How to Repair A Slab Foundation?

If you're like most people, you take the stability of your home for granted. You may not give much thought to the foundation until something goes wrong.

A slab foundation is a common type of foundation for homes. It's made up of a single layer of concrete that rests directly on the ground.

When there are problems with a slab foundation, it's usually due to settling or shifting the soil beneath the foundation. This can cause cracks in the concrete, allowing water to seep in and damage your home.

If you have a slab foundation, it's important to be on the lookout for signs of trouble.

​By the end of this article, you'll know how to repair a slab foundation and when it's time to call in a foundation repair expert.

Noticing Foundation Issues 

The first step in repairing your foundation is to identify the problem. Here are some common signs that there's a problem with your slab foundation:

• Cracks in the walls or floors(especially in tiles, if any)
• Gaps around doors and windows
• Sagging or sagging floors
• Gaps between the ceiling and walls
• Door and window frames that are no longer level or square
• Cracks in the foundation itself

Despite the fact that settling is a common cause of foundation problems, it doesn't happen evenly. This can cause one side of your home to settle more than the other, resulting in an uneven foundation.
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If you notice any of these signs or these ones, it's important to take action right away. You can even check through the floor balance test. If you don't, the problem will only get worse over time.

Noticing Foundation Issues 

There are a few different ways that you can repair your foundation. The method you choose will depend on the severity of the damage and the cause of the problem.
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Here are some of the most common methods for repairing a slab foundations:

Concrete Pressed Piling 

This is one of the most common methods for repairing a foundation. It's also one of the most effective.

​Pressed piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach a stable layer of soil. Then, concrete is used to fill the space around the pier. This lifts the foundation and stabilizes it, preventing further settling.

However, with some foundation problems, this solution isn't enough. If the problem is caused by soil that's too loose or too soft, piers alone won't be able to stabilize the foundation. In these cases, you'll need to combine pressed piers with another method, such as grouting.

Steel Pressed Pilings

​If you want a less time-consuming and neater-looking job, steel piers are the way to go.

​These are driven into the ground in much the same way as concrete piers. However, they're made of steel, which is a stronger material. This makes them better able to resist movement and shifting of the soil.

This method revolutionizes home construction and provides a sturdier foundation.

Concrete Piers

Tune in to any home improvement show, and you're bound to hear about concrete piers. These are one of the most popular methods for repairing a foundation. They work by driving concrete cylinders into the ground. This transfers the weight of the house from the unstable soil to the more stable piers.
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This is a very effective method, but it can be time-consuming and expensive.

Slabjacking

With concrete slab foundation repair, there are a few different methods that you can choose from. Slabjacking is one of the most popular. It's also one of the simplest and most affordable.

Slabjacking is a process where concrete is injected beneath the foundation slab. This lifts the slab and prevents it from settling further. It's a quick and easy way to fix a settling foundation.
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However, it's not always the best option. In some cases, it can actually make the problem worse.

Sealants and Masonry Patches

If you have cracks in your foundation, the best way to repair them is with sealants or masonry patches. These are applied outside the foundation and can prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.
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This is a quick and easy fix, but it's not always the most effective. In some cases, it's best to combine this method with another, such as slab jacking.

Sealants and Masonry Patches

Helical piers are a popular choice for foundation repair. They're made of steel and are driven into the ground using a hydraulic machine.

Spot Piers

In this method, small holes are drilled in the foundation. Then, concrete is inserted into the holes. Often, steel reinforcement is used to add strength to the repair.

​This is a quick and easy way to fix a small problem. However, it's not always the best choice for a large or severe problem.

Water Management 

Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of foundation problems. When water seeps into the ground around your foundation, it can cause the soil to expand and put pressure on the foundation. This can lead to cracking and settling.
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To prevent this, you need to make sure that water is properly drained away from your foundation. This can be done by installing gutters and downspouts. You may also need to regrade the ground around your foundation so that water drains away from it.

Conclusion 

You have a few different options when it comes to foundation repair. The best option for you will depend on the severity of the problem and your budget. In some cases, you may need to combine two or more methods to get the best results.
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If you're not sure which method is best for your situation, it's best to consult with a foundation repair contractor or structural engineer. They will be able to assess the problem and recommend the best course of action.

Author

David is the lead content editor at RVA Paving Pros, a service for Richmond VA residents. In his spare time, David likes to travel, read about business and visit the finest italian restaurants in town!