To stop your foundation from sinking, the method largely depends on the type of foundation you have and the cause of the settling.
For slab foundations that are settling, the solution described is installing slab piers.
Understanding Slab Foundation Settling
A slab foundation is a single layer of concrete poured directly onto the ground. When the soil beneath a slab foundation shifts, shrinks, or washes away, the foundation can lose support, leading to settling or sinking. This can cause cracks in the slab, walls, and ceilings, and potentially lead to structural damage over time.
The Solution: Installing Slab Piers
According to the reference provided, for slab foundations that are settling, the solution is installing slab piers. This process involves extending support from the stable soil deep below the unstable layer up to the foundation itself.
Here's how the slab pier installation typically works:
- Drilling: First, small holes are drilled into the slab. These holes are strategically placed to allow access beneath the foundation.
- Anchor Installation: A helical anchor (a type of pier resembling a large screw) is driven deep into the soil through the drilled holes until it reaches stable ground. This stable ground provides the necessary bearing capacity to support the foundation.
- Bracket Connection: A steel bracket is then inserted into the drilled holes. This bracket is designed to securely connect the helical anchor to the underside of the slab.
- Stabilization: The anchor, now firmly embedded in stable soil and connected to the slab via the bracket, transfers the load of the sinking foundation to the competent soil layer, effectively stabilizing the slab and stopping further settlement.
This method provides a permanent solution for slab foundations experiencing settlement by essentially underpinning the sinking areas.
When to Consider Slab Piers
You might need to consider installing slab piers if you observe signs of your slab foundation settling, such as:
- Cracks in the concrete slab.
- Uneven floors.
- Cracks in interior or exterior walls (especially near doors and windows).
- Doors or windows that stick or are difficult to open or close.
- Separation of walls from the floor.
Addressing foundation settlement early with methods like installing slab piers for slab foundations can prevent more extensive and costly damage to your home.
