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Are you a homeowner asking, can a slab foundation be fixed? This is a fair question for two reasons. One, it’s vital that you keep your home’s foundation in good condition. Two, homes cover their slab foundations almost completely, making access difficult.
The good news for homeowners is that contractors can typically fix slab foundations. Also, there are simple measures you can take to prevent damage in the first place! Check out some vital information about slab foundations and their overall upkeep. Then, discuss your property with a foundation repair contractor near you as needed.
In most cases, a contractor will choose one of two foundation repair methods for a slab. Note a few differences between these methods when it comes to slab foundation repair. However, remember that your contractor is the best source of information when it comes to your property’s needed repairs!
Slab jacking or mud jacking helps lift a sunken, damaged foundation. During this process, a contractor first excavates around those damaged areas. Next, he or she runs pipes or hoses underneath the slab foundation. Then, your contractor pumps slurries into those excavated areas.
These slurries “float” a home back into a level and even position while closing cracks and leaks. Lastly, the slurries dry and harden and your contractor replaces those excavations. These slurries usually last several years if not indefinitely, keeping a home protected in that time.
A contractor might use piers or cylinders to bolster a broken or cracked foundation. Sometimes called “piering,” this process involves pushing or twisting steel pins deep into the ground. After insertion, specialty hydraulic equipment lifts a sunken structure back into position. Next, those piers attach to the foundation with specialty bolts and brackets.
In other cases, a contractor might pour concrete cylinders under the foundation rather than using pins or piers. Pouring concrete offers the advantage of being able to create a mixture as needed. These cylinders then offer added support to the foundation and keep the home level.
Never overlook needed foundation repair for your property! Cracked and weak foundations often risk secondary damage around a home, including:
Additionally, note that foundation damage might lower property values! In turn, you can lose equity in your home rather than build it. Also, you might struggle to sell the home if you decide to move. In some cases, your house might not even pass a home buying inspection.
Lastly, note that foundation damage only gets worse the longer it’s ignored. Consequently, it’s vital that you address a cracked slab at the first sign of damage!
Slab foundations, like any other design, offer advantages and disadvantages. First, note that slab foundations are typically cheaper to construct than basements or pier and beam designs. Second, contractors might pour a concrete slab in just one day, depending on its size and thickness.
Also, without space under a slab, there is little risk of trapped air affecting interior temperatures. In turn, you might pay less for heating and cooling in a home with a slab foundation. Additionally, without space under the slab, there is less risk of pests nesting and making their way into your home.
Moreover, some homeowners prefer a home with as few steps inside and out as possible! Homes constructed on slabs sit low to the ground and might have one or even no steps to the threshold. This makes slabs an excellent choice for anyone with health concerns or who wants to age safely in their home.
On the other hand, slab foundations don’t offer space for plumbing and ductwork under the home. In turn, a contractor must bury plumbing pipes under the slab. Consequently, plumbing pipe repairs are often more costly on properties with slab foundations.
Additionally, a slab foundation means no room for storage in a basement or crawlspace. Some homeowners might also prefer the look of a home elevated on a basement or crawlspace. Lastly, note that a finished basement also increases a home’s overall living space! Homeowners might even use a basement as an income apartment or separate living quarters.
Properly installed and maintained concrete slabs can last up to 100 years or even more. However, as with any component of your home, the lifetime of a slab foundation depends on its overall quality. For instance, a contractor should compact soil properly before pouring a slab.
Also, proper soil grading is vital for ensuring that your concrete slab stays in good condition. Additionally, a homeowner must keep gutters clean and clog-free so that water doesn’t collect around a slab. Above all, schedule repairs when needed so that cracks and other damage don’t spread.
On average, slab foundation repairs might cost from $3500 to $5500 or more. These prices vary according to the slab foundation size and damage extent. Also, a contractor might suggest adding waterproofing and soil grading to protect your foundation. While these services add to your costs, they ensure a foundation stays in good condition as long as possible.
Lafayette Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Pros is happy to help answer the question, can a slab foundation be fixed? Hopefully, you found this information useful and informative! If you need expert foundation fixes, call our Lafayette foundation repair contractors. We offer FREE consultations and inspections and guarantee our work to last. Additionally, we work on virtually every foundation design, including slabs, basements, and crawlspaces. To find out more or to schedule your no-cost inspection, give us a call today!
