Several methods can be used to level a house, and the best option depends on your foundation type, the extent of settlement, and soil conditions. Here are the main approaches:
1. Concrete Slab Foundation Leveling
If your home sits on a slab, the goal is to lift and stabilize the concrete.
- Pressed Concrete Piers – Precast concrete cylinders are driven into the ground beneath the foundation until they reach stable soil, then the slab is lifted.
- Steel Piers – Stronger and driven deeper than concrete piers; ideal for heavy