4 Ways Spring Rains Can Damage Your Concrete (and How to Prevent It)

Spring showers may bring flowers, but they can also cause cracks, settling, and soggy disasters!

Rain this time of year can be a welcome relief after winter, but it shouldn’t spell “t-r-o-u-b-l-e” for your concrete. Heavy rain and an influx of water is a big plus for your garden, but without the proper prep work, it could be a disaster for your driveways, sidewalks, and foundation.

In this article, we'll dive into the ways spring rain – any rain, really – can damage your concrete and, more importantly, how to keep your concrete safe and sound through the wet season.

1. Settled Soil Around Your Foundation = Leaking Basements and Sinking Slabs

Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles cause soil to expand and contract. Over time, this movement compacts and settles the soil, which can disrupt the slope of the land around your home.

If your property’s slope settles in the wrong direction, spring rain can pool around your foundation or flow toward concrete slabs. This can lead to foundation settlement, basement leaks, and sinking concrete slabs.

The Fix:

• Regrade Your Lawn: Ensure the soil slopes away from your home and concrete slabs.
• Fill Low Spots: Add soil and reseed areas where water tends to pool.
• Install Proper Drainage: French drains, swales, downspout extensions, and retaining walls can help channel water away from your concrete and foundation.

2. When Dirty Gutters Cause Big Problems

Gutters stuffed with debris from fall and winter can overflow during heavy spring rains. This overflowing water can erode the soil around your concrete, leading to settlement issues. 

It can also spill water next to your foundation, increasing the risk of basement leaks.

The Fix:

• Regular Maintenance: Clean your gutters twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall.
• Install Gutter Guards: These help prevent debris from accumulating as quickly.
• Extend Downspouts: Ensure water is directed well away from your foundation and concrete slabs with downspout extenders.
  
  

3. Clogged Driveway Drains Can’t Keep Up!

If your driveway drain is clogged with fall leaves, mud, or other debris, water won’t drain properly. This can cause water to pool on the surface or erode the soil underneath.

This can lead to driveway slabs settling and cracking, and, in the worst cases, water seeping into garages and basements.

The Fix:

• Clear the Drain Grate: Keep the grate free of leaves and debris.
• Use a Plumbing Snake: If the drain is clogged deeper within, a snake can help break up the blockage.
• Consider Professional Drain Cleaning: If pooling persists, a professional might be needed to clear the drain fully.
  
  

4. Cracks Can Be More Than an Eyesore

When heavy rainwater seeps into cracks in your concrete, it can erode the base soil underneath the slab. As the soil washes away, the concrete can settle, worsening the cracks and causing trip hazards.

The Fix:

• Caulk and Seal Cracks: Use flexible concrete caulk to seal cracks and prevent water infiltration.
• Regular Inspection: Check for new cracks or signs of settling and address them promptly.
• Consider Concrete Leveling: If large sections of concrete have settled, methods like mudjacking or stone slurry grout leveling can lift and stabilize slabs without the need for replacement.

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring…

But you’re not snoring! Instead, you’re outdoors staying one step ahead of those April showers!

Now that you know how rain can spell “t-r-o-u-b-l-e” for your concrete, you’re ready to maintain proper drainage, clean your gutters, and address cracks early to actually “r-e-l-a-x” this spring.

If your concrete has seen the eye of the storm and is already showing signs of damage, request a free estimate from the A-1 Concrete Leveling team near you to learn more about concrete repair and maintenance services!