Skip to Main Content

Crawl Space Encapsulation and Foundation Repair in Greensboro, NC

Moisture is the number one enemy to your foundation, and Greensboro receives no shortage of humidity and rain. Tar Heel is here to make sure your home stays protected even in the wettest conditions.

Schedule Free Inspection
ServicesDate & TimeContact InfoComplete

Schedule Your Free Inspection

What do you need help with?

Greensboro, NC Local Office

Tar Heel Basement Systems

611 Summit Ave, #5
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 810-0178

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday: 7 am – 9 pm
Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm

Serving Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, Rocky Mount, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham

AWARD-WINNING SOLUTIONS IN GREENSBORO

Tar Heel Basement Systems, a Groundworks Company, specializes in helping homeowners with their foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete needs. Our top priority is providing high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across North Carolina. With fully trained technicians, industry-leading products, and nationally backed warranties, Tar Heel Basement Systems is here to restore your foundation or crawlspace.

THE TAR HEEL BASEMENT SYSTEMS PROCESS

Schedule Free Inspection

One of our contact center representatives will reach out to you to determine your problem and set the best time for one of our certified field inspectors to visit your home.

Consult with our certified inspector

Our certified field inspector will visit your home to observe the problems in your home and inspect other areas of your home that may have been impacted.

Installation of customized solutions

Our professional production crew installs patented, American-made solutions in each home with care and strives to leave the area better than we found it.

Schedule Inspection

WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE Tar Heel Basement Systems

Since 2003, Tar Heel Basement Systems – A Groundworks Company – has provided homeowners throughout North Carolina with superior, proven solutions for foundation repair, crawl space repair and encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and concrete lifting and leveling. Our local team understands the challenges homes in Greensboro face because of the area’s soil and weather conditions, so we developed patented permanent repairs tailored to each home’s unique needs.  

We devote our years of experience, industry knowledge, and specialized training to help customers protect their homes or commercial buildings from water damage, concrete sinking, and foundation failure. We know how important your home is to you, and it is important to us, too. You can trust our team to fix it the right way the first time and ensure its safety and longevity for a lifetime.  

4.8
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Rating Logo Based on 1948 Google reviews

4.8
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/

Rating Logo Based on 422 Facebook reviews

MORE REVIEWS >>

Offer ends 03/31/2023

A Crack in Your Foundation Shouldn't Break the Bank

Learn More About This Promotion

Take advantage of

No Payment

and

No Interest

(if paid in full within 12 months)

Learn More About This Promotion
Groundworks Omaha

OUR SERVICES FOR YOU

Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation in Greensboro

Crawl space damage is always caused by excess moisture. Greensboro receives about 45 inches of rain every year, almost 20 more inches than the national average. On top of the rain, Greensboro experiences very humid summers. Groundwater drains into the dirt floors of your crawl space, and outdoor humidity seeps in through open vents. Eventually, humidity levels rise below your home. If left unchecked, this leads to warped wood floors, sagging floors, pests and creepy critters, and high humidity. That’s why Tar Heel’s crawl space solutions are designed to keep moisture out. The process of encapsulation involves installing a few waterproofing measures that work together. Vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, and vent covers provide impenetrable defense against all forms of water (whether vapor or liquid). 

Foundation Repair in Greensboro

Foundations need to rest on solid, reliable soil to maintain their structure. Thankfully, the Cecil soil native to Greensboro is well-draining, which is good news for homeowners, since heavy precipitation is one of the main causes of foundation damage. Even though Cecil soil drains quickly, Greensboro still receives 45 inches of rain every year, which can erode the ground and make it difficult for your foundation to stay supported. When this happens, look out for structural problem signs including bowing walls, uneven floors, and stuck doors. Tar Heel has world-class solutions designed to defend against weakened soil and weather changes including foundation piers (push piers, helical piers, and slab piers), crawl space supports, carbon fiber wall stabilization, and wall anchors 

Basement Waterproofing in Greensboro

While most basements are built with a drainage system, the default foundation drain is often built poorly. It won’t move water quick enough, so it gets clogged. This is especially true in Greensboro, which receives around 45 inches of rain every year. As draining water builds below your home, it leads to a leaking basement floor. Water can also get in because of faulty appliances like a leaking hot water heater. Water will likely leak in through faulty windows, burst pipes, and damaged walls. All our basement waterproofing solutions are designed to keep every form of water out, from vapor to liquid. Dehumidifiers and vapor barriers keep humid air out, while sump pumps with a backup battery, and our BasementGutter™ system quickly move water away from your foundation. 

