What Really Makes Foundations and Slabs Sink?

Foundation settlement and movement might be a result of building upon expansive clay, compressed or incorrectly compacted fill soils, or continued poor maintenance near foundations.

Regardless of the cause, settlement can destroy the value of structures and even make them dangerous. Nevertheless, water is the fundamental culprit in almost all expansive soil issues. Specified constituents of particular soils often swell up or shrink with variations in moisture. The extent of this motion differs between soils.

Those soils highest in clay content are usually more vulnerable while those that have the lowest clay content are least affected. In certain areas the movement can be difficult to see; in others, it is extremely evident.

Whenever unstable soils are utilized as a base for a foundation, the inclination for motion is given to the foundation. Since soil movement is seldom uniform, the foundation is put through a differential or upheaval. The problem appears both in slab, and pier and beam type foundations. If all of the soil under a foundation or slab swells uniformly, there normally isn't a problem. Problems occur, however, whenever only a portion of the slab settles. Then, the differential movement produces cracks or other problems.

In residential properties, slab settlement issues can cause possible damage to the structure, possible accidents, and reduced real-estate value. Poor drainage, tripping hazards, rough floors, ugly cracks, and equipment failures can also result from concrete slab settlement.


Don't be a victim of slab settlement or any other foundation issues; visit Ramjack of St. Louis' website and find out how you can get the issue settled and not the house.

Warning Signs of Foundation Failure

Protruding floors, cracked wall surfaces, and doors that won't close are indications of foundation stress. Sixty percent of all houses constructed on expansive soils suffer from foundation stress. The problem takes place when only a portion of the foundation heaves or settles, leading to cracks and other harm.

This differential movement is basically triggered by variations in soil moisture. Loss or gain of soil moisture causes serious shrinkage or swelling.

If the framework of a house usually doesn't start distorting until after three or more years of adequate performance, it's doubtful that the distortion is brought on by full-depth foundation settlement, that is continually evidenced by coordinating splits. Cracks occur at each side of a part of the foundation wall that's having downward movement as a result of soil bearing failure.

Settlement cracks are most commonly vertical, and they shouldn't be mistaken for cracks that occur when a wall is put through lateral motion from soil pressure.

Exterior Warning Signs To Look For
•   Wall Rotation
•   Separation near garage door, windows and/or walls
•   Cracked bricks
•   Broken and/or cracked foundation
•   Displaced Moldings

Interior Warning Signs
•   Misaligned Doors and Windows
•   Cracked Sheetrock
•   Cracks in Floor

Foundation repair can be kind of scary. Call Ramjack of St. Louis today at 800-326-5193 and they'll be glad to guide you each step of the way.

Concrete Foundation Repairs, Don't Let Yourself Be Caught Unaware!

Is your concrete foundation under stress? Find out how hydraulic piering and slabjacking can help lift and stabilize settling cement foundations.

Have you got cracked walls? Doors that won't close? Bulging floors? These can be indications of foundation problems. Foundation settlement can result in big structural issues in your home. Fortunately it's possible to fix a concrete foundation without the need to rip it out and begin from scratch.

Foundation settlement and movement needing foundation repair is caused by building on expansive clay, compressible or incorrectly compressed fill soils, or improper maintenance around foundations. Older homes are usually more at risk of foundation problems, particularly in the St. Louis area, including cities such as St. Peters, St. Charles, University City, and St. Louis. No matter what the cause, settlement can ruin the value of structures and even make them dangerous. If you notice signs and symptoms of foundation distress, don't wait in getting the problem resolved. The longer you wait, the more your foundation will sink and bring additional, costly damage.

There's two highly typical methods for raising a submerged concrete foundation: piering and slabjacking. Piering repairs concrete foundations by putting supports belowground that lift and support the cement. While, slabjacking fills the area beneath the slab with a grout mixture that drifts the foundation to its initial position. An expert can examine which repair method is most suitable for your foundation problems.

Regardless of whether your house has sunk just a couple of inches or almost a foot, a concrete floor and foundation repair contractor can offer some kind of underpinning as one of their services to fix your failed foundation. If you feel there's a challenge with your foundation, contact an expert foundation repair contractor for an evaluation of your dwelling. They will be able to evaluate any problems that has taken place and figure out the best plan for your circumstances. Do not forget that you're protecting your biggest investment, your house.

Use these resources to learn for yourself the entire process of foundation repair. When you own a house, it will always be best that you protect yourself by knowing about the work you're having done.