Foundation Sinking in Knoxville: How to Fix It With Slab Foundation Repair

From a bustling downtown to historic attractions and sprawling rural beauty, Knoxville has it all. It also has a problem we can’t ignore—sinking slab foundation issues in our homes.

Foundation sinking in Knoxville is common on many properties due to our area’s clay soil. We can’t exactly move the earth to fix this, but it can be fixed.

As a Knoxville homeowner, it’s important to understand why your home might be damaged, signs of trouble, and how to properly fix and protect your home with slab foundation repair. Let’s dig in!

There are several foundation options when building a home, including crawl spaces and basements, but slab foundations are one of the most popular choices in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Concrete slab foundations are also known as slab-on-grade foundations because they are poured directly onto the ground.

This foundation type is generally quicker and cheaper to build, plumbing can be hidden beneath it, and it is less prone to moisture-related problems like mold growth and pest infestations. However, slab foundations don’t provide extra storage like basements do, they often experience cracking and settling, and plumbing issues can be difficult to fix.

These conditions might not require immediate action, but they’re worth keeping an eye on:

• Hairline cracks less than ¼ inch wide that don’t appear to be growing
• Doors or windows that stick a bit, especially with seasonal humidity shifts
• Floors with slight slopes or minor uneven spots
• Small cracks in tile that aren’t worsening
• Temporary puddles around the foundation after rain that evaporate

• Obvious cracks in the foundation, whether vertical, horizontal, or stair-step shaped
• Cracks appearing in drywall or exterior brickwork
• Noticeably sloping or uneven flooring
• Gaps developing where floors meet walls or where walls meet the ceiling
• Doors and windows that remain jammed or consistently out of alignment
• Persistent or recurring water accumulation near the foundation
• Chimneys that show signs of cracking or tilting

• Soil Composition: Knoxville’s primarily expansive clay soils swell when wet and shrink when dry. This constant expansion and contraction stresses your foundation, leading to cracks and shifts over time.
• Inadequate Soil Compaction: Soil can settle unevenly if it isn’t properly compacted during construction. This often causes the foundation to sink, crack, or shift, especially in newer developments.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Even mild winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that affect the soil. Frozen water expands and pushes upward. When it melts, the soil settles unevenly, slowly impacting foundation stability.
• Heavy Rainfall: Frequent rain can lead to water buildup around the foundation. If drainage is poor, this added hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks and let moisture seep into your home.

• Poor Drainage: Clogged or broken gutters and downspouts and improper grading allow water to pool near the foundation. Over time, this moisture increases soil pressure and raises the risk of structural damage.
• Tree Roots: They may look pretty, but trees with invasive roots draw moisture from the soil, especially during dry periods. This can shrink the soil beneath your foundation, creating empty spaces and leading to settling or cracks.
• Soil Erosion: Heavy rain and improper drainage can wash away soil supporting your slab foundation. This loss of support can lead to uneven settling, cracks, and structural instability in your home.
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaking pipes beneath slab foundations saturate the soil in certain areas. This uneven moisture causes localized shifting and potential foundation problems.

• Regularly clear out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow
• Confirm that your landscaping slopes away from your home to direct water away
• Monitor cracks that appear in your walls or flooring
• Seal small cracks early before they have a chance to expand
• Check indoor humidity levels to avoid excess moisture problems
• Test doors and windows to ensure they still open and close easily

Foundation Piers

When a home is settling or shifting, foundation piers offer lasting support. These systems are designed to stabilize the structure and can often raise sunken areas closer to their original level.

For slab foundations specifically, slab piers are a focused and effective choice. They’re installed through small holes in the slab and anchored deep into stable soil, offering solid reinforcement without the need for full slab replacement. Depending on the situation, we might also use push piers or helical piers to enhance stability.

Foundation sinking in Knoxville can be stressful, but waiting too long to act often leads to severe and more expensive problems. The sooner you address the signs, the better you can protect your home, your investment, and your family’s well-being.

That’s where AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists come in. We understand the challenges posed by Knoxville’s soil and weather, and we provide customized, long-lasting solutions designed specifically for local homes.

Ready to get started? Reach out today to schedule your free inspection and estimate. Our knowledgeable team is here to stabilize your foundation and bring you long-term peace of mind.