Slab foundation repair is necessary for many homeowners, including those in Calhoun, LA. Though the city has a low chance of seismic activity, other causes could lead to home’s foundation damage.
Many reputable companies offer foundation repair services in Calhoun, LA. Here are three of the best:
- Cripps Foundation Service
- Eric Knox Enterprises LLC
- Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction
We will look at each company and why you should work with them later. For now, let’s learn a bit about slab foundations.
What is a slab foundation?
This is a type of foundation that is most commonly used in homes built in areas of high seismic activity. This is because a slab foundation is less likely to be damaged by an earthquake than a traditional foundation.
Slab foundations are made by pouring concrete into a mold. Once the concrete has cured, the mold is removed, and the slab foundation is left behind. The concrete slab foundation is then attached to the home’s framing.
One of the advantages of a slab foundation is that it is less expensive to build than a traditional foundation. Additionally, slab foundations do not require as much maintenance as conventional ones.
While slab foundations are firm and durable, they can still crack and settle over time. But cracks are just an example of the many issues that can lead to a damaged foundation. Other common problems include:
- Settlement: This occurs when the soil underneath the foundation settles or erodes. It can cause the foundation to settle, creating cracks and other damage.
- Heaving: Heaving is caused by expanding soils that push against the foundation. It can cause the foundation to crack or lift-off its supports.
- Water infiltration: Water can seep through cracks in the foundation and cause settling and other problems.
- Sinking foundation: this can result from various causes, including severe foundation cracks and settlement.
These problems will worsen if left unchecked and could eventually lead to the collapse of your home.
We are here to help prevent that and also plug you in on some companies that will see that your foundation is in great shape. We will look at everything you should know about foundation repair, including:
- Signs you need a repair
- Slab foundation repair methods
- Slab foundation repair cost
- Choosing the right foundation company
Signs you need slab foundation repair
The most obvious sign that you need foundation repair cracks in the foundation. These cracks can be small, barely noticeable, or prominent and very visible. Other signs that you may need repairs include:
- Doors and windows that stick: If your doors and windows are sticking or not opening and closing correctly, it could be a sign that your foundation has shifted.
- Gaps around doors and windows: If you see gaps around your doors and windows, it could be a sign that the framing of your house has shifted.
- Cracks in walls: Cracks in walls, especially if they are large or growing, can signify foundation problems.
- Leaning chimneys: If your chimney is leaning, it could signify that your foundation has shifted. Also, if you see cracks in the mortar of your chimney, it could indicate settling.
- Floor cracks: Cracks on the floor can also signify foundation problems.
Slab foundation repair methods
Slab foundation damages can be repaired using several methods, depending on the severity. The most common methods are:
- Mud jacking: Mud jacking is a process where concrete is injected under the foundation to raise it back to its original position.
- Piering: Piering is a process where steel or concrete piers are driven into the ground under the foundation to support it. This method is ideal for foundations that have severely settled.
- Polyurethane injection: Polyurethane is injected into the cracks in the foundation to seal them and prevent water from leaking into them.
Polyurethane, in simpler terms, is like a foam that expands and hardens in the cracks. Its ability to expand makes it ideal for damages that are hard to reach or have already been filled with other materials like caulk or concrete. - Helical piers: Helical piers are screwed into the ground under the foundation to support it. This method is ideal for foundations that have already been repaired with piering or mud jacking and need additional support.
While there are a handful of methods for repairing slab foundation damage, not all of them will be suitable for every situation. The best way to determine which technique suits your particular situation is to consult a foundation expert. They can assess the damage and recommend the best action plan.
Why should you repair cracks in your slab foundation?
There are several reasons why it’s important to repair cracks in your slab foundation:
- As we mentioned, cracks can allow water to seep into your home, leading to several problems, including mold growth and structural damage.
- Cracks can make your home more vulnerable to seismic activity. If an earthquake occurs, cracked foundations are more likely to collapse than intact ones.
- Repairing cracks in your foundation can help improve the appearance of your home and increase its value.
When to call a professional for help?
If you notice any cracks in your slab foundation, it’s essential to have them assessed by a professional. They will determine the cause of the damages and what action is best for repairing them. Professionals can also provide you with an estimate of the repair costs.
Slab foundation repair cost
The cost of repair will vary depending on the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, and the company you hire.
Generally, you can expect to pay between $500 and $5,000 for foundation repairs. However, if the damage is severe, the cost could be as high as $10,000. A rough breakdown would be:
- Mudjacking: $500 – $1,500
- Piering: $1,000 – $3,000
- Polyurethane injection: $250 – $750 per treatment
- Helical piers: $1,000 – $3,000
You will need to consult with a foundation expert to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of repairing your foundation.
Choosing the right foundation repair expert
Finding foundation repair companies is not a complicated process because there are tons of those. The tricky part is picking the right one.
While there are many qualified companies out there, not all of them will offer the same level of service or have the same qualifications. Here are a few things that you should look for when choosing a slab repair expert:
- The company should be able to provide references: Any reputable slab repair company should be able to provide you with a list of references. These references should be from past customers who have had similar repair work done.
- The company should offer a warranty: Most reputable companies will offer some warranty on their work to protect you if the repairs do not come out well and the damage reoccurs.
- The company should be insured: This is important because it protects you in case of any accidents during the process.
- The company should be experienced: You want to choose a company that has been in business for a while and has a lot of experience repairing slab foundations. You can verify the company’s experience in two ways, by asking for references or by checking their website. Any reputable company will have a list of references on its website.
- The company should be licensed and certified: This is important because it shows that it has met the state’s qualifications. It also shows that they are up to date on the latest foundation repair methods.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to find a reputable foundation repair contractor who can get the job done right.
Many companies offer slab repair services in Calhoun, LA. Here are three of the best:
3 Foundation Repair Companies in Calhoun, LA
#1. Cripps Foundation Service
If you’re looking for reputable and experienced contractors, look no further than Cripps Foundation Service.
They have been in business for over 40 years and have a team of highly trained and certified professionals. They offer various foundation repair services, including mud-jacking, piling, and poly jacking.
Cripps Foundation Service offers more than just foundation repair services. They also offer concrete leveling, driveway repair, and concrete sealing. No matter what your concrete needs are, Cripps Foundation Service can help.
They are also licensed, insured, and bonded contractors. So, you can be certain that your home is in good hands.
Some of the reasons why Cripps is the best slab repair company to work with include:
- They’re experienced: With over four decades in business, Cripps has the experience and knowledge to get the job done right.
- They offer a wide range of services: Getting several related services in one convenient place saves you time and money.
- They’re licensed, insured, and bonded: This offers peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.
- They offer a free estimate on all their services: You know exactly how much the repairs will cost before work begins.
Besides their quality work, Cripps has also become a customer’s favorite. It is highly rated on review platforms, like Angi, with a 5-stars rating. Its overall positive feedback is also generally high. Here’s what a previous customer had to say:
“The best part other than the exceptional work was how clean they kept the place. They were very friendly and cleaned up everything. I got home and had to ask my wife if they came by. It was so clean. I would recommend them to anybody who asks.
Cripps Foundation Services offers services to North East Louisiana, North West Louisiana, and Central Louisiana residents, including Calhoun, Choudrant Village, West Monroe, Grambling, Swartz, and Farmerville.
#2. Eric Knox Enterprises LLC
Eric Knox Enterprises LLC is a general contractor and second-generation, locally-owned business.
Eric Knox specializes in home remodeling and provides roofing, siding, windows, doors, and minor plumbing and electrical repairs. Eric’s Remodeling has been an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau for years and has an A rating.
Some of the services provided by Eric’s Remodeling include:
- Home additions
- Basement finishing
- Bathroom remodeling
- Kitchen remodeling
- Flooring
Eric’s Remodeling is a full-service general contractor that can handle all your home improvement needs, both big and small. They also have the right skills for concrete slabs repair.
And, because they’re locally-owned and operated, they understand the importance of providing quality work at a fair price.
Here’s what one satisfied customer had to say:
“This was one of the best Contractors we have done business with in years! Very professional and respectful. Their quality was awesome!!! We would highly recommend this company to anyone!! Please don’t settle for less. Get these guys their the best!! Earl.”
Eric’s Remodeling is licensed, bonded, and insured. They offer free estimates on all their services.
You can access their services if you live in West Monroe, Louisiana, and the nearby areas.
#3. Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction
This is a foundation repair company that has been in business since 2006. They offer various foundation repair services, including slab repair, pier, beam foundation repair, retaining wall repair, and mud jacking.
Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction is dedicated to providing its customers with the best possible service. The company also has accreditation from BBB.
One of the company’s regular customers commented:
“He came when he was supposed to. I have used him multiple times and am always happy with his work.”
Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction serves West Monroe, LA and the surrounding areas.
What is the bottom line?
Choosing a foundation repair company to work on your home is essential. You want to make sure that you choose a company with the experience and a good reputation.
The three companies that we’ve looked at today, Cripps Foundation Service, Eric Knox Enterprises LLC, and Leland Hamm Foundation & Construction, are all experienced and reputable companies.
We hope this article has helped provide you with information about slab repair services in Calhoun, LA. If you have further questions, feel free to contact one of these companies for more information.