Many different types of foundation repairs can be done on a home. Slab foundation repair is one type of repair that is often needed.

This repair is usually required when the foundation has cracks or is sinking.

Slab foundation repair is a must-read guide for anyone considering this type of repair.

What is Slab Foundation Repair?

Slab foundation repair is used to fix a cracked or broken slab foundation. The process combines concrete and mortar to fix the foundation and restore its strength.

If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are typical, this process may be necessary if the cracks are large or multiple.

This process is also helpful for areas that experience heavy rains or flooding, as it can help prevent further damage. 

Concrete Slabs - The Basics

A concrete slab is a flat, level surface made of concrete, typically used to support a building or other structure.

Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel and water and is a solid and durable material. Slabs are usually poured by a professional contractor and left to cure for several days before being used.

The thickness of a concrete slab depends on its purpose – a thicker slab will be needed for a driveway than for a patio, for example.

The size of the slab also needs to be considered, as a large slab will need more support than a small one. Once the slab is poured, it will need to be smoothed and levelled before it dries. Concrete slabs can be used for various purposes inside and outside the home.

They make an excellent base for driveways, patios, sidewalks, and garage floors. Indoors can be used for floors, countertops, and even shower stalls.

Why You Must Address a Damaged Slab?

Damaged slabs are a big deal because they can lead to severe issues, such as water damage, mould growth, and structural damage. If you ignore a damaged slab, it can lead to a lot of problems.

Protecting Your Safety

Damaged slabs are dangerous for your family, especially children.

The main reason is that the damage can cause water to enter the home. Water entering your home can cause severe damage and damage your property.

The most common symptoms of water damage are mould, discoloration, and a musty smell. If you detect these signs, you need to take action immediately.

Safeguard Your Investment

When you miss a damaged slab, you could risk your property. Getting a professional to assess the damage and repair the slab is essential.

Prevent Complications

If you ignore a damaged slab, you could be risking your health. Damaged slabs can be very dangerous if they are not repaired properly. 

Mould is a dangerous substance that can grow in a home if you ignore a damaged slab. It can also cause health problems, so you need to take action immediately.

What Makes A Slab Foundation Crack?

Many factors can contribute to a slab foundation crack. Some of the most common causes of cracks in slab foundations include the following:

1. Settlement

As the name suggests, settlement occurs when the soil underneath the foundation settles. This can happen for various reasons, including poor soil compaction during construction, erosion, or even the natural settling of the soil over time.

Settlement can cause the foundation to crack as the weight of the house settles unevenly on the residential foundation.

2. Tree Roots

Tree roots can grow underneath the foundation and put pressure on the slab, causing it to crack. This is more likely to happen in areas with clay soil, as the roots can easily penetrate the clay and put pressure on the foundation.

3. Temperature Changes

Temperature changes can cause the foundation to expand and contract, leading to cracking. This is most likely to happen in areas with large temperature swings, such as the Midwest.

4. Poor Construction

Poorly constructed foundations are more likely to crack. This can be due to various factors, including the use of inferior materials, poor workmanship, or even the settling of the foundation itself.

5. Soil Type

Certain types of soil are more likely to cause foundation problems than others. For example, sandy soil can allow water to seep underneath the foundation, leading to cracking. Clay soil, on the other hand, can expand and contract, putting pressure on the foundation and causing it to break.

How Is A Slab Foundation Built?

A Slab Foundation is a type of foundation that is built by pouring concrete onto a level surface. The concrete is then levelled and smoothed out to create a flat surface for the foundation.

The thickness of the concrete slab is typically 4" to 6" in the centre. Building a slab foundation is a relatively simple process.

• First, the surface on which the foundation will be built is levelled and prepped.
• Next, forms are placed around the perimeter of the foundation. The forms help to hold the concrete in place as it is being poured.
• Once the forms are in place, the concrete is mixed and poured into the foundation.
• The concrete is then levelled and smoothed out to create a flat surface.
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 Slab Foundation Repair Methods

When it comes to foundation repair, a variety of methods can be used to fix a problem. Depending on the severity of the damage, different ways may be necessary.

Here are some standard foundation repair methods:

Foam Jacking

Foam jacking is a foundation repair method involving injecting foam material into the foundation to fill voids and cracks. This helps to stabilize the foundation and prevent further damage.

Masonry Patches and Sealants

Masonry patches and sealants can be used to repair cracks in the foundation. These materials will fill the cracks and prevent water from entering the foundation.

Epoxy Resin

Epoxy resin is a material that can be used to fill in cracks and voids in the foundation. This material is solid and can help to prevent further damage to the foundation.

Slabjacking/Mudjacking

Slabjacking and mudjacking are methods of foundation repair that involve lifting the foundation back into place. This is often done by injecting a material into the foundation to lift it back into place. These methods can be used to repair settling or shifting foundations.

Piling

Piling is one of the most common and effective methods. Piling involves driving long steel pipes into the ground next to the foundation. These pipes are then filled with concrete, which helps to support the foundation and prevents further settling.

Steel Piers

Helical piers are another standard method of repairing a settling foundation. Helical piers are long, spiral-shaped steel shafts driven into the ground next to the foundation. These piers help to support the foundation and prevent further settling.

Helical Piers

Spot piers are another option for repairing a settling foundation.  Spot piers are small, circular piers driven into the ground in specific areas around the foundation. 

5 Reasons Why Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Isn’t a Good Idea

Here are five reasons why this type of concrete lifting isn't a good idea:

1. It endangers people and the environment

The main ingredient in polyurethane concrete lifting is isocyanate, which is a highly toxic substance. When isocyanate is released into the air, it can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even death.

2. It's not perfect

Polyurethane concrete lifting could be better if you do not consider the safety hazards. The material does not always adhere to the concrete surface, which can cause it to crack and crumble.

3. It does not provide long-term stability

Polyurethane concrete lifting is only a temporary solution. Over time, the material will break down and need to be replaced. This can be an expensive and time-consuming process.

4. It isn't as strong as it should be

Polyurethane concrete lifting is supposed to be a solid and durable material. However, it is often not as strong as advertised. This can lead to serious problems, such as concrete collapsing.

5. It is more expensive

Polyurethane concrete lifting is one of the most expensive concrete lifting methods. If you are on a budget, there are much better options available.

Slab Foundation Repair Cost

The cost of a slab foundation repair will vary depending on the severity of the issue and the size of the repair. In general, a slab foundation repair will cost between $1,000 and $5,000.

It is important to know how much you can afford to spend on a slab foundation repair before you begin any work on your home. 

Concrete Slab Repairs that Give You Peace of Mind

Concrete slab repairs can give you peace of mind. If your concrete slab is starting to show signs of wear and tear, a Foundation Repair could be the answer. Concrete slab repairs can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.