Boss Mudjacking on Pests: How do rodents cause sinking concrete?

Many causes can contribute to sinking concrete in your driveway, sidewalk, or pavement. It could be caused by sediment movement, poor concrete build, or expansion and contraction. But there’s one that you might not have immediately thought of: rodents.

If you live in an area with a significant population of pests, such as rodents or other burrowing creatures, they may be the culprit behind your concrete issues.

When your driveway starts sinking, the soil beneath the slabs has moved out of place. Poor soil conditions are brought on by a variety of reasons, but they all have one thing in common: the formation of a void beneath the slab.

 

The Rodent Problem

This is why rodents can become a cause of sinking concrete. Rodents escape predators or build their homes by burrowing under the soil. Some species may even make a network of tunnels and burrows under the ground. These pests may particularly enjoy burrowing under the concrete slabs, as the soil is covered by a “protective” layer and their homes are less likely to be found.

The result is that the tunnels and burrows move the soil that is supposed to support the slabs. With voids forming and soil moving away, the slabs can move out of place and crack. Cracked or damaged concrete could be exacerbated by rodents as they chew through the material while they make their homes and burrows. All of this will ultimately result in sinking concrete.

 

The Solutions

One of the best long-term solutions for this is mudjacking. Not only would this return the soil support that the concrete slabs need, but the flush of new soil will destroy the nests and tunnels made by pests and make them unlikely to return.

Another solution is to ensure the area around your concrete driveway or sidewalk, especially those that connect to the soil, are free of twigs, leaves, and other debris that rodents may use to build their homes.Boss Mudjacking has multiple solutions for sunken driveways and uneven slabs. Visit Boss Mudjacking to discover your best, most cost-efficient options.