
If you live in North Texas, chances are your home sits on a concrete slab foundation—and while that setup is simple and strong, it’s not invincible. Over time, shifting soil, water issues, or just plain age can start to take a toll.
This guide is here to help you understand how slab foundations work, why they sometimes fail, and most importantly, how we fix them. Whether you're a homeowner seeing cracks or a business owner noticing uneven floors, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Slab Foundation—and Why Should You Care?
Let’s start with the basics. A slab foundation is a single layer of concrete poured directly onto the ground. No crawl space, no basement, just a solid slab supporting your entire structure.
It’s a popular foundation type in DFW because it’s cost-effective and well-suited to our climate.
But here’s the catch: when the soil underneath starts to shift (which it does often in this part of Texas), that foundation can crack, sink, or tilt. So, while slab foundations are designed to be tough, they’re only as strong as the ground beneath them.
Cracks, Slopes, and Sticky Doors—7 Signs to Watch Out For
Slab foundation problems usually don’t show up all at once. Instead, they sneak in slowly, until one day, something just feels... off.
Here are the most common signs your slab may be in trouble:
- Cracks in your walls, floors, or exterior brick
- Doors and windows that suddenly stick or don’t close right
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps where the wall meets the ceiling or floor
- Moisture showing up in odd places
- A rising water bill (could mean a slab leak)
These aren’t things you want to ignore. If you’re noticing one or more of these, it might be time for a closer look.
Why Slab Foundations Struggle in DFW (Hint: It’s the Dirt)
It’s no secret: the soil in Dallas-Fort Worth is wildly unpredictable. One week it’s bone-dry and cracked. The next, it’s soaked and swollen.
That’s because most of our region sits on expansive clay soil—which shrinks when it’s dry and expands when it’s wet. This constant movement puts a ton of stress on your slab foundation.
But that’s not all, other common culprits include:
- Poor drainage: Water pooling near your home can soften the soil and destabilize the slab
- Under-slab plumbing leaks: These erode the ground silently from underneath
- Tree roots: They can disrupt soil or invade plumbing
- Bad compaction during original construction: The slab might’ve been set on soil that was never properly prepared
It’s a recipe for trouble. The good news? You’ve got repair options, and we know which ones work best around here.
How to Keep Slab Problems from Getting Worse
Here’s the deal: you can’t stop the weather, but you can protect your foundation.
A few smart steps:
- Keep your soil moisture consistent (especially during droughts)
- Make sure your gutters and downspouts direct water away from the slab
- Watch your landscaping; avoid heavy watering near the house
- Install root barriers near trees
- Get regular plumbing checkups to catch under-slab leaks early
It’s simple stuff, but it goes a long way in preventing serious damage.
How We Fix Slab Foundations in North Texas
Slab repairs aren’t one-size-fits-all. We tailor each repair plan based on what’s really going on under your home. But here are the most common methods we use:
Piers (Concrete or Steel)
Most slab repairs start with installing concrete or steel piers. These are driven deep below unstable soil until they reach solid ground. Once in place, the piers lift and support the slab, preventing future settling. This is the gold standard for long-term stability in North Texas soils.Â
Slab Jacking (Mud Jacking)
For sections of the slab that have dipped, we may use slab jacking (also called mud jacking). By pumping a cement-like mixture beneath the foundation, we can gently push uneven areas back up to level. This works especially well for smaller structures, garages, and patios.Â
Drainage Improvements
Water is often the hidden villain behind slab problems. If your home has poor drainage, we’ll recommend solutions like French drains or grading adjustments. This keeps water away from your foundation and helps prevent future movement.
What Does Slab Foundation Repair Cost in DFW?
We get this question a lot—and the honest answer is: it depends.
The slab foundation repair cost depends on the size of your home, how deep the damage goes, and which repair method we use.
But here’s a general idea:
- Small slab jacking: $2,000–$4,000
- Moderate pier work: $4,000–$8,000
- Extensive structural repair: $10,000+
Factors that affect price:
- Number of piers needed
- Type of soil under your home
- Plumbing leaks or drainage issues
- Access to the repair area (tight spaces may cost more)
Want real numbers for your property? We’ll walk the site, take measurements, and give you a straight answer—no pressure, no surprises. Get your DFW foundation repair estimate today.
When Should You Call a Foundation Repair Expert?
Honestly? As soon as you think something might be off.
It’s a lot easier and cheaper to fix foundation problems early. So if your home’s showing signs like sticking doors, new cracks, or odd flooring issues, it’s worth bringing in a pro. We’ll let you know whether it’s a small fix, a watch-and-wait situation, or something that needs attention now.
Why Homeowners Across DFW Trust Align Foundation Repair
Slab foundations are what we do. From small homes to commercial buildings, we’ve worked with just about every soil type in North Texas, and we’ve seen every foundation issue you can think of.
Here’s what you can expect from us:
- A clear, honest assessment of your foundation
- Repair methods that actually work in DFW soil
- A foundation repair warranty you can feel good about
- A local team that respects your time, your home, and your budget
- No upsells, no scare tactics, just real solutions
Want to know where your foundation stands? Book a free DFW foundation inspection or get started with a slab foundation repair estimate.
FAQs
How do I know if my slab foundation really needs repair?
Look for warning signs like stair-step cracks in brick, sticking doors or windows, uneven floors, or gaps where walls meet ceilings. If you’re unsure, schedule a foundation inspection in DFW for peace of mind.
Can a slab foundation be repaired without tearing up my whole floor?
Yes. Most slab repairs are done from the outside of your home. Depending on the issue, methods like piers, or mud jacking can restore stability without major disruption inside.
How long does slab foundation repair take?
Most residential projects take 1–3 days, depending on the size of the home and the extent of damage. Larger or more complex cases may take longer.
Is slab foundation repair covered by homeowners' insurance?
Usually not. Most policies exclude damage from soil movement, which is the main cause of foundation problems in DFW. If damage is due to a sudden event like a burst pipe, some coverage may apply.
How much does slab foundation repair cost?
Costs vary depending on the repair method and severity of the damage. Small fixes may start around $2,000, while more extensive repairs can run $7,000 or more. The best way to know is with a free foundation repair estimate in DFW.Â
Can I live in my house while slab foundation repairs are being done?
Yes. Most homeowners stay in place during the repair process.
DFW service areas
Allen, Arlington, Carrollton, Dallas, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Lewisville, Mckinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Sunnyvale, and Wylie.