Most people never consider that their concrete slab foundation might eventually need to be repaired and maintained. However, as many people here in Texas are beginning to learn, their foundation can develop a number of problems which will need repair. Repairing a foundation as you may assume is not an easy task and can require a lot of invasive work. To better understand the problems a concrete slab foundation can develop, it helps to understand how one is constructed. Dallas Foundation Repair would like to break down the components of a concrete slab foundation, how it is constructed, and some of the common problems that can occur.
Is a Concrete Slab Foundation Good?
A concrete slab is made of a number of different layers and steps during the foundation construction. Concrete slab foundation is one of the most popular ways to build or design a home and many home’s throughout Texas will have a concrete slab foundation. To better understand how a concrete slab foundation is designed and built, following are the components of a concrete slab foundation.
Vapor Barrier: The first step is excavation. Excavation includes digging up and adding a soil grading that must be properly compacted. Once the grading or excavation work has been completed, the first component that is placed is the vapor barrier which is a waterproof fabric that protects the future concrete from moisture in the ground.
Cable & Rebar: Once the ground is prepared, the next step is to construct the network of post tension cables and reinforcement rebar to help stabilize the foundation structure. The cable and rebar will help to prevent cracks and other problems in the foundation’s structure.
Plumbing: Before the concrete can be poured, the last step is to add all of the home plumbing. A home will require water supply piping and sanitation lines to be installed.
Concrete: The concrete is now ready to be poured which can be completed in a single day. However, the concrete will need about two or so days to dry. It is important to control the moisture content while the concrete cures. Often sprinklers or a garden hose is used to periodically wet the concrete.
Do Slab Foundations Have Problems?
Seeing the steps that goes into a concrete slab foundation, you may understand how important each step is for the longevity of the foundation. Poor grade can cause the soil underneath the foundation to become loose which will cause shifting and cracks. If the concrete isn’t properly protected from the moisture in the ground, the high moisture can break down the concrete. Poor reinforcement design, such as the cable and rebar, will lead to a weak foundation that will shift and crack. One of the major battles in Texas is drought. Drought has a major impact on a concrete foundation, even one that is properly constructed. During long periods of drought, the soil will become dehydrated which causes the soil to shrink. Once the soil shrinks, the home can begin to sink. A sinking foundation will require invasive repairs, including piling or piering.
Slab Foundation Repair in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Arlington & Greater Dallas, Texas
Even though a concrete slab foundation may seem strong, homeowners must monitor their foundation carefully and seek professional repairs when problems develop. For quality foundation repairs, contact Dallas Foundation Repair today.
