< Causes of Concrete Damage

Soil Washout

Soil washout slowly erodes the ground supporting your concrete, leading to cracking, sinking slabs, and uneven walkways. Florida’s heavy rainfall, sandy soil, and frequent drainage problems make concrete fail much faster. Homeowners need to understand what’s happening beneath the surface to prevent costly damage.

Eroded soil pocket under a cracked concrete slab showing concrete damage, which needs soil washout repair in Jacksonville, FL.

Why Soil Washout Leads to Concrete Damage in Florida

Soil washout happens when rainwater carries sand and dirt away from beneath your concrete, leaving empty pockets and voids that cause uneven slabs, a porch to sink, or cracked sidewalks. 

 

Florida’s sandy soil, frequent storms, and poor drainage make soil washout happen faster and more aggressively than in most states. As the ground erodes, your driveway, patio, walkway, or foundation loses support and begins shifting.

 

Homeowners usually notice uneven concrete, standing water, or widening cracks as the first warning signs. Experts at LUX will inspect the soil around your home to identify where erosion is occurring and prevent damage from spreading.

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What Causes Soil Washout Around Concrete in Florida

Florida’s climate makes soil erosion happen faster around driveways, patios, walkways, and slabs. When rainwater moves the sandy soil supporting your concrete, the surface loses stability, begins sinking, and eventually cracks. 

 

Here are the key Florida conditions that allow soil washout to develop under your concrete:

Heavy rainfall floods a backyard, showing how storm runoff contributes to soil washout and concrete damage in St Augustine, FL.

Heavy Storm Runoff

Florida storms produce fast, intense rainfall that pushes water across driveways, patios, and walkways. When water flows along the slab edge, it washes away the soil that supports the concrete. Over time, gaps form under the slab, causing a sinking and cracked garage floor.

Loose sandy soil shifting away beneath concrete after rainfall, creating erosion pockets in Palm Coast, FL.

Sandy, Easily Eroded Soil

Much of Northern Florida sits on sandy soil that shifts and loosens when exposed to heavy rain. This type of soil washes away easily, creating voids under the concrete pool decks. Florida homeowners often notice sudden slab movement after long storms or hurricane-season flooding.

Downspout releasing water next to concrete slab causing soil erosion and sinking issues in Ocala, FL.

Downspouts Discharge Water Near Foundation

When downspouts release water directly beside driveways or walkways, the pressure and volume wash soil away from the slab. Florida’s storms intensify this effect, especially during back-to-back weather systems.

Misaligned sprinklers saturating soil around a concrete patio, causing gradual soil washout in Gainesville, FL.

Sprinkler System Oversaturation

Misaligned sprinklers or overwatering loosen the soil beneath concrete surfaces. In Florida’s porous soil, daily watering can cause slow but steady washout, making slabs settle unevenly. This often shows up as small dips or widening cracks near landscaping.

If you’re seeing sinking concrete or gaps where soil has washed away, LUX can assess the area and explain exactly what’s causing the movement and the tailored repair options.

Proven Solutions to Fix Soil Washout Concrete Damage in Florida

Stopping soil washout requires addressing both the erosion and the slab damage it creates. Below are the proven solutions LUX uses to stabilize slabs, restore stability, prevent erosion, and keep your concrete supported for the long term.

Installed French drain redirecting stormwater away from a concrete slab to prevent soil washout in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

French Drain Installation

A French drain redirects stormwater away from concrete before it can wash out the soil. LUX installs deep, gravel-lined drains that capture runoff and carry it safely away from the slab. This reduces erosion and keeps the soil stable during Florida’s heavy storms.

Filled soil voids under sinking concrete, a soil washout solution in Middleburg, FL.

Soil Void Filling                                                                  

When soil washout creates empty pockets beneath concrete slabs, LUX uses structural high-strength, closed-cell polyurethane foam to fill voids and raise sunken sections. This restores stability, prevents cracking, and strengthens the concrete against future washout.

Crew lifting a sunken concrete slab using injection equipment to fix soil washout beneath it in Crescent City, FL.

Concrete Lifting

If soil washout has caused concrete to sink, LUX injects high-density polyurethane foam to lift the slab back to a safe, even position. This restores functionality, removes trip hazards, and prevents the slab from cracking further. It works well for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks.

A technician caulking cracks in a concrete slab to stop water intrusion beneath the surface, a soil washout repair in Orange Park, FL.

Concrete Caulking

Concrete caulking seals cracks and open joints caused by soil washout, preventing rainwater from seeping below the slab and washing out more soil. LUX applies high-performance silicone-based weather-resistant sealants designed for Florida’s storms to protect slabs, stop moisture intrusion, and prevent further erosion-related damage.

Regraded yard directing stormwater away from concrete, a soil washout repair in Lake City, FL.

Regrading the Landscape

Regrading reshapes the slope around your home so water flows away from your concrete—not toward it. This reduces erosion during storms and prevents washout from recurring. It’s especially effective in flat Florida yards where water tends to sit.

Each solution targets a different part of the washout problem and keeps your concrete stable long-term. After evaluating your home, LUX will design a Florida-ready repair plan to restore support and prevent future erosion.

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Protect Your Home From Soil Washout — Get a Free Concrete Evaluation

Soil washout doesn’t stop on its own, especially in Florida’s stormy, moisture-heavy climate. The longer erosion continues, the more your concrete cracks, sinks, and loses support. 

 

Acting early prevents costly repairs and protects your home from long-term concrete damage.

 

LUX Foundation Solutions provides expert concrete assessments and soil-stabilization repairs built for Florida’s climate. We help homeowners understand the cause, the risk, and the most effective long-term fix.

 

We serve Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Palm Coast, and St. Augustine.

 

Call 904-921-3589 to schedule your free concrete evaluation today.

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FAQs About Soil Washout and Concrete Damage in Florida

Why does soil washout happen under concrete in Jacksonville, FL?

Jacksonville’s sandy soil and heavy summer storms wash soil away quickly beneath slabs. When runoff flows toward concrete, it erodes the ground that supports it. LUX can assess the area and recommend drainage upgrades or soil stabilization to prevent further sinking.

Can soil washout lead to structural problems in Palm Coast, FL?

Absolutely. Palm Coast’s coastal rains and fast-draining sandy soil can wash soil away from footers and slabs, creating voids that weaken the structure above. If you notice sinking or gaps under concrete, LUX can provide moisture-control and concrete repair options to protect your home.

How do I stop concrete sinking from erosion in Gainesville, FL?

Gainesville’s high water table and storm patterns allow soil to shift and wash out. To stop sinking, you need erosion control, drainage improvements, and slab lifting if voids have formed. LUX can assess your soil conditions and design a long-term plan.

Can soil washout cause major slab damage in Ocala, FL?

Yes. Ocala’s mixed sandy-clay soil moves easily when saturated, leading to washout and slab cracking. If your concrete is sinking or separating, LUX can pinpoint the erosion source and reinforce the soil before lifting the slab.

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