Concrete Slab Foundation Repair Tips for Virginia Beach Homeowners
When you need concrete slab foundation repair, you might be uncertain about your options or whom to contact. You may be unsure about the cost or delay the repair process because you just don’t want to deal with it. We understand and we’re here to help.
This page offers slab foundation repair tips for Virginia Beach homeowners to help you better understand the process.
Signs Your Home Has a Slab Foundation Problem
Do you know if your home needs slab foundation repair? Many Virginia Beach homeowners don’t. In our first tip, we list common problem signs that indicate potential slab foundation issues. The most common signs of slab settlement include:
Slab Leaks
Water lines often run through or under concrete slabs, so any foundation movement can cause pipes to bend or break. Watch for unexplained increases in water bills, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, or damp spots on your floor. This may indicate a slab leak.
Uneven Floors
Unlevel floors are a significant indicator of differential settlement in a slab foundation. Settlement may worsen over time, causing trip hazards.
Floor Gaps
Noticeable floor gaps between baseboards and the interior flooring indicate foundation settlement. This may worsen over time if left unaddressed.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Sticking doors and windows are one of the earliest visible signs homeowners notice. Slab foundation movement can cause door and window frames to become misaligned, making them difficult to open or close or function correctly.
Foundation Cracks
Visible foundation cracks in concrete floors, especially those wider than 1/8 inch, can signal serious issues. Tile floors may develop cracks or loose tiles as the foundation shifts.
Sinking Concrete Slab
Uneven areas or visible depressions in the concrete slab indicate foundation settlement or a sinking concrete slab. The soil beneath the slab often causes this when it shrinks, compresses, or washes away.
Wall Cracks
Diagonal cracks extending from the corners of doors and windows may indicate foundation movement. Stair-step cracks in exterior brickwork may be a sign of foundation settling. Drywall cracks and nail pops may also indicate slab foundation damage.
Water Pooling Near the Foundation
Poor foundation drainage causes water to collect around your house, eventually leading to soil erosion and settlement. After rain, check for water pooling against your home’s perimeter. Ensure proper drainage systems and yard grading.
These warning signs may indicate underlying issues that require slab foundation repair. What causes slab foundation problems in Virginia Beach? We review them in the section below.
What Causes Concrete Slab Foundation Damage in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach homeowners may not realize their homes are silently challenged by the region’s coastal geography and soil type. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean creates moisture conditions that can significantly impact concrete slabs over time. The sandy soils, high water tables, and seasonal weather patterns create unique challenges.
For example, the issues common to Hampton Roads contribute to foundation problems that differ from those in other parts of Virginia. Understanding these local factors helps professionals diagnose and address slab foundation problems with long-term solutions.
Common causes of slab foundation damage include:
Soil Type and Conditions
- Expansive clay soils common in Virginia Beach expand when wet and shrink when dry. This movement pressures foundations, causing cracks and concrete slab foundation settlement.
- Sandy soils are common near the Atlantic coast. They wash away and settle unevenly, especially near the oceanfront and waterways of Chesapeake Bay, Lynnhaven River, and Northwest River.
- Poorly compacted fill soil beneath concrete slab foundations causes uneven settlement and related damage.
Moisture Issues
- Poor drainage around the foundation causes water accumulation, hydrostatic pressure, soil expansion and erosion, and water-related damage.
- Excessive rainwater or flooding can cause soil erosion, water seepage, foundation cracks, and other damage.
- Plumbing leaks under or near the slab can cause soil saturation and erosion, hydrostatic pressure, foundation movement, and damage when unaddressed.
Vegetation Problems
- Large tree roots growing under or near slab foundations cause pressure and remove moisture from the soil, causing cracks and damage.
- Inadequate yard and landscape grading directs water toward the foundation during heavy rain, causing water pooling and associated damage.
Construction Issues
- Inadequate site preparation before pouring the slab, such as improper soil compaction, can cause slab foundation issues.
- A poor concrete mix can weaken slabs, as incorrect proportions of cement, aggregate, water, or admixtures create concrete vulnerable to cracks and moisture seepage.
- Improper concrete cure times result in weak, brittle, and damage-prone concrete.