Concrete Lifting & Leveling in Greensboro

Soils in Greensboro are well-draining, but have the potential to be eroded by the area’s above-average rainfall. When this happens, the soil becomes too soft to support the weight of heavy concrete and causes concrete structures to sink into the ground. Concrete is not a flexible material, so as it sinks into the soil, you’re left with cracked sections, an uneven driveway, or unlevel outdoor steps. The best way to repair damaged concrete is with polyurethane injection, and Tar Heel uses PolyRenewal™. This innovative concrete lifting material is waterproof, so rain won’t be able to damage soil beneath the concrete in the future. Plus, it can support the weight of your car after curing in just 15 minutes.  

Find Your Service Area

Search results for No results found for

View Details

Alexander, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Alexander, NC.

Avery County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Avery County, NC.

Banner Elk, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Banner Elk, NC.

Blowing Rock, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Blowing Rock, NC.

Boone, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Boone, NC.

Caldwell, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Caldwell, NC.

Deep Gap, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Deep Gap, NC.

Eden, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Eden, NC.

Fleetwood, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Fleetwood, NC.

Hudson, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Hudson, NC.

Iredell County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Iredell County, NC.

Linville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Linville, NC.

Mcdowell, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Mcdowell, NC.

Millers Creek, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Millers Creek, NC.

Montezuma, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Montezuma, NC.

Newland, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Newland, NC.

North Wilkesboro, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in North Wilkesboro, NC.

Providence, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Providence, NC.

Ruffin, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Ruffin, NC.

Taylorsville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Taylorsville, NC.

View Details

Basement Waterproofing & Foundation Repair in Stokes County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Stokes County, NC.

Cary, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Cary, NC.

Caswell, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Caswell, NC.

Chapel Hill, NC

Foundation Repair & Crawl Space Encapsulation in Chapel Hill, NC WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE TAR HEEL BASEMENT SYSTEMS Tar Heel Basement Systems, founded in 2003, is a subsidiary of Groundworks, a family of companies that offers superior, proven solutions for your foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, dehumidification, and concrete lifting needs. We devote our […]

Durham, NC

Foundation Repair & Crawl Space Encapsulation in Durham, NC WHY HOMEOWNERS CHOOSE TAR HEEL BASEMENT SYSTEMS Tar Heel Basement Systems, founded in 2003, is a subsidiary of Groundworks, a family of companies that offers superior, proven solutions for your foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, dehumidification, and concrete lifting needs. We devote our years […]

Foundation, Basement Waterproofing, and Crawl Space Repair in Fayetteville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Fayetteville, NC.

Goldsboro, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Goldsboro, NC.

Greenville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Greenville, NC.

Holly Springs, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Holly Springs, NC.

Lenoir, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Lenoir, NC.

Rocky Mount, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Rocky Mount, NC.

Tarboro, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Tarboro, NC.

Wake Forest, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Wake Forest, NC.

Wilson, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Wilson, NC.

View Details

Advance, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Advance, NC.

Alamance County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Alamance County, NC.

Alleghany, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Alleghany, NC.

Ashe County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Ashe County, NC.

Asheboro, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Asheboro, NC.

Belews Creek, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Belews Creek, NC.

Boonville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Boonville, NC.

Browns Summit, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Browns Summit, NC.

Burlington, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Burlington, NC.

Clemmons, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Clemmons, NC.

Colfax, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Colfax, NC.

Danbury, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Danbury, NC.

Davidson County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Davidson County, NC.

Davie County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Davie County, NC.

