Is there anything quite as stressful as a foundation repair?
It’s one of those things that even the handiest homeowners can’t exactly tackle on their own and typically comes with high prices. Even more than that, in a perfect world, you will never have to deal with it at all. This means that when foundation issues do come up, many homeowners have no idea where to start or what the repairs will even look like.
That’s where we come in. We’re here to help educate you about the common signs of foundation damage and what your repair options are. We’ll go over:
- What a slab foundation is
- How much repairs will cost
- The pros and cons of different repair methods
Keep reading to learn more about slab foundation repair!
What Is a Slab Foundation?
You may not know it, but there are actually many different types of foundations that homes can have. Some are more common in certain regions than others, and all have benefits and drawbacks.
One of the more common foundation styles in warmer climates is a concrete slab foundation. This is a simple style that involves pouring a single flat piece of concrete onto the area where you will be building your home. This is an economical choice that provides a solid foundation for your home to be built on.
However, the efficacy of this system relies heavily on your climate and soil conditions. Cold climates are not ideal for a slab foundation, as the freezing and thawing of the ground below can cause the foundation to shift and crack.
5 Common Signs of Slab Foundation Damage
Identifying signs of foundation damage is key in order to make sure that you get the help that you need when you need it. We’ve compiled a list of the 5 most common signs of damage to your concrete slab foundation so that you can stop the problem in its tracks.
1) Wall Cracks
One of the most obvious signs of a shifting foundation that homeowners tend to notice is cracks forming in the walls and ceiling. Now, cracks themselves aren’t necessarily an indicator that something is wrong with your foundation, as they can have many different causes.
However, if you are finding horizontal or diagonal cracks around your doors and windows, this is typically a good sign that your house is moving more than you want it to.
Cracks on your exterior walls can also be cause for concern. Regularly inspecting the outside of your home can help you identify them quickly.
2) Warped Floors
Floorboards can also warp, crack, or pop when the tension of a shifting house pulls them apart from each other. You may also notice your floors creaking or sagging more than usual.
3) Musty Smells
When your foundation is cracked, it leaves a perfect opening for moisture to seep into your home. And what thrives in a moist environment? Yup. Mold.
While mold and mildew aren’t often harmful to humans, they can certainly trigger certain respiratory issues, such as asthma and allergies. Additionally, it often creates a damp, musty smell that is unpleasant to be around.
4) Basement Floor Cracks
With concrete slab foundations, in particular, damage may show up in the form of cracks in the basement flooring. Occasionally, this is hidden by floorboards or carpets. However, if you are suspicious that there is some serious damage, it may be worth it to pull up your flooring to check for signs of cracks.
5) Broken Doors and Windows
Doors and windows having difficulty closing? This is likely due to your shifting foundation, which can compress or pull apart the frames.
Foundation Repair Solutions
While foundation repair might not make you want to jump for joy, we are living in an era with more repair solutions than ever before. That means that there are slab foundation repair methods that will work perfectly for you and your home. Here are a few of the most popular options!
Adding Piers
When your foundation damage is caused by shifting soil, a great option is to add concrete or steel piers to your foundation. These large cylinders are inserted underneath your foundation and add stability to the soil that your concrete slab is placed on.
Slabjacking
If your concrete slab is not seriously damaged and has simply sunk a bit, you may want to consider slabjacking. Slabjacking involves drilling several small holes around the sunken area and then injecting them with polyurethane foam. The foam fills gaps in the soil and helps to lift the slab back up to its original height.
Patches
When your foundation has experienced shrinkage, masonry patches can be used to help fill in any cracks. The cracks are filled with hydraulic cement that expands as it sits. Once the cement is set, your contractor will likely add a sealant to keep the area free of water.
Foundation Repair Costs
We know what you are thinking. How much will all of this cost?
Slab foundation repair costs are difficult to predict, as they are often dependent on the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the method of repair.
Minor jobs can be as inexpensive as $1,000, with major projects being closer to $10,000. Be sure to ask your foundation repair company about their financing options if you are concerned about costs.
Talk With the Pros!
Your home deserves the best repairs possible. That is exactly what you will get when you work with Perma Pier! Our team of local experts will help you repair your concrete slab foundation in a way that works with your budget and needs. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you!