- Insufficient steel reinforcement in the concrete (rebar or wire mesh) makes slabs more vulnerable to cracking and structural failure due to settlement, soil movement, and applied loads.
Environmental Factors
- Drought conditions cause expansive soil shrinkage due to moisture loss in the soil, leading to a loss of support, foundation settlement, cracking, and movement.
- Seasonal weather cycles (freeze/thaw) can cause the soil to shift and weaken as moisture in the soil freezes and thaws, leading to foundation cracking, heaving, and settlement.
- Seismic activity or vibrations from nearby construction can compact loose soil, cause settlement, or exacerbate existing cracks in a foundation.
- High water tables in Virginia Beach affect soil stability, especially in areas near the Chesapeake Bay, and other rivers and waterways.
Water Management Problems
- Improper gutter and downspout systems do not adequately direct water away from the foundation during heavy rain.
- Poor grading around the home allows water to pool near the foundation, causing soil erosion and water infiltration.
Plumbing-Related Causes
- Slab leaks eroding soil beneath the foundation cause water-related damage, including cracks.
- Sewer line breaks cause underground soil erosion.
- Persistent condensation from HVAC systems can cause moisture-related concrete slab foundation issues.
Understanding why concrete slab foundation damage occurs helps you better address the issues with slab foundation repair solutions that target the underlying cause of damage. Targeting the root cause of damage provides a longer-term repair than addressing the cosmetic concern. Let’s explore the options for concrete slab foundation repair in Virginia Beach.
What is the Best Way to Repair a Concrete Slab Foundation?
Professionals address concrete slab repair with two common solutions. These include:
Slab Piering Systems
Slab piers are foundation piers installed beneath the damaged foundation, deep into more stable, load-bearing soil. These heavy-duty steel support piers provide extreme strength, lift, and long-term stabilization for concrete slab foundation repair in Virginia Beach. Installation involves:
- Minor hole coring through the concrete slab foundation
- Bracket installation beneath the concrete slab foundation
- Hydraulically driven slab piers into the stable soil strata
- Slab weight transfer onto the piers
- Void filling beneath the concrete slab foundation
- Hole patching for a smooth concrete slab foundation finish
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Minor settlement issues that require a more targeted solution may require additional support. Polyurethane foam injection is sometimes used for slab foundation repair to lift and level slabs. This waterproof and environmentally-friendly solution is ideal for driveways, sidewalks, garages, porches, patios, and some interior floors. However, poly foam is not a stand-alone solution for extensive slab foundation damage.
Concrete slab repair is a common event for many homeowners in Virginia Beach. Since foundation problems don’t resolve on their own and can worsen, you should contact a local concrete slab repair professional for a free inspection.
How to Choose a Foundation Repair Company in Virginia Beach
Choosing a reputable, local slab foundation repair professional in Virginia Beach is just as important as the repair itself. Here’s what to look for:
Local Expertise
Long-term concrete slab foundation repair in Virginia Beach requires local professionals who are familiar with the regional soil conditions, weather, and other area-specific challenges.
Choose professionals who use proven repair methods and have extensive knowledge in slab foundation repair in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.
Valid Licensing, Insurance, and Warranties
All local concrete slab repair professionals should carry valid licensing and insurance. They should offer a no-obligation written cost estimate before the repairs begin and a warranty for the completed repairs.
Legitimate foundation repair professionals should have positive customer reviews and evidence of quality past work. Flexible financing options are also a plus.
Tailored Concrete Slab Repair Solutions
Homes are different, so your slab foundation repair should be, too. A thorough inspection helps diagnose the underlying cause of the damage and address the issue with long-term repairs specific to your home.
Slab foundation professionals in Virginia Beach, like JES, create tailored repair plans specific to your unique home and your budget.
Choose a local professional who strategizes your repair and creates a solution just for you.
Proven Slab Foundation Repair Methods
Proven and advanced methods ensure your slab foundation repair lasts. Protecting your family and peace of mind is invaluable, so invest time in selecting a local professional who provides quality concrete slab repair using time-tested methods.
Free Concrete Slab Foundation Inspections
Assessing your foundation’s condition thoroughly helps ensure long-term results through proper repair. Choose a local foundation repair professional who offers free inspections and no-obligation estimates. Remember: Professionals should never pressure you to make a decision or make you feel uncomfortable.
Protect Your Home with Expert Concrete Slab Foundation Repair in Virginia Beach
Concrete slab foundation repair may feel like a burden, but addressing problems with quality solutions is worth your time. If you’re unsure about the condition of your slab foundation, contact JES Foundation Repair for a free inspection. Our local, certified team has extensive training addressing concrete slab foundations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and surrounding areas. For over 30 years, we’ve helped countless homeowners restore stability to their foundations. Trust us to help you, too.
Contact us today for your free inspection and to learn more about slab foundation repair for your home.
Slab Foundation FAQs
What are your options when it comes to slab foundation repair? The good news is, there are many ways to repair a broken slab concrete foundation. However, you need to make sure you’re using a repair that will actually work for your needs.
The best repair will depend on your specific situation. These are some options that may be available to you.
A Concrete Patch
If the problem isn’t structural and is only aesthetic, like if the concrete has shrunk from drying, you may be able to fix it with a concrete patch. This goes over the top of the crack with new concrete, blending it into the rest of the foundation.
However, you can’t just apply a concrete patch and be done with it. If the problem is actually structural, this crack will just come back and you’ll have to fix it again.
Some problems might go away with a concrete patch, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. Only a JES inspection can actually help you determine the problem.
Caulking Over the Crack
This is another potential option that works for larger cracks. You can blend the caulk into the rest of the foundation and create a solution that isn’t very visible, especially at just a quick glance.
However, like the concrete patch, it’s mostly a superficial fix. You can’t use this fix if the problem stems from a structural issue; it’s only useful for superficial problems that you want to cover over.
You may be able to do this one on your own, but only in very specific circumstances. Otherwise, you’re just ignoring the real problem. A JES expert will let you know whether you can caulk over the crack or whether you need much deeper fixes.
An Expert Inspection
This is the only way to really know what’s going on with your foundation. You may have a general idea from the issues you’re seeing in your foundation, but you probably don’t have very much insight into the actual problems happening behind the scenes.
An inspection by one of the experts at JES will help you understand a little more about what’s going on with your foundation. This way, you’ll learn more about your foundation, the state of your home as a whole, and how you can fix these cracks.
Don’t leave a crack in your slab foundation until you simply can’t ignore it any longer. Instead, get in contact with a JES expert to learn more about what you can do to fix it.
Before looking at the reasons to repair your uneven concrete slab, you should probably first understand what causes it. That way, you’ll know what the various repair possibilities are that can help your concrete slab rise back up.
There are three very common reasons to encounter an uneven concrete slab.
House Settling
By far the most common reason for an uneven slab foundation is house settling. It’s common for homes to experience some amount of settling through the years, and as the home settles, it might settle slightly differently in different areas.
If there’s a concrete slab or multiple concrete slabs on and around your home, that settling will start to show up in a very obvious way. The slabs might not match up, because they’re settling differently. If it’s settling too much, that will become even more apparent.
Freeze-Thaw Cycling
This is one way that house settling happens. Freeze-thaw cycling describes the way the ground outside freezes, then thaws depending on the temperature outside. In home repair terms, that means when the ground freezes, it expands or swells upwards (frost heaving), and when it thaws, it compacts.
This expanding and contracting isn’t great for a home. You can see the same thing happen with water and droughts, which also causes the soil to expand and contract. If this happens underneath a concrete slab, it’s easy for the slab to raise or lower.
Poor Planning
You might also experience an uneven concrete slab if the original construction crew utilized poor planning when laying that concrete. Did the construction crew mix the concrete properly? Did the designer construct the foundation so it all bears the weight equally?
Though this is the least common reason for uneven concrete, it’s still an important one to pay attention to. Poor planning can impact a substantial amount of your home. If the original construction crew and designers didn’t plan the home properly, you need to know that for the rest of the structure.
If you have a slab foundation and notice signs such as uneven floors, cracks in your walls or floors, or doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly, it might indicate foundation issues requiring intervention. We recommend scheduling a free inspection with JES Foundation Repair where our experts will assess your foundation and determine the most effective solution, which may involve the installation of slab piers.
Shaye Glisson
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