and requires correction.

Sinking floor showing structural movement
Signs that indicate a sinking slab

Our Results Speak, See How We Rectify

Every project is assessed on its individual merits, with treatment tailored to the mechanism of movement, whether that is suspended timber floors, masonry strip footings, or independent infill slabs. Below is a look at real before and after outcomes from our residential slab and floor levelling work.

Before & After Treatment

Sinking floor before and after treatment 1
Sinking floor before and after treatment 2
Sinking floor before and after treatment 3
Sinking floor before and after treatment 4

Here’s Why We Stand Out

Unrivalled Experience

We employ qualified structural engineers, geologists, project managers, supervisors and technicians with the highest level of expertise and training.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Investment in the latest technology, equipment and materials, with constant review of global developments.

Quality Assurance

Commitment backed by quality workmanship, offering a 10 year warranty across services.

Seamless Delivery

Non-invasive technique allows occupants to remain in their home or business without vacating.

Affordable Solutions

Solutions provided are competitive when compared to similar companies.

Environmentally Conscious

Low carbon footprint using fewer raw materials, reduced site traffic and excellent thermal insulation.

Residential property affected by a sinking slab

What Are the Leading Causes of Sinking Concrete?

Explore the leading causes of sinking concrete slabs, from soil shrinkage and tree root invasion to poor drainage and construction impacts, safeguarding residential stability.

01

Soil Shrinkage and Swelling

Changes in moisture levels, especially in clay-rich soils, cause ground to swell when wet and shrink when dry, leading to uneven foundation support and subsidence.

02

Tree Root Intrusion

Trees and large shrubs absorb significant water from the soil, causing shrinkage beneath foundations. Roots growing under houses physically move soil, destabilising foundations.

03

Water Erosion and Leaks

Persistent water leaks from broken pipes or poor drainage wash away or soften soil under foundations, leading to subsidence as the ground loses bearing capacity.

04

Excessive Weight Load

Adding extensions or conservatories without proper ground assessment can exceed the soil’s bearing capacity, causing the foundation to sink. This is a common issue when expanding residential properties.

05

Construction and Excavation Nearby

Excavation and construction work adjacent to properties disturb soil stability. Vibrations from heavy machinery and removal of adjacent support significantly impact foundations.

06

Leaks from Plumbing

Leaking pipes, especially under houses, erode or soften soil foundations over time. Unnoticed leaks frequently cause subsidence by changing soil consistency and bearing capacity.

Why Choose Rectify

Proven Techniques, Experienced Team

Established methods in ground stabilisation, slab lifting, and level correction delivered by specialists.

Low-impact Delivery

Small injection points, neat reinstatement, and minimal interruption to your home or business.

Engineering Assurance

Site-specific treatment plans, monitored lift, and documented outcomes backed by a 10 year warranty.

Get a FREE Quote & Structural Assessment

We will inspect, map levels, and advise whether re-levelling or foundation correction offers the best result for your property.