Slab Pier Installation in Murray, KY

The process of slab pier installation involves several critical steps to ensure effective stabilization and repair of your concrete slab foundation:

Assessment

1. Detailed Foundation Inspection:
   • Our process begins with a comprehensive inspection of your slab foundation to determine the extent of the settlement and the best approach for installation.
   • We evaluate the degree of unevenness by measuring the slope and checking for visible cracks, separations, or other signs of structural damage.
   • Soil conditions beneath the slab are also assessed to understand the underlying causes of the settlement, such as soil compaction, erosion, or expansive clay.
   • We use advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, including laser leveling and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to get an accurate picture of the foundation’s condition.
2. Problem Identification and Planning:
   • Based on the inspection, we identify the specific issues affecting your foundation, such as areas of significant settlement or voids beneath the slab.
   • We then develop a tailored plan for the installation of slab piers, determining the number and placement of piers needed to achieve optimal support.
   • This step also involves coordinating with any other necessary repairs, such as addressing water drainage issues that may have contributed to the settlement.

Pier Installation

1. Strategic Placement of Piers:
   • Piers are strategically placed beneath the slab at key points to lift and stabilize the foundation.
   • The placement is determined by the areas of greatest settlement and the overall load distribution of the structure.
   • Depending on the specific conditions of your site, we may use different types of piers, such as:
     • Push Piers: Driven deep into the soil until they reach a stable, load-bearing layer, such as bedrock or dense strata.
     • Helical Piers: Screwed into the ground, making them ideal for areas where access is limited or the soil is particularly challenging.
2. Drilling and Installation:
   • The installation process involves drilling or driving the piers into the soil at the predetermined locations.
   • For push piers, hydraulic equipment is used to drive the piers deep into the ground, ensuring they reach a stable layer that can support the foundation.
   • Helical piers are rotated into the ground using specialized equipment, allowing them to anchor securely into the soil.
   • Each pier is installed with precision, ensuring it is positioned correctly to provide maximum support to the slab.
3. Load Testing:
   • After the piers are installed, we conduct load testing to verify their capacity to support the weight of the slab.
   • This testing ensures that the piers have been installed correctly and are capable of providing long-term stability to the foundation.
   • Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage to optimize the performance of the piers.

Lifting and Stabilization

1. Hydraulic Lifting:
   • Once the piers are securely in place, we use hydraulic jacks to lift the slab back to its original position.
   • This process carefully raises the slab to eliminate unevenness and restore proper alignment, addressing issues such as sloping floors, stuck doors, and visible cracks.
   • The lifting process is conducted gradually and carefully to prevent additional stress or damage to the slab.
2. Final Adjustment and Stabilization:
   • After the slab has been lifted, the piers are adjusted to ensure that the foundation remains level and stable.
   • We monitor the alignment of the slab throughout this process, making fine-tune adjustments to achieve a perfectly level surface.
   • Once the slab is fully stabilized, the hydraulic jacks are removed, and the piers are permanently fixed in place.
3. Void Filling (If Necessary):
   • In some cases, lifting the slab may create voids beneath the foundation.
   • We address this by injecting a grout mixture or polyurethane foam beneath the slab to fill any voids and provide additional support.
   • This step ensures that the entire foundation is uniformly supported and prevents future settling.

Inspection and Adjustment

1. Comprehensive Post-Installation Inspection:
   • After lifting the slab, our team conducts a thorough inspection to ensure that the foundation is properly stabilized.
   • This includes checking the alignment of the slab, the positioning of the piers, and the overall condition of the foundation.
   • We also inspect the surrounding areas to ensure that no additional issues, such as water drainage problems, could affect the stability of the foundation.
2. Final Adjustments:
   • Any necessary adjustments are made to guarantee that the piers are correctly positioned and that the slab is fully supported.
   • We take the time to ensure that every aspect of the installation meets our high standards for quality and durability.

Final Touches

1. Cosmetic Repairs:
   • Once the structural work is complete, we address any cosmetic repairs needed, such as patching cracks in the slab or smoothing out disturbed areas.
   • We ensure that the appearance of your foundation and surrounding areas is restored to its original condition or better.
2. Maintenance Guidance:
   • We provide guidance on maintaining your foundation and preventing future issues, ensuring long-term stability.
   • This may include recommendations for improving drainage, monitoring for signs of settlement, and regular maintenance checks.
3. Follow-Up Support:
   • At Murray Foundation Repair, we believe in providing ongoing support to our customers.
   • We offer follow-up inspections and maintenance services to ensure that your foundation remains stable and secure over time.