3 Common Issues With Concrete Slab Foundations

Concrete slabs are some of the most common types of foundations for residential homes across the country. They’re sturdy and resilient and can work for any home, regardless of height or width. Of course, that assumes the professionals take the right measures to ensure they install the concrete slabs correctly. When their installation wasn’t great or general natural causes or aging wear them down, concrete slab foundations can experience three common issues you’ll want to know. Read on to learn more.

Ground Differentiation

Ground differentiation, or settling, is an all-too-common issue that affects concrete slab foundations. It’s a naturally occurring process in which the slabs settle due to soil erosion, shrinkage, and expansion. As soil dries, it gains gaps permeating it. This results in one part of the house, or foundation, sinking into the ground while the other part remains upright. If you notice uneven flooring, doors and windows that don’t open and close correctly, or cracks in the exterior siding near the base of the house, this is most likely from a settling issue.

Improper Design

Too often, workers install concrete slabs improperly. When this occurs, it exposes your home to foundation issues before major external situations even occur. It puts your home on the path to developing problems that can get costly if you’re not careful. Improperly designed concrete increases the risk of settling but also creates issues with moisture, mold, and pests. Call a professional concrete installation crew to patch up any concrete slabs so that your foundation doesn’t end up exposed to elemental damage or unwanted pest infestations.

Upheaval

Another one of the three common issues with concrete slab foundations is upheaval. Upheaval refers to when soil causes your slabs to heave up. Heavy moisture permeates the groundwater, causing it to raise your concrete slabs and creating an uneven foundation. Furthermore, when paired with poor initial construction, soil corrosion due to upheaval causes sloping in floors and countertops. It’s one of the most common reasons you may need to raise or replace your concrete slabs.