Because the climate in this state can experience a broad range of weather, slab foundations have grown popular in Texas. They can adapt to changing temperatures, especially in warmer climates. Because Texas has a shallow frost depth, slab foundations are an ideal choice for homes in this state. If you live up north and your home has a slab foundation, you have probably dealt with more than your share of problems because they can crack in sub-zero temperatures. But just because you live in Texas, it doesn’t mean your slab foundation won’t have problems.
Issues can come up over time, and they will need to be repaired. Like any other foundation, a slab can run into problems caused by shifting soil, house settling, and a number of other issues that can cause damage over time. The good thing is that most of these problems can be easily repaired. Here are some common questions people ask about slab foundation repair.
Some of the signs that your slab foundation is having problems include:
– Cracks in your walls.
– Door frames that are no longer aligned with the doors.
– Uneven floors.
While some cracks can be caused by house settling, you still need to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not expanding.
As your foundation expands and contracts, it can put pressure on the plumbing (which can cause major problems). Repositioning the foundation can cause plumbing leaks if a pipe gets damaged, which is why you should perform a plumbing test so you can find these lines before you start the foundation repair process.
It will depend on how long the property needs to be lifted. The grade beams shouldn’t be moved once they have been lifted, but the stud walls may need some time to adjust to the new position. It’s best to wait 4-6 weeks to make sure the repair is completely stable.
The foundation repair process may close up any existing cracks, but there’s a chance that new ones will form. The purpose of the entire process is to make sure your home is as close to its original level as possible. Cracks on the bricks of your stairstep can be caused by a compromised foundation, but they will start to go away once the slab has been lifted back into place. There’s no guarantee that the cracks will close, and every property is different.
The pipes under your slab foundation can get damaged any time it settles, so it’s something you can’t avoid. They can also get damaged when the foundation is put back into place, which is why you should hire a plumber after the job has been completed.
Most slab foundations don’t take more than a day or two to repair, but it will depend on what kind of work needs to be done and how much damage is present.
Straight steel or helical piers will usually give you the best long-term solution to foundation problems. Pressed pilings or drilled concrete piers can also be a good choice, but it will depend on your home’s condition and what type of sub-surface strata has been installed.
Foundation repair contractors will usually look at the following to determine the best way to approach the problem:
– Soil type.
– Age and weight of the structure.
– Drainage.
– Foundation strength.
The overall price will also be an important consideration.
A lot of homes in Texas are built on top of slab foundations, with plumbing systems that run under and even through the slab itself. A broken pipe can cause a slab leak, which can lead to dangerous structural damage that will be expensive to repair. Some of the problems you can run into because of a slab leak include:
– Flooding.
– High water bills.
– Mold growth.
– Pests.
– Foundation shifting.
If your slab foundation is having problems and 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. We would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!