How to Avoid Foundation Repair
Tips on Preventing Concrete Slab Cracking
A foundation repair job can be one of the most expensive fixes a homeowner can face. It's not a DIY job or something that can be scheduled on the basis of convenience. If it's not taken care of quickly, a cracked concrete slab can result in cracked drywall, doors and cabinets that don't shut properly, and roof problems.
Causes of a Cracked Foundation
The most common cause of a home's cracked foundation is dryness in the surrounding soil. This is particularly prevalent during the hot summer months when rainfall is slack. It's easy to spot when problems are on the way – the soil draws away from the concrete slab at the edges of the home.
Another culprit that eventually leads to cracked foundation repair is seismic testing. This is often used as a geophysical testing method for petroleum exploration. During these tests, the ground is soundly “thumped” using a mechanical device, and the reflected vibrations paint a picture of the subterranean composition.
The Consequences of Seismic Testing
Unfortunately, seismic testing for oil or gas exploration can result in foundation damage in homes that are in the vicinity. Both the initial and the reflective jolts can damage a concrete slab. Too often municipal governments give permission for these tests without alerting residents.
Of course, legal proceedings can mandate that “big oil” pay for the residential foundation damage that they incur, but it's worth it to them if they hit pay dirt.
Avoiding a Cracked Foundation Repair Job
As might be imagined, avoiding a cracked foundation repair (due to dry conditions) is simply a matter of preventive maintenance. As mentioned above, during dry periods, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the concrete slab.
When the soil pulls approximately 1 1/2” away from the slab, connect enough soaker hoses together to run around the perimeter of the home, capping one end and leaving the other end accessible for connecting to a garden hose.
Push the soaker hose into the gap between the slab and the soil. It may be necessary to temporarily anchor it in place using bricks or other heavy objects. New hose wants to return to its coil shape. After one or two watering sessions, it will conform.
Watering a Concrete Slab
Once the soaker hose is in place and the garden hose is connected to it, simply turn the water on. The soaker hose will bleed water evenly around the slab's perimeter. Once the ground that supports the concrete foundation is saturated, it will support the home properly.
Different climates vary, but as a rule of thumb, thirty minutes every other day is all that's required to keep the slab and surrounding soil stable.
Concret Slab with Framing
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