Slab Foundation Damage And Repair – What Every Homeowner Should Know

Most Americans are living on a slab foundation, because concrete slab foundations have been the main construction preference since the 1970s. Slab foundations are a suitable alternative to the crawl space, as they are thick and heavy, have less risk of leaking gases and flooding, and typically eliminate the need for extra steps because they are lower to the ground.

However, they still have their problems, such as their high susceptibility to damage in case of invasive tree roots and their vulnerability to insect infestations. Harsh weather can also adversely affect the foundation, causing the concrete to weaken over time.

Cracks in slab foundations can cause major problems that can last a long time and can be difficult and costly to repair. It is therefore important to keep in mind the concrete slab foundation pros and cons before building your home.

Causes of Slab Foundation Damage

Some of the most common causes of slab foundation damage include:

• Settling

Every type of building will experience settling following construction. This is the natural process that occurs when the home sinks into the ground. Unfortunately, this could also trigger foundation problems for your home.

• Upheaval

Upheaval is the opposite of settlement and occurs when certain areas of the foundation rise. This may be the result of moisture getting into the clay soil on which the home is built, or a foundation that was not properly designed.

It is advisable to acquire a Potential for Vertical Rise (PVR) report before building your home in order to prevent upheaval. Proper drainage is also critical for this, but can be a challenge when working with clay or other plastic soils.

• Poor Design

Poorly designed foundations could lead to concrete slab foundation problems. This is often the result of not consulting an engineer for a comprehensive geological survey before construction, or going against the recommendations made by a professional, such as choosing a foundation type that does not match the soil, or other compromises in the course of construction that affect the foundation.

A good example of poor design choices is when the shims meant to stabilize the concrete slab are made of low quality material. These could fail, leading to foundation failure. Steel shims are typically used as they are strong enough to endure changing conditions. Another example is when the concrete is not poured thickly enough, making the foundation incapable of supporting the weight of the house in the long term.

• Development of a void under the floor

Poor compaction: A void may develop in the soil supporting the foundation, which would cause the foundation to crack and drop. This may occur when soil is brought in to fill in areas where large trees or rocks have been removed, or where the existing soil in unsuitable. If the added layers of soil are not well compacted, compaction may occur after construction due to the weight of the slab, causing it to crack and drop.

Plumbing leaks: Another common cause for voids is when plumbing under a slab foundation develops a leak that could cause soil under the foundation to be washed out. The slab will no longer sit directly on the soil, which would ultimately cause it to crack and drop.

• Trees and tree roots

Tree roots can also cause slab foundation problems when they rob the soil of the water needed to prevent the slab from cracking. On the other hand, you might have invasive roots that directly cause breaks in the foundation.

Signs of Slab Foundation Damage

Although problems with the slab foundation occur over time, there are certain telltale signs of foundation problems that every homeowner can look out for. These include doors that do not hang straight, indicating an uneven weight balance. Broken support beams or cracked walls are also an indication of damage to the slab foundation.

Damage resulting from settling may be evidenced by cracks in the home’s walls and bricks, or in the form of sticking windows or doors. On the other hand, you can often tell that your slab foundation has undergone upheaval when your floors, walls or even countertops are no longer level.

When the damage is as a result of water, the constant moisture could attract insects inside the home, and these can cause even more damage, which could in turn affect the air quality in the home. Bear in mind that while a plumbing leak may go unnoticed for a long time, a large increase in your monthly water bill may be the result of such a leak. You might also want to check your carpet for moisture, as water could seep through foundation cracks and make the padding wet.

It is also worth noting that houses built before the 1980s can be particularly susceptible to slab foundation damage from leaks. This is because prior to the 80s, most municipalities did not require homebuilders to include a moisture barrier between the subgrade and the slab foundation. Today, many cities require that a polyethylene vapor barrier be installed to protect these concrete surfaces.

Slab Foundation Repair

Concrete slab foundation damage can lead to all sorts of cracks, creating the need for structural support to halt the deterioration. The primary repair foundation method for in such a case is to install foundation piers made from steel or concrete.

In most cases, concrete slab foundation problems that are the result of settling can be fixed by installing helical piers or piles that provide support to the foundation and prevent further settling. Steel piers and concrete pilings also work by elevating your foundation and restoring it to its original position.

Even so, piers may shift slowly over time and cause foundation problems, in which case new piers should be installed to stabilize the home. While piers and concrete piles are unlikely to last forever, it’s important to have them installed by trained professionals that will ensure both the piers and slab are secure so they are beneficial for many years to come.

If you want to work with experts in house foundation repair techniques for excellent slab foundation repair services in Austin Texas, you cannot go wrong with G.L. Hunt. A firm specializing in residential foundation repairs, G.L. Hunt has served thousands of Texas homeowners for the last 30 years, with character and integrity as our driving force. Call us today to schedule your inspection or get your free estimate.

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