The Maintenance Procedure For Concrete Slab Foundation

Slab foundation

Regular maintenance of the concrete slab foundation will help you to save money from costly repairs. Clay soil will cause a problem for the concrete slab foundation. The main reason for this kind of problem is the difference in moisture content. When the clay starts to dry the concrete material shrinks so the foundation will go deep inside the soil. In the other situation when the clay holds more moisture the size of the concrete increases and it uplifts the foundation above the soil level. With proper maintenance, you can avoid this type of foundation problem. In this blog let us discuss the maintenance procedure of a concrete slab foundation

  • Moisture Maintenance Of Concrete Slab Foundation:

The surrounding area of the slab foundation is very important. The moisture level of the soil must be maintained properly in this area. 18 inches surrounding the home and 3 feet depth is also considered as the critical area. You should follow certain steps for maintaining the foundation properly. The first and most important thing is the proper drainage facility around the house. This must be done along the perimeter and they usually follow the French drain. French drain removes the excess water content from the critical area. Landscape grade must be adjusted as per the foundation level.

The surrounding area of the house must slope downwards. So that the water can easily flow instead of pooling around the house. If needed you can also have a gutter in your home. If there is a lack of moisture then use a hose for providing moisture. If you still find a problem with the drainage system then installs a surface drain.

  • Concrete Slab Foundation Maintenance Tips:

The difference in weather conditions will create many foundation issues. If you find any foundation problem call the contractor. Issues must be solved in the early stage itself.
Inspect the concrete slab foundation regularly. Once every two months inspect the foundation area fully. In summer you must give extra attention.

Avoid large trees around the slab foundation area. Trees suck the water since they need more moisture and the large size roots of the tree will damage the structure of the slab foundation. Plant trees away from the foundation area.

Before planting, trees get details about the moisture level requirement for the trees from the nurseryman and also ask the root size of the tree. So that you will get a rough idea about the total area needed for the tree. If you have trees near the slab foundation area then install root barriers. The root barriers are mostly made up of metal and plastic. Root barriers direct the root away and down from the property.

Plumbing is another main damage in the concrete slab foundation. If you have installed plumbing work under the slab then it will create more problems. The leakage problem occurs mainly in the freshwater lines, sewer lines, and sprinkler system. If you identify any problem with the plumbing work then immediately call the licensed plumber. They will do hydrostatic testing to identify the leakage then they take necessary action to solve the plumbing problem.


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