A garage is a significant selling point for a home, and it’s clear why. Garages offer convenient and practical benefits, such as protecting your vehicle from the elements, providing storage for tools and equipment, and offering a dry, well-lit area for tasks like changing oil, painting furniture, or even creating additional social space.
Regular maintenance is essential since garages add value to your home and property. Like any other structure, they are susceptible to common issues such as a settling foundation.
Paving Hackensack is a leading expert in all types of paving services, including pavement restoration, maintenance, asphalt paving, and sealcoating. With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our techniques to deliver exceptional results. Our team is composed of highly knowledgeable and skilled professionals, equipped with the latest tools and machinery to ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.
Diagnosing the correct repair method for a garage floor can be challenging, but our expertise and experience ensure we can guide you through the process.
This article will detail the most effective methods for repairing garage floors and foundations. We’ll clearly outline critical considerations to help you determine the right approach and additional resources to estimate potential costs.
How about this: “Is your garage floor cracked or sagging in the centre?
The Causes
When a slab cracks down the centre, it often indicates that the ground beneath has shifted, creating a void under the floor. These voids can result from water erosion of the soil or natural settlement processes.
Settlement occurs naturally as the weight of a building compresses the ground. Granular soils, such as those containing sand or gravel, are typically less densely packed and more prone to forming air pockets that contribute to settling.
If erosion is the issue, inspect where your gutters and downspouts discharge water. We advise extending downspouts by a minimum of ten feet away from your home to minimize erosion and potential water damage. Need help to extend your downspouts?
The Solution
If there is a space beneath your garage floor, slab jacking offers an effective solution to lift the concrete back into place. This method involves injecting polyurethane foam beneath the slab. The foam rises as it thickens and solidifies. the concrete to its original position. Once the slab is aligned correctly, any cracks can be filled and sealed.
Do you notice your garage floor sinking or sloping outward? A tilting floor could indicate settling in the garage foundation, often accompanied by cracks in the walls. We assess the floor and its relationship with the walls to determine the appropriate repair method.
Does your garage floor terminate at the wall or span the entire area? In some cases, like those depicted below, the concrete slab floor serves as the base of the wall, integral to the foundation.
In such instances, helical piers are essential for simultaneously stabilizing the wall and the floor. As shown in the image, stair-step cracks on the garage exterior suggest that one corner has settled, causing it to separate from the rest of the wall. Piers will secure this corner and prevent further movement.
Should the piers elevate the foundation as well, we advise performing slab jacking to fill any voids the lift creates. This ensures the floor remains even and stable. However, if the floor doesn’t require lifting, slabjacking foam won’t be necessary.
Conversely, repairs will typically involve piers and slab jacking if your garage floor stops at the wall and isn’t part of the foundation (known as a “floating slab” floor). Piers resolve foundation issues, while slab jacking lifts the floor once the foundation is stabilized.
Does your garage require foundation repairs?
If your garage needs foundation repairs, engaging a reputable and insured foundation company is crucial. Ensure the Better Business Bureau accredits them before proceeding with any services. If you’re new to hiring contractors or uncertain about what to ask, we’ve prepared a helpful guide to assist you.
Contact Paving Hackensack for a complimentary estimate if you reside in Indiana or a neighbouring state. Our experienced project managers will assess your garage and provide the best option customized for you requirements.
