Why Concrete Sinks in Terre Haute
Concrete movement in Terre Haute often begins long before homeowners notice visible sinking or tilting. The soil throughout Vigo County has been shaped by river influence, decades of development, and strong seasonal weather patterns. As the ground shifts due to moisture, temperature, and pressure changes, the concrete sitting on top reacts.
How Homeowners Usually Notice the First Warning Signs
Homeowners in Woodridge, Edgewood Grove, Allendale, Twelve Points, and the Maple Avenue Corridor often describe small changes long before a slab becomes noticeably uneven. These early shifts show up in everyday use and usually indicate that the ground below the concrete has begun to weaken.
Common signs include:
- A driveway dip in the areas where vehicles travel most
- Cracks stretching farther after heavy rain or winter thaws
- Water sitting near garages, stoops, or foundations instead of draining
- Patios shifting slightly, enough to make chairs or tables unsteady
- Soil pulling back from slab edges during hot, dry periods
These clues often appear weeks or months before visible sinking becomes obvious.
What Causes Slabs to Lose Support in Terre Haute
Slabs in Terre Haute lose stability because several soil and moisture conditions combine over time.
Primary contributors include:
- Clay rich soil that swells when saturated and tightens during dry spells
- Older fill dirt placed without proper compaction during early development
- Mature tree roots breaking down underground and leaving empty pockets
- Downspouts or yard slopes directing water toward concrete
- Freeze thaw cycles lifting soil in winter and lowering it unevenly as temperatures rise
These patterns appear whether you live near Rose-Hulman, Deming Park, OSU-Center, the southside, or the northern subdivisions. The soil behaves similarly across the region, which is why settlement is widespread.