Denton, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Denton, NC.

Dobson, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Dobson, NC.

East Bend, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in East Bend, NC.

Elkin, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Elkin, NC.

Elon, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Elon, NC.

Ennice, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Ennice, NC.

Forsyth County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Forsyth County, NC.

Germanton, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Germanton, NC.

Gibsonville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Gibonsville, NC.

Glade Valley, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Glade Valley, NC.

Graham, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Graham, NC.

Greensboro, NC

Moisture is the number one enemy to your foundation, and Greensboro receives no shortage of humidity and rain. Tar Heel is here to make sure your home stays protected even in the wettest conditions.

Guilford County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Guilford County, NC.

Hamptonville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Hamptonville, NC.

High Point, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in High Point, NC.

Jamestown, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Jamestown, NC.

Jefferson, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Jefferson, NC.

Jonesville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Jonesville, NC.

Julian, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Julian, NC.

Kernersville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Kernersville, NC.

King, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in King, NC.

Lansing, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Lansing, NC.

Lewisville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Lewisville, NC.

Lexington, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Lexington, NC.

Liberty, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Liberty, NC.

Madison, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Madison, NC.

Marion, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Marion, NC.

Mayodan, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Mayodan, NC.

Mebane, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Mebane, NC.

Mocksville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Mocksville, NC.

Mount Airy, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Mount Airy, NC.

Oak Ridge, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Oak Ridge, NC.

Pfafftown, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Pfafftown, NC.

Pilot Mountain, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Pilot Mountain, NC.

Pine Hall, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Pine Hall, NC.

Pinnacle, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Pinnacle, NC.

Pleasant Garden, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Pleasant Garden, NC.

Randleman, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Randleman, NC.

Randolph County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Randolph County, NC.

Reidsville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Reidsville, NC.

Roaring Gap, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Roaring Gap, NC.

Rockingham County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Rockingham County, NC.

Rural Hall, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Rural Hall, NC.

Snow Camp, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Snow Camp, NC.

Sophia, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Sophia, NC.

State Road, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in State Road, NC.

Stokesdale, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Stokesdale, NC.

Stoneville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Stoneville, NC.

Sugar Grove, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Sugar Grove, NC.

Summerfield, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Summerfield, NC.

Surry, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Surry, NC.

Thomasville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Thomasville, NC.

Tobaccoville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Tobaccoville, NC.

Todd, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Todd, NC.

Trinity, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Trinity, NC.

Union Grove, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Union Grove, NC.

Valle Crucis, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Valle Crucis, NC.

Vilas, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Vilas, NC.

Walkertown, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Walkertown, NC.

Walnut Cove, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Walnut Cove, NC.

Warrensville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Warrensville, NC.

Watauga County, NC

We offer foundation repair and crawl space encapsulation services in Watauga County, NC. Call us today!

Welcome, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Welcome, NC.

West Jefferson, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in West Jefferson, NC.

Wilkes County, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Wilkes, NC.

Wilkesboro, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Wilkesboro, NC.

Winston-Salem, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Winston Salem, NC.

Yadkin, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Yadkin, NC.

Yadkinville, NC

We not only adhere to the highest industry standards, we strive to be the industry leader in the home improvement related services we provide in Yadkinville, NC.

FAQ

You could replace popped nails and the damaged walls they came from, but this doesn’t offer a solution to the larger problem – foundation damage. Simply replacing nails might make the house look better for a time, but eventually, foundation settlement is going to cause the same problem to occur again. The best step you can take to address drywall nail pops is to contact a professional foundation repair service like Tar Heel. With a professional solution, you can prevent foundation problems from arising in the future, especially with pier systems that support your home independently of soil.

A sump pump is a kind of drainage system that collects water into a pit and then pumps it out of and away from the foundation. It’s a perfect device for homeowners who have basement flooding problems and need to keep that part of the house as dry as possible. If you already have a sump pump in your basement, you should know that it may not be enough to have just one.

