Why slabs settle in North Texas
Most of Dallas-Fort Worth sits on clay that swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries out. A slab rides on top of that clay, so after a few dry summers and wet springs, one side or one corner of the house can drop lower than the rest. The house shows it long before you can see anything wrong with the slab itself.
Signs your slab may be settling
- Stair-step cracks in the brick, often under windows or at corners
- Cracks in drywall above doors and windows
- Doors that stick, drag or won't latch, and gaps at the top of door frames
- Brick pulling away from window or door frames
- Floors that slope, or cracks running through tile
How the repair works
- Free inspectionThe crew walks the house inside and out, checks the cracks and the doors, and finds the low areas of the slab.
- Written bidYou get the scope in writing: where the piers go, how many, and the price.
- Pressed concrete piersHoles are dug along the settled edge. Concrete cylinders are pressed into the ground one on top of another until they won't go any deeper, then the slab is lifted back toward level and set on the piers.
- Cleanup and warrantyThe holes are filled back in, and the work is covered by Allied Foundation's written warranty.
More on this job on our projects page.
Videos from the job site
Questions people ask
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. There's no charge for the inspection or for the written bid, and no obligation to go ahead with the work.
How much does slab foundation repair cost?
It depends mostly on how many piers the house needs and what type. Pressed concrete piers are usually quoted at roughly $300 to $500 each in DFW, and many jobs land around $3,500 to $8,500. Our cost guide explains what drives the price, and the written bid gives you the real number for your house.
Will the cracks close up after the repair?
Some cracks close partway as the slab comes back up, and some don't. Patching brick and drywall is usually a separate step after the foundation is stable.
Can the house be brought back perfectly level?
Not always. A house that has been out of level for years has settled into that shape, and forcing it all the way back can crack other things. The goal is to stop the settling and bring it back as close to level as the house allows.
How do I keep it from happening again?
Keep water moving away from the house and keep the soil moisture steady. Our post on why foundations move in Dallas-Fort Worth covers what helps.
Who does the work?
The inspection and the repair are done by Allied Foundation LLC. Your contract and your written warranty are with Allied. Lone Star Foundation Co. is your point of contact from the first call to the finished job.
Get a free inspection
A straight answer on what the house needs, and a written bid before any work starts.