What Causes a Slab Foundation to Heave & How Do You Fix Heaving Concrete in La Porte, TX?

Concrete slab foundations are not indestructible, and they can develop a number of different problems. When the foundation is compromised the entire home is compromised as well. Certain foundation problems do affect the roof, walls and the doors and windows in the home. One problem that is common in Texas is foundation heaving or upheaval. DuraTech Texas, LLC would like to share what foundation heaving is, what causes this problem, and how it can be repaired.

What Does Heaving Concrete Mean?

Foundation heaving is when the foundation is lifted upwards. Usually one section of the home’s foundation will raise upwards a few inches. This can cause a very large crack to run through the affected section of the home. It can lift up the flooring, walls and roof of the home. The entire area of the home will be lifted up, which seems crazy. However, it also keeps getting crazier when you realize that what can cause foundation heaving is water.

What Causes Foundation Heaving?

Foundation heaving is caused when the underlying soil absorb too much water. When the soil absorbs water the soil will expand and lift the foundation upwards. There can be a number of reasons why the underlying soil was suddenly affected by so much water. Start with the yard’s irrigation system. If the yard irrigation system doesn’t drain away from the home properly, the excess water will run into the underlying soil. A broken pipe that runs underneath the home can also break and begin to saturate the nearby soil. Damaged or poorly installed gutter systems can also provide the soil with enough water to put sufficient pressure on the foundation. Lastly, floods can also saturate the underlying soil which can occur without warning.

What Does a Heaving Concrete Foundation Look Like?

You do not need to be a professional foundation contractor to spot foundation heaving. Some signs of heaving are fairly simple to detect. You will have doors and windows that may become stuck or jammed, or no longer work properly. You will see walls and or floors with cracks running through them. The floor will also be uneven. In some of the worst foundation heaving cases you may even notice your roof is sagging.

How Do You Fix a Heaving Foundation?

When the foundation lifts upward and the entire home has been affected by it, you may feel like nothing can be done. However, the foundation can be repaired. There are a number of ways to help repair foundation heaving. One of the first steps to repairing foundation heaving is to inject the soil with a polymer foam. This helps to make the soil more water resistant. The soil underneath the foundation will need to drained and the cracks filled in and sealed. Depending on the condition of the soil, piling or piers may be needed to repair the other areas of the foundation that may have been pressed downward or has sunk due to the pressure of the heaving.

Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

If you think your foundation is damaged, contact a foundation repair service. They will often come and inspect the foundation and then determine the best course of action to repair your home’s foundation. For quality foundations repairs, contact DuraTech Texas, LLC today.