Living in Northern North Carolina means that your property probably sees a lot of water. It would be worth investing in a second or even a third pump for your sump pump in order to keep up with the incredible amounts of water that flows around your foundation. If your sump pump gets overworked because of all the water it has to continuously pump, it will have a shorter lifespan and malfunction sooner than it should. When this happens, your basement will quickly flood, and the structural damages as a result of that failure will cost more than a second pump. All of the sump pumps in our SafeDri™ series can all be installed with a backup battery system that will guarantee a dry basement at all times.

If you’re unsure if you need another pump, simply observe your sump pump during the summer. Summer is the rainiest season in North Carolina, so watching the sump pump when it’s at its most active will give you all the information you need. If the water is flowing into the pit at an excessive rate, you need to invest in another pump. Doing so will ensure that the device functions for years without failure.

When slab foundations settle, the consequences can be even worse than crawl space and basement foundations. When there is settling, water is more likely to seep through the foundation because of the cracks on the broken walls and floors. When you have a basement or crawl space, the flooding isn’t very impactful because it normally doesn’t reach your actual living space. Although settling is a terrible thing to deal with as a homeowner regardless of what kind of foundation you have, slab foundations are a special case. There’s a difference between finding water in a basement or crawl space versus finding water in your closet or kitchen.

Because slab settling is so disruptive, many homeowners rush to a solution without doing their research. Many times, they resort to the wrong solution, like replacing the foundation instead of repairing it. If the slab foundation is settling and cracking, it may seem sensible to try to replace it. After all, if something as important as a home’s foundation is broken, getting an entirely new one makes the most sense, right? Actually, repairing the slab using slab piers is what’s best for your home’s foundation and it’s what’s best for you, the homeowner.

Slab piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil that does not shift. They’re attached to the slab and not only stabilize it, but they also bear the load of the entire house, effectively solving the issue of an unstable foundation. If the settling is caused by soil shrinking and expansion, building a new foundation won’t stop that. The new slab will eventually fall to the shifting soil, while the piers remain stable no matter how much the topsoil shifts. Slab piers are ultimately the superior option if you need a quality, long-term solution.

Uneven concrete is all about the soil that’s used as a foundation. When it gives way or shrinks and loses its topsoil volume, a void remains and there’s nothing supporting the concrete. This is something that cannot be prevented, and very little can be done in the face of earthquakes and floods, but certain measures can be taken in order to prevent soil erosion and shrinkage.  

  • The Kind of Soil 

The type of soil used as the foundation for the driveway impacts how severe and how quickly the settling is. Soils with big, grainy particles tend to wash away because water is able to pass through easily. It’s the kind of soil that doesn’t compact well, so it’s loose and shifty. It’s vulnerable to floods, snow, rain, and earthquakes. 

Expansive soils (often clay soils) compact well, so they are denser and make for a much better foundation. However, because of the clay content in the soil, expansion occurs at a higher rate. The more the soil is able to expand, the more it’s able to shrink. Despite its swell-shrink capacity, contractors still use clay soils because it compacts easily. This makes it easier to manipulate and saves time when laying down the foundation. 

  • Soil Shrinkage  

Soil shrinkage occurs when the moisture in soil dries out. As the moisture leaves the soil, the individual particles come together since there is nothing between them anymore. The soil becomes denser, but due to shrinkage, it loses surface volume. 

Once the soil loses surface volume, there is nothing supporting the concrete. With the added weight of cars, snow, and people walking on the driveway, the concrete gives way and settles on the soil. Soil shrinkage is a naturally occurring process that can’t be controlled or predicted, but placing a canopy over the driveway will limit the concrete’s exposure to the elements and mitigate the damage done by soil shrinkage. 

    Contact Us

    For Your Free Inspection

    * All fields are required.

    Publish Date:

    Last Modified Date:

    TarHeel Basement Systems Service Map

    Our Service Areas

    Greensboro Location

    611 Summit Ave, Suite 5
    Greensboro, NC 27405

    Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Location

    3333 Air Park Road
    Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

    Winston-Salem/High Point Location

    2910 Griffith Rd
    Winston-Salem, NC 27103