Foundation upheaval in slab foundations is a significant issue that can threaten the structural integrity of homes in Irving, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and the surrounding areas in Texas. Recognizing what it is, understanding its causes, and knowing the corrective measures are crucial for homeowners to protect their property. This blog explores foundation upheaval, diving into its causes, necessary actions, and how Discount Foundation Repair offers reliable solutions.
What Is Foundation Upheaval?
Foundation upheaval refers to the upward movement or lifting of a house’s foundation. Unlike settling, which is the foundation sinking into the ground, upheaval pushes the foundation upwards, often leading to uneven floors, cracks in walls and floors, and doors or windows that won’t open or close correctly. This issue is most prevalent in slab foundations, a common foundation type in Texas due to the state’s soil composition and climate.
What Causes Foundation Upheaval?
Several factors contribute to foundation upheaval, with the following being the most significant in the Texas region:
- Expansive Soils: The clay-rich soils in many parts of Texas can absorb a lot of water, expanding significantly. When these soils expand, they can exert upward pressure on the foundation, leading to upheaval.
- Plumbing Leaks: Water from leaking pipes beneath a slab foundation can cause localized soil expansion, pushing parts of the foundation upward.
- Poor Drainage: Improper drainage around the home can lead to an accumulation of water near the foundation. This can cause the soil to swell and push against the foundation slab.
- Frost Heave: Although less common in Texas, frost heave can occur during unusually cold weather. It happens when water in the ground freezes, expands, and lifts the foundation.
- Tree Root Growth: Trees planted too close to the home can cause upheaval as roots grow underneath the foundation, seeking moisture and pushing the foundation upwards.
What Needs to Be Done?
Addressing foundation upheaval starts with a thorough inspection by a foundation repair specialist. The inspection will identify the root cause of the problem and the extent of the damage. Once the cause is determined, a strategic plan for repair can be developed.
How Discount Foundation Repair Fixes Foundation Upheaval
Discount Foundation Repair, serving Irving, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and the broader DFW area, employs a variety of techniques to rectify foundation upheaval effectively:
- Underpinning: If the upheaval is extensive, underpinning with piers or pilings can stabilize the foundation. These supports are driven deep into the ground, beneath the unstable soil layers, to anchor the foundation securely.
- Drainage Correction: Improving drainage around the home can alleviate soil expansion pressure on the foundation. This may involve installing French drains, surface drains, or making grading adjustments to direct water away from the foundation.
- Plumbing Repairs: For upheaval caused by plumbing leaks, repairing the leaks is a priority. Once leaks are fixed, measures can be taken to stabilize the foundation and repair any damage.
- Root Barriers: Installing root barriers can prevent future issues with tree roots causing upheaval. These barriers redirect root growth away from the foundation, protecting it from upward pressure.
- Soil Stabilization: Techniques such as soil stabilization can be used to address the expansive nature of the soil around the foundation. This process can involve chemical treatments that reduce soil expansion.
Why Choose Discount Foundation Repair?
With years of experience in addressing foundation issues in Texas, Discount Foundation Repair has the expertise and technology to tackle foundation upheaval effectively. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing long-lasting solutions, ensuring your home remains safe and stable. We understand the unique challenges presented by Texas soils and weather, and we tailor our repair strategies to meet these challenges head-on.
Foundation upheaval in slab foundations requires prompt and professional attention. Homeowners in Irving, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and the surrounding areas can trust Discount Foundation Repair for comprehensive evaluation, expert advice, and effective repair solutions. Protecting your home starts with addressing foundation issues at their root, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
