Slab foundation repair

Most homes in Dallas–Fort Worth sit on a slab-on-grade foundation. That's a reinforced concrete slab poured directly on the ground. When the soil under the slab moves, the slab can move with it. That's what leads to the cracks, sticking doors, and separations that bring homeowners to us in the first place.

Slab repair is the process of stabilizing the affected portion of the foundation so it stops moving. Done well, that means understanding what's driving the movement, choosing the right approach, and installing the appropriate piling system in the right locations.

• Homeowners noticing new or growing cracks on a slab-on-grade home
• Homes with visible perimeter settlement or interior floor slope
• Properties where prior movement is affecting doors, windows, or trim
• Buyers or sellers who want a clear pre-transaction evaluation

• Stair-step cracking in exterior brick or stone
• Cracks above doors, windows, or where wall planes meet
• Doors that no longer latch or windows that stick
• Separation between the slab and exterior trim
• Visible slope in floors, or cracks in tile or hardwood

• Expansive clay soil shrinking and swelling with moisture change
• Poor drainage or standing water near the perimeter
• Concentrated downspout discharge or grading issues
• Nearby tree roots drawing moisture from under the slab
• Plumbing leaks changing soil moisture over time

1. Walk the exterior to assess grading, drainage, and vegetation
2. Note visible cracking patterns, direction, width, and locations
3. Check doors, windows, and interior floor slope where accessible
4. Perform an elevation study to identify anomalies and determine the direction and degree of the home’s slope.
5. Discuss what you've noticed, when it started, and how it's progressed

• Concrete pressed pilings, when the property and load conditions suit them
• Steel pressed pilings, when the property and load conditions suit them
• Drainage and grading corrections that reduce ongoing movement
• Monitoring plans when movement is small and appears stable
• No structural repair, when it isn't warranted

The right solution depends on the specific home. A recommendation is only made after an on-site inspection.

Once a plan is agreed on, most projects wrap up in 1 - 2 on-site work days. We do what's reasonably possible to protect landscaping and interior finishes during the work.

After stabilization is complete, we'll walk the results with you. It is important to note piering only stabilizes the repaired section. It doesn't guarantee that untreated sections won't move later, especially if underlying drainage issues haven't been addressed. That's why drainage is part of every evaluation.

• Total length of perimeter or interior area needing stabilization
• Site access, landscaping, and proximity of hardscape
• Choice of piling system based on property conditions and soil type
• Related drainage work identified during the inspection