Foundation Repair Services | Corpus Christi

Slab Foundation Repair

Professional, lasting foundation repair

Streem Foundation Repair offers several foundation repair options to correct these problems. Because we offer more than one type of repair option, we don’t try to make your problem fit our solution. We tailor your foundation repair to your home, area and budget.

All of our solutions involve installing pilings beneath the slab to absorb the load of the building and transfer it below the structure to a point that provides strong support and is no longer influenced by the hydration level of the soil above. For clay soils, this typically means placing piles at a depth of 15-30 feet below the surface. 

Why Do Foundations Have Problems?

Because of rapid temperature fluctuations that can occur throughout the year, every homeowner will eventually need to do some type of foundation repair. Seasonal drying and drought conditions can sometimes occur in South Texas (including the Coastal Bend). This can cause the soil around your home to shrink, while excessive rainfall can cause it to expand. This shifting and moving of the ground can put stress on your foundation, which will eventually cause it to crack.

Foundation Repair Methods

The foundation repair method being used will depend on the surrounding soil, climate, foundation build, as well as any other outstanding problems with your home. Non-structural cracks in your foundation are often vertical or diagonal and are usually caused by the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Structural cracks run horizontally and are caused by settling soil.

A foundation repair specialist should be able to determine the cause of the problem and give you a recommendation on how to solve your specific issue, but here are some of the common methods that are used for foundation repair:

• Sealants and Masonry Patches — Cracks in the foundation can sometimes be repaired by patching the crack and covering it with a waterproof masonry sealer. It’s important to find any foundation cracks early, because it supports your entire home.
• Slab Jacking — Also referred to as “mud jacking,” this method is used to lift concrete that’s uneven or sinking. This method is suitable for small jobs (such as raising porches, steps, decks, waterways, garage floors, and driveways).
• Piling — Concrete pliers, pressed pilings, steel piers, and bell bottom piers are some examples of piling types that are used for foundation repairs. All of these methods will give you a long-term solution to your foundation problem and will do a better job of bringing it back to its original level.

Types of Piers

• Concrete Pier — This is the most economical option and consists of concrete segments that are pressed to refusal. The performance of these piers is friction-based, so the soil and moisture content will play an important role in how well this lifting process will perform over the long term. And because of this repair method, additional adjustments may be required.
• Composite Pier — This method uses a combination of concrete piers and a series of interlocking steel pier segments. It’s a great way to do partial lifts where only a portion of the home needs stabilizing. It’s also the perfect blend of performance and cost-effectiveness, which can be an advantage for these types of projects.
• Helical Steel Pier — Also known as “screw pile,” helical piers are a versatile solution that can be used in all types of slab foundation repair. They’re great for structures that don’t have enough weight to drive other types of piers into the ground. They can also be installed on unfinished homes that are already starting to show signs of movement, but they also require a much larger clearance area to be installed correctly.
• Drilled Pier — This is also a great solution for structures that don’t have enough weight to drive other types of piers into the ground. The location of each pier is excavated to a specified depth and width before the steel reinforcements are installed and the concrete is poured. Once it’s cured, the structure is adjusted to the desired elevation.
• Cable-Anchored Steel Pier — This system consists of interlocking steel segments that are driven to refusal and will offer the most optimal solution for slab foundation repair. These piers can go deeper and can support a larger load. They can even get below what’s referred to as the “active zone,” so they can provide a much higher performance level than other pier types.

The solutions we suggest at Streem Foundation Repair will give you a permanent fix. The options you have available for your specific situation will depend on a number of factors, so make sure to speak with a foundation repair specialist for more information.

Avoiding Foundation Problems

You can avoid foundation problems by keeping it damp. The easiest way to do this is to buy soaker hoses that you can place around your foundation. Watering your foundation during dry or drought-like conditions can lower your chances of having a foundation problem. During the wetter season, you need to have a drainage system around your home, so the water can move away from it. If the soil becomes too wet, the foundation will lose its support (which can eventually damage your foundation).

The Cost of Slab Foundation Repair

The repair cost will depend on the extent of the damage and the type of service that’s needed to fix the problem. This can be determined by the following factors:

• The condition of the soil — The type of soil on which your home is built can affect the cost of your slab foundation repair.
• The size of your home — Larger homes will require most materials and labor, which will increase the cost of the repair.

You can avoid costly repairs by keeping the surrounding soil from drying out. The easiest way to do this is to invest in soaker hoses that you can place around your home’s foundation. Watering your foundation during dry or drought-like conditions can reduce your risk of developing foundation problems. It’s also important to have a good drainage system around your property, because it will allow water to drain away from your home. If the surrounding soil gets too wet, the foundation can lose its support (which can eventually lead to damage).

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.