A home is only as strong as its foundation. If yours is a slab, it’s important to fix cracks as quickly as possible. If they go unchecked, serious – and even more expensive – problems can occur.
Typically, cracks in a slab foundation are the result of freezing water that has expanded in pipes beneath the cement. This can cause leaks and, in worst cases, damage to internal materials like doors, windows, and frames.
To fix slab foundation damage, you have to fix two different problems: fixing the pipe and fixing the foundation.
Fixing the pipe
It wouldn’t do any good to repair the slab foundation without first repairing the pipe, because that crack will just reappear. It’s critical to find the source of the leak and put a stop to it. Walk around the foundation until you discover where the leak is coming from and mark the location. (If you’re having trouble, a professional plumber has ways to more accurately detect the leak.)
Then, the flooring above the leak will need to be removed. Important note: Make sure this is done properly, or you could cause more damage! After removing the flooring, you can drill through the concrete, repair the pipe, cover it with concrete, and replace the flooring.
If you think this sounds like a big job, you’re right. We highly recommend hiring a professional to do this if you’re inexperienced with major DIY home repairs!
Mud jacking
Another option is called “mud jacking.” This technique is effective for supporting the slab from underneath. The benefit of mud jacking is that it will also lift the slab to its original level. Mud jacking really does require a professional!
None of this is cheap. Repairing a slab foundation can cost between $1,000 and $15,000 depending on the severity of the damage. If repairing a cracked slab foundation sounds like a problem that’s just too big to take on, give Mitten Made Properties a call at (248) 883-3340. We can buy your home completely as-is for a fair price (we even cover closing costs), and we can close in as little as two weeks or on whatever timeline works for you.