The sight of large cracks in the walls of concrete buildings is never a good sign. The cracks are often an indication of continuing structural damage that may result in costly or even fatal consequences if left unattended. There is an extensive range of factors that may lead to the formation of these problematic cracks, but the primary reason is subsidence or sinking of the soil. Being aware of the most probable causes of the subsidence and how to prevent them will put you steps ahead when it comes to protecting your property.

Here is a look at some common reasons why your concrete structure may subside and form large cracks, thus calling for remedial repairs.

Flooding

If poorly managed, floods can bring a lot of devastation: If stormwater is not allowed to run off quickly, it can cause a lot of structural damage to the foundation of your structure and other critical pieces of infrastructure. Stormwater that can't find its way out of your property will start seeping into the soil on which your concrete building stands. This will cause the soil to lose its strength, and this will, in turn, result in sinking of part or the whole of your building. When this happens, large cracks will be created on the walls of the building, thus calling for restorative repair service.

The best way to manage floods that may cause large cracking in the walls of your structure is to make sure you have a stormwater drainage system that can quickly direct water out of your property. Make sure to clean the entire drainage system regularly to facilitate unobstructed flow, especially during the rainy spells.

Poor soil compaction

Concrete structures are popular for their structural strength and longevity. But even these structures will exhibit a limited lifeline when they are constructed on poorly compacted soil. When the subsoil is not properly compacted, movements will occur as air, water and soil particles move to occupy spaces. This will cause subsiding of your structure and the subsequent formation of large cracks in its walls, especially when there is water infiltration into the subsoil.

It is prudent to employ the services of soil compaction consultants and expert witnesses, as that will help you ensure proper stabilization of the subsoil before any construction work can begin. If any fill material is used, the experts will make sure it is suitable for use as the subsoil.

If you find any cracks in your concrete structure, contact a contractor specializing in concrete crack repairs in your area.