Yes, many cracked foundations can be repaired, but the right repair depends on why the crack formed, whether the foundation is still moving and whether water is getting through. Some cracks need only sealing, while others call for structural work designed for that specific situation. A crack is a symptom, not a full answer. The…
Possible signs of foundation problems include new or growing cracks in foundation walls, doors and windows that start to stick, sloping or uneven floors, gaps around trim or windows and water coming into a basement or crawl space. These signs do not prove a foundation problem on their own, but they are worth having evaluated.…
Many new concrete foundations need a building permit, and some also need an engineer’s design, depending on the type of structure, its size, the site conditions and local requirements. The safest approach is to confirm what applies with the local building department before any work begins. Foundations carry the weight of everything above them, so…
Soil conditions matter for a new foundation because the soil carries the weight of the building, and different soils compress, hold water and react to freezing in different ways. The soil on a site affects the foundation type, how deep and wide the supporting parts need to be and how drainage should be handled. A…
The main types of concrete foundations for homes and small buildings are slab-on-grade foundations, crawl space foundations and basement foundations. Each one supports the building differently, and the right type depends on the site, soil, climate, budget, building design and applicable requirements. Choosing a foundation type happens early in planning a new home, addition or…
A vapor barrier is often used under concrete slabs inside buildings, such as basement floors, garage floors that will be finished, or slabs that will get flooring, because it helps limit moisture moving up from the ground. Many outdoor slabs, such as patios, are planned without one, but the right choice depends on the use…
Some concrete slabs need rebar or wire mesh and some do not, depending on how the slab will be used, the loads it will carry, the soil beneath it and any design or code requirements. Reinforcement is a design decision for each slab, not a rule that applies the same way everywhere. It is a…
The right thickness for a new concrete slab depends on what it will carry, the soil and base under it, its size, the weather it faces and any requirements that apply to the project. A slab for foot traffic and a slab for heavy vehicles or equipment are planned very differently. Thickness is one of…
A concrete slab may feel damp because moisture is moving up from the ground below, warm humid air is condensing on the cooler concrete, or water from outside is reaching the slab. Sometimes more than one of these is happening at once. Concrete is porous, so it can let moisture pass through it. In Michigan,…
A concrete slab can crack because concrete shrinks as it dries, the ground beneath it moves, it carries loads it was not planned for, or water and freezing weather add stress over time. Most slabs develop some cracks, and the actual cause depends on the slab and the conditions around it. Not every crack means…