Slab Cracks

Driveways
Sidewalks
concrete floors
concrete foundations
Concrete patios
slab homes
porches

Slab cracks can have several causes, and though not all of them are necessarily caused by structural defects, all cracks should be treated seriously. One of our professionals at Affordable Foundation and Home Repair can inspect your slab and determine what kind of repairs are needed to ensure your home is structurally sound. Slab cracks can occur in any of the following kinds of concrete slabs:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Concrete floors
- Foundations
- Concrete Patios
If your slab cracks also include your foundation, you most likely have some structural damage that needs to be addressed. Cracks that lead to bulging or bowing walls is a significant sign of an underlying problem. Action needs to be taken quickly to protect the structural integrity of your home in Birmingham or Huntsville, Alabama and Tennessee.
Causes and Fixes for Slab Cracks
Cracks in your concrete slab can have many causes, such as uneven settling, tree roots, or inadequate site preparation. Tree roots can push a slab as they grow. Conversely, if a tree or root dies, as the plant decomposes, a void may occur, causing a lack of support for your slab. If the underlying soil was not compacted correctly, uneven settling can occur. If the concrete had too much water in the mixture, it may not dry correctly and will crack. Usually, this is manifested rather quickly after a slab is laid and is cosmetic in nature. Another cause is overloading. This occurs when something sits on the slab that is too heavy, such as a vehicle or a storage unit.
Regardless of what caused the crack, the gap needs to be addressed. Even a small split can allow water to seep through and many pests, including termites, only need an entrance 1/64 inch wide to infiltrate your structure. If the slab is uneven, it may become a tripping hazard, depending on the use of the surface.
Our team specializes in helical pier installation as well as polyjacking, two effective repair methods for slab cracks. If your slab cracks were caused by sinking, helical pier installation will lift and level the slab. If there are voids under your foundation causing it to sink and crack, we can use polyjacking injections to stabilize the concrete and lift the slab.
The experts at Affordable Foundation and Home Repair will make sure that you’re taken care of, regardless if it’s merely making your cracked slab look better or to address any structural issues that may be occurring. We offer professional solutions for cracked driveways, sidewalks, patios, foundations, and other kinds of concrete slabs.
