Common Problems with Slab Foundations
3 Things You Should Know About Slab Foundations
Slab foundations are extremely common throughout Texas because they are cost-effective and ideally designed for the state’s soil composition. However, these foundations are not without their disadvantages. Many common problems that affect slab-on-grade foundations stem from poor planning during the construction phase but can also develop over time. Here are three common problems that slab-on-grade foundations may experience.
1. Shifting
One of the most common problems that slab-on-grade foundations experience is uneven shifting. Because these types of foundations are fairly shallow, they are easily affected by changes in expansive soil near the surface. As the soil expands and contracts, the foundation experiences uneven pressure which can cause cracking, settling, and sinking.
2. Uneven Soil Moisture
When slab foundations are constructed, the soil surrounding the location of the foundation should have consistent levels of moisture. While these conditions are ideal, they aren’t always present, and the construction of the slab foundation may actually play a role in uneven moisture dispersal. The soil under the foundation is often wetter than the soil around its perimeter. This can cause a bowing effect in the slab as soil closer to the edges of the foundation becomes dry and shrinks faster than soil directly at the center of the foundation.
3. Root Infiltration
Trees and plants around your home can also affect the health of your slab foundation. Because soil directly under the foundation tends to have more moisture than around the perimeter, tree roots gravitate toward the area with the greatest concentration of water. This can cause tree roots to grow into cracks in the slab itself, leading to expansion and damage.
Although slab-on-grade foundations are susceptible to these kinds of problems, they can be avoided or repaired through careful maintenance and foundation repair services. Contact Structured Foundation Repair, Inc. for the very best foundation repair and drainage correction services in the Dallas area. Visit us online or call 972-484-1200 today!