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 New Jersey
home inspection NJ home
inspectors perform
Certified New Jersey home
inspections in NJ.
FLOOR SLAB UNEVEN / HEAVED
This item is checked if the inspector notes that
the slab floor of the building or garage is
lifted or tilted whether slight or excessive.
Since most slab heave is caused by moisture in
expansive soils below the slab and/or lack of
moisture around the perimeter, it is of utmost
importance that you use precautions with the
amount of moisture allowed around the structure.
If the soil is allowed to dry out too much at
the perimeter of the structure the outer edge
may settle downward leaving the center of the
structure up. This appears as cracks or bulges
in the slab, usually close to the center of the
room or garage. Heavily damaged slabs may have
to be sawn out and replaced. Light to moderate
lift may be ignored but any cracks should be
filled with epoxy modified mortar. Each
situation is somewhat unique as far as repair
suggestions are concerned. Keep in mind that the
problem is probably caused by soil expansion and
should be considered ongoing if soil moisture
content is not static. Read about expansive
soils in the Landscape chapter for additional
information. More severe lifting or settlement,
where the slab has shifted or where differential
movement is noted may be due to earth settlement
or movement. You are advised to consult with a
Geotechnical Engineer if settlement-caused
foundation or slab cracks are noted.
The above information was provided by TWI Systems Copyright 1995-2005 1-800-553-5660 |
