How slab repair works
We start by mapping the slab with a digital level to see exactly which areas have dropped and by how much. Then we excavate small access holes along the outside of the foundation, and under the house if needed, at the points that need support.
Piers are pressed into the ground one section at a time until they hit firm soil or reach refusal, meaning the soil can hold the house's weight. Once all the piers are set, the slab is lifted carefully back toward level, then locked onto the piers. The holes are backfilled and compacted, and the yard is cleaned up.
Pier options
- Pressed concrete pilings: stacked concrete cylinders driven under the slab, a common and cost-effective choice in Louisiana
- Steel push piers: driven deeper, useful when firm soil is far down
- Helical piers: screwed into the ground, often used for lighter loads or tight access
- Spot repairs for small areas of settlement, or full perimeter support for larger movement
What to expect during the repair
Most slab repairs take one to three days. You can usually stay in the house. As the slab lifts, you may hear some popping and see small cracks close up; a few new hairline cracks can also appear as the house moves back into place, which is normal and easily patched. We recommend a plumbing test after the lift, since lifting a slab can stress old drain lines.
Making the repair last
Piers stop the slab from settling further, but water around the house still matters. We check gutters, downspouts and grading, and recommend simple fixes like extending downspouts or adding a French drain so the soil under the slab stays more even. Repairs come with a written, transferable warranty, which is a real plus when you sell.
Questions to ask any foundation company
Before you sign with anyone, ask how deep the piers will go and how they know they've reached stable soil, how many piers the plan calls for and where, whether the price includes breaking and patching any interior concrete, who handles plumbing testing after the lift, and exactly what the warranty covers and whether it transfers. A good contractor will answer all of those in writing. We do.