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Is Your Monolithic Slab Foundation in Trouble? Here’s What You Need to Know

Slab foundations are prevalent in Memphis and the surrounding areas due to the region’s soil conditions and construction practices. The abundance of slab foundations in Memphis is influenced by factors such as soil composition, climate, and construction costs. The region’s expansive clay soils and relatively flat terrain make slab foundations a practical and cost-effective choice for builders.

For homeowners in Memphis, understanding the commonality of slab foundations can be beneficial, especially when considering maintenance and potential foundation issues. Regular inspections and awareness of local soil conditions can help in identifying and addressing any foundation concerns promptly. In this article, we’ll explore the details of monolithic slab.

cracked slab foundation

What Is A Monolithic Slab Foundation?

A monolithic slab foundation is a type of concrete foundation poured as a single, continuous piece, including both the foundation and the footing. It may be nicknamed monolithic pour concrete or monolithic pour foundation. The slab’s edges are thicker for extra support, and it is typically used in warm climates. This type of foundation is cost-effective, simple to install, and offers durability due to fewer joints, which reduces the risk of moisture intrusion or shifting.

Before concrete, foundations were made from stone or brick, which were durable but had limitations. These materials were prone to moisture damage, and erosion, and were labor-intensive to install. Over time, concrete was introduced as a stronger and more versatile building material, leading to the development of concrete slab foundations as a more reliable and affordable option.

Concrete revolutionized foundation technology by providing a stronger, more flexible material that could be poured into any shape. It replaced stone and brick foundations, offering better durability and resistance to shifting soils. Concrete also simplified construction, reducing both cost and installation time while providing greater stability. If you don’t have a monolithic concrete slab, you might have a stem wall, slab on grade, or other foundation type.

Monolithic slab, or mono slab foundation, is now a popular choice and has many advantages. Monolithic slab foundations are fast to build, cost-effective, and low-maintenance. They offer pest protection and are highly durable for long-lasting use. However, there are a couple of drawbacks – limited access for repairs and poor insulation. They can be prone to cracking and moisture damage, and offer fewer design options compared to other foundation types. But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll explain what the signs of damage, the likely causes, and how professional repair may be the solution for you.

Signs And Symptoms That Your Home Needs Slab Repair 

When your slab foundation becomes damaged, you may experience:

  • Cracking or splitting in the slab
  • Uneven or sloping floors
  • Misaligned doors and windows
  • Plumbing issues (leaks or clogs)
  • Wall cracks, especially near doorways or windows
  • Shifting or settling of the foundation, causing instability
wall crack

Curious if your slab cracks are normal? Understanding when they are normal and when they signal a problem is important. Hairline cracks can form in the first year due to slight shifting and shrinking of the concrete, which is typical. However, if cracks appear long after the pour, or if they grow larger than a business card, it could indicate a more serious issue like foundation shifting. 

Regular inspections are key to detecting these issues early, and consulting an expert is recommended if larger cracks are present to address any underlying causes. If left unaddressed, these issues can worsen, leading to more extensive and costly repairs. Early detection and professional foundation repair ensures prevention of further damage.

Causes of Monolithic Slab Damage

Expansive Clay Soil: The clay-rich soil in Memphis and nearby areas like Olive Branch and Germantown expands when wet and contracts in dry conditions, causing the foundation to shift and crack.

Soil Movement: Memphis is prone to flooding and heavy rainfall, leading to soil erosion or soil settling, which can destabilize the foundation.

Tree Roots: Roots from large trees like oaks or maples often seek moisture around foundation slabs, causing cracks or pushing against the foundation as they grow.

Erosion: Areas near the Mississippi River and other waterways in Memphis see higher levels of erosion, weakening the soil’s ability to support structures, leading to foundation sinking or settling.

Repair and Restore Your Monolithic Slab

Several concrete slab foundation repair methods are available. The best method for your home depends on the cause and extent of the damage, soil conditions, and regional costs.

Slab Piers:

Designed for significant settlement specifically for settling in slab foundations. Slab piers are installed beneath the slab, they lift it back into position and provide long-term support, making them ideal for severe settlement problems.

Push Piers:

Push piers stabilize and lift homes with foundation settlement by driving steel columns deep into the ground to stable soil. This shifts the home’s weight from unstable soil to more solid ground, stopping further sinking. These can be used on various foundation types. 

Helical Piers:

Helical piers are screwed into the ground, offering stabilization for lighter structures like porches and patios. They provide support without needing the weight of larger buildings.

PolyRenewal™ Concrete Lifting:

Slab leveling and repair can also be done for garage floors, patios, sidewalks, and other areas using PolyRenewal™. This method involves injecting a polyurethane foam beneath the slab to fill gaps and lift it back into place, offering a cost-effective and minimally invasive solution.

Groundworks Can Help You Repair Your Monolithic Slab

groundworks box truck

Our experts know that monolithic concrete slab foundations play a crucial role in modern construction in the Bluff City and surrounding areas. Understanding the history of slab foundations and recognizing common issues, such as cracking or settling, can help you make informed decisions when it comes to maintaining the stability of your property. 

By addressing these concerns early and effectively, you can ensure the long-term health and safety of your foundation. If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs described, don’t hesitate to schedule a free inspection with one of our experts. They’ll assess your foundation’s condition and discuss the best solution for you!

It reestablishes soil support beneath slabs, filling voids caused by erosion, poor drainage, or compaction issues.

The injection process is fast, restoring stability and leveling the slab with minimal downtime.

It’s a no-excavation, fast-installation solution that levels floors efficiently and cost-effectively.

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.