Slab foundations have become increasingly common in Texas because they’re cost-effective and are also ideally designed for the state’s soil composition. But, they also have their disadvantages. A lot of the problems related to slab-on grade foundations are the result of poor planning during the construction phase of the project, but they can also develop over a longer period of time.
A lot of properties have been built with slab foundations since the 1970’s. It’s made with a thick concrete that’s poured on top of the soil. But even though the crawlspace is replaced with a slab foundation, there are still some common issues that they can experience. If you believe you have a problem with your slab foundation, you need to contact a professional foundation repair company as soon as possible.
Here are some of the common problems people experience with their slab foundations.
#1: Broken Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs can be caused by a number of issues, but it may not mean you have a foundation problem. Stress coming from the walls can cause a piece of concrete to crack or break off at an outside corner. At the top of the slab, pieces of concrete can break off along both edges and can extend 4-8 inches from the corner. It can then extend 1-2 inches down toward the bottom, which can weaken the concrete wedge and cause it to come off.
If you see a post-tension cable sticking out of the concrete wedge, you need to call someone who specializes in this area. This person will be able to fix the concrete while making sure the slab has the right amount of cable tension. It’s also important to perform maintenance on all cable anchors and post-tension cables.
#2: Unlevelled Floor
An unlevelled floor is a sign of a foundation problem and needs to be immediately addressed by a professional. It will often cause bumps that will gradually appear in a concrete slab floor. In most cases, it’s caused by a plumbing leak. The clay will expand as it absorbs water, which can put pressure on the concrete floor. The leak can also take place in sewer or freshwater lines.
Water leaks can happen even if you don’t have plumbing in that part of the property. Water occasionally travels from another part of the property where there’s a plumbing system present and travels through a place where there’s soft soil that was formed during construction. Plumbing is also designed to distribute water from a central point to different areas of the property where water is required, which is often done to cut costs related to piping and construction.
A bump in the middle of the property is rarely caused by a foundation problem. But if they’re not taken care of, water leaks can lead to slab foundation issues. It can even cause the surrounding soil to weaken if they’re left unaddressed.
#3: Upheaval
This problem takes place when the foundation rises in certain areas and is often caused by excessive moisture in clay soil or in a foundation that hasn’t been properly designed. If your countertops, floors, and walls are no longer at the same level, it’s a sign that you have an upheaval. To fix this problem, it’s a good idea to use Potential Vertical Rise (PVR) before you build the property. If it has already been built, you need to make sure you have a good drainage system.
#4: Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks cause separation at the joints, which can lead to water, moisture, and insects to get into the property. It can be caused by a number of things. What may start as a hairline fracture can become larger over time, which is why you should inspect your foundation for cracks on a regular basis. If they’re larger than 1/16 of an inch, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.
#5: Settling
This is a common problem that happens to a lot of properties. It’s a natural process that causes it to gradually sink into the ground, but it can cause slab foundation problems. If they’re not addressed in a timely manner, they can cause serious damage to the property. If you see cracks in your walls, bricks, and windows, you need to call a professional as soon as possible because they’re definite signs of a foundation problem.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.