There are a variety of ways to repair slab foundations. Some repair methods are better suited for specific circumstances and conditions, but each process has their strengths. Following are some of the custom procedures of slab foundation repair Dallas Foundation Repair Service recommends and undertakes to fix our valued customers foundation problems.
Slabjacking / Mudjacking
A sinking foundation is often caused by a lack of dirt compaction before the concrete foundation was poured. This problem can be remedied with slabjacking AKA mudjacking where we drill holes into your slab and fill them with a grout-like mixture to raise the concrete slab to the desired height. This foundation repair method is fairly quick, usually only taking a few hours. It can be completed in almost any weather conditions with no disruption to your landscaping and requiring nothing to be moved off the concrete slab.
Foam Jacking
If you have a settling or sinking foundation, polyurethane foam jacking is one of the most effective ways to repair these problems. During foam jacking, our foundation repair technicians create a checkerboard pattern over the problem area and then drill holes into the slab to inject high density foam under the slab foundation. Just moments after injection, the foam expands which raises the concrete and fills in empty spots. Foam jacking is cost effective and fast however caution must be taken not to allow the foam to enter into holes and solidify in pipes which can cause damage to already compromised plumbing systems.
Piling or Piering
Many different types of piers and pilings are used to repair foundations. These methods are generally more invasive than others but they also provide longer lasting solutions and are a better choice for foundation restoration. Some of the types of pier and piling approaches that address slab foundation problems include:
Steel Piers
Steel piers are ideal solutions for permanent foundation repair. They are extremely strong and can be drilled 100 feet into the ground. This offers trustworthy and long lasting stability. Steel piers can, and should, be driven down into the bedrock to prevent any shifting that might occur in soils closer to the surface of the ground.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are steel piers with spiral shaped heads that are screwed into the ground. These piers are a suitable option when the soil beneath the foundation is hard to penetrate with conventional piers and pilings. Helical piers are spaced strategically under the slab foundation and are bored into the earth until they are stable to provide a place for your foundation to rest.
Spot Piers
For lighter foundations that need attention, spot piers are a model choice. A spot pier is a shallow hole dug beneath the foundation and filled with concrete. Spot piers are ideal for porches, sheds, or any other structures that have a smaller and lighter footprint and foundational load.
Masonry Patches and Sealants
Masonry patches and sealants are often recommended when there are cracks in your foundation due to shrinkage. Cracks associated with shrinkage usually occur in the corners of your foundations and even though they aren’t severe structural problems, these foundation cracks do need to be remedied before the damage escalates. Patches and sealants are usually in the form of hydraulic cement sealant which sets very quickly and hardens after being mixed. This is designed to stop water and leaks in your foundation.
Epoxy Resin
An epoxy sealant is similar to a hydraulic cement sealant mentioned above, but is a lot more versatile. Epoxy resins can be used for more severe foundational cracking and comes in both a pourable or injectable form, which allows us to choose the best application method for the particular situation.
