Foundation damage is something that no homeowners wants to face. It can impact your home in many ways and cause extensive damage when it isn’t fixed right away. When it comes to a home’s foundation, there are several things that can go wrong. If you have a slab foundation, one of the issues that might arise is a void underneath the foundation somewhere. A void can be caused by a number of different things. DuraTech Texas is here to talk about what causes these voids and what can be done to fix them.
What Causes Voids Under Concrete Slabs?
There is more than one cause of a void under a concrete slab. Here are some of the potential causes:
– Soil Erosion: Probably the most common cause of voids under slabs is due to erosion. If there is excess moisture around the foundation of your home, it can cause significant issues including a void as it washes away the soil and rocks that are supporting your foundation. It is usually a problem if there is a plumbing issue that isn’t being addressed or a drainage problem.
– Burrowing Pests: There are many insects and animals that burrow to survive. Hopefully, you don’t have them burrowing under your foundation as this can also cause a void to form.
– Hydrostatic Pressure: When water isn’t draining away from your foundation, it can create what is known as hydrostatic pressure.
– Drought: Just like too much moisture can be a problem, a lack of moisture can also lead to issues as the soil starts to shrink.
– Gutter Clogs: The gutters and downspouts on your home are essential to proper drainage. It is vital that you have them free from any clogs that would allow water to drain down and around your foundation.
– Settling: After a home is built, it is normal for a small amount of settling to occur. However, if there is a large amount of settling that happens, it can lead to a void underneath your foundation.
How Do You Fill a Void Under a Concrete Foundation?
There are a few different approaches to fixing a void underneath a concrete slab.
– Mudjacking: Using a cement slurry, the void under the foundation is filled and will then cure and hopefully solve the problem.
– Foam Injection: Polyurethane foam can be used to fill the void as well. It works to expand and seal all the void beneath the foundation.
– Sectional Repair: Specific sections of the slab are broken and removed so that the void can be filled and the problem can be solved.
Foundation Inspection & Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
If you’re having foundation issues, you want to address them as soon as possible. This process is best left to professionals that have the training and expertise needed to fix the problem properly. At DuraTech Texas, we will provide you with the foundation repair you need to keep your home structurally sound. Call us today!