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jianyu_chen

Significant soil settling problem?

5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago





When we fixed our sump pump, our contractor noted that we have “significant” soil settling at our front lawn of our townhouse (37 years old), and the bottom of the steps became loose. He said he didn’t find any cracks or leak on this side of the foundation on this side of the basement, but he did suggest pouring concrete underneath the step and fix the side for now, but have foundation expert to fix it.

Anyone experienced with this and have a good idea how much it would cost?

Thanks

Comments (2)

  • 5 years ago

    It all depends on how much concrete is required. If it's just a wheelbarrow full you could almost do it yourself. In any case you'd have to get some estimates, but if it's just mixing and pouring a little concrete, I can't imagine it would cost more than a couple hundred bucks if you find the right contractor.


    I had issues like this around my driveway and front porch. Do you have clay soil? Ours took 30 yrs to fully settle around the house. It sunk on 3 sides of the house and I had to fill in so water would drain away. Under the porch, I stuffed dry soil in there as much as I could. It would settle again. When the gap got too small to reach in, I used a piece of plastic hose stuck back in there to funnel thick mud slurry. Several times over the years. I had possums and other critters living under there. Finally got it filled in well enough they don't get in anymore.


    However if there's anything really important like a driveway that has to take the weight of cars, or the house, a gap next to the foundation can cause a big crack, settling, cracking walls, etc. Turned out I had a strip all the way along the front of the garage extending 2 ft out from the garage slab that had a gap under it almost a foot deep. The driveway had sunk 2" and was probably in danger of breaking off. I had a foam contractor fill it in, which worked great and raised the driveway. However it took a lot more foam than initially estimated which raised the price from under $2000 to $3000. I wish I had just used a concrete saw to cut the strip of driveway off, filled in with compacted gravel, and hired a good concrete guy to pour a new strip to cover it. It probably would have cost 1/4 what I paid. Live and learn.

    Jianyu Chen thanked toxcrusadr
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Houses may shift on clay soil or settle more than on other soils. I was advised by a structural engineer to always water the foundation on a regular basis. That does not mean to spray foundation with water, place sprinklers or drip hoses about 2 feet from foundation and water good off and on. House settling or shifting can cause sheetrock to crack on the ceilings and walls.

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