Concrete is exceptionally strong, making it an ideal material for foundations, but even it will deteriorate given enough time. When it comes to concrete damage, common culprits include improper installation or poor soil conditions, freeze / thaw cycles and improper water drainage. In some cases, burrowing animals are to blame—and they can wreak havoc on your concrete in a number of ways.
Rats, mice, moles, voles, gophers, and several other types of ground-burrowing rodents are natural diggers, constantly seeking out shelter and sources of food. Sometimes, they choose to make their dwelling space underneath concrete foundations. This leads to a multitude of problems that can become serious issues and may lead to structural failure if not addressed promptly.
How do Rodents Damage Concrete?
By Burrowing Under It
Soil settlement and shifting is one of the most common problems associated with sinking or failing concrete. There are several factors that contribute to shifting soil, such as erosion and drainage issues. Although less common, burrowing rodents can also lead to soil displacement, and often at much faster rates than elemental factors.
Rodents will dig under anything and everything they can in search of a new home or to avoid predators. This includes burrowing under concrete slabs and foundations, leading to rapid creation and growth of voids that threaten the structural integrity of the slab and create danger hazards. What takes years for the elements to achieve as far as deterioration, a large family of mice or rats can accomplish in a few days.
When voids do form as a result of burrowing rodents, they can lead to cracked or sinking concrete. These types of voids are especially dangerous in that there is often no visual indication of their presence; a fully healthy-looking concrete slab may have a sizeable void underneath, creating severe danger for unsuspecting people above.
By Chewing Through It
Certain types of rodents are more akin to digging than others. Mole rats, for example, are equipped with giant front teeth and large claws meant for burrowing, while standard house mice are built for gripping and climbing. However, nearly all modern rodents have front incisors that grow continually and require constant gnawing to maintain, so it’s all but guaranteed that if a rat’s been around for a while, they’ve been chewing at something.
Of all the things a rodent could chew on, concrete ranks fairly low, but it’s certainly not unheard of. When properly mixed, poured and sealed, a rat’s teeth won’t stand a chance against concrete. However, a deteriorating or crumbling concrete slab can expose its less dense innards. Though far from comfortable chewing, these porous concrete “guts” are more susceptible to gnawing away by rodents, especially in times of desperation.
This is just one of many reasons why a crumbling concrete slab requires prompt action; it often points to and acts as a catalyst for more severe issues.
How to Repair Concrete Damage Caused by Rodents
When it comes to concrete damage caused by rodents, your best course of action is to contact a concrete raising company for mudjacking services. While certain concrete projects such as resealing or leveling with a compound are DIY-friendly, raising a concrete slab as a result of underlying voids is a more complex and demanding process that merits professional experience, skills and equipment.
The mudjacking process is simple: first, holes are drilled into the affected slab to allow for insertion of the slurry mixture. The slurry (a mix of cement, water, and dirt) is then pumped through the holes and under the slab to fill the void and raise the concrete to the proper level, after which the holes are filled and sealed.
Mudjacking is an effective long-term solution for sinking concrete, but it’s not a cure-all. Severely damaged concrete may be beyond repair, and should be replaced altogether.
How to Prevent Concrete Damage Caused by Rodents
Once your sinking concrete issue has been resolved, the last thing you’ll want to do is turn a blind eye and forget about it. Burrowing rodents, if unchecked, could return to the same area and wreak havoc all over again. Make sure to keep an eye on the area for as long as necessary to ensure no furry critters continue to call it home.
If you happen to catch rodents underneath your concrete early enough, it’s possible to rectify the situation before any lasting damage is done. This can be accomplished through rat poison and smoke or gas bombs which are easily found at home improvement stores and online. Always make sure to read all safety info and documentation for these products before using them.
As a last resort, if rodents have completely overtaken an area of your property beyond your control, consider hiring a pest control specialist to eradicate the infestation once and for all.
While not the most common cause of sinking or damaged concrete, the possibility of burrowing rodents causing concrete damage remains very real for virtually any structure. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to damaged concrete due to rodents, contact AAA Concrete Raising today to begin the repair process with our mudjacking services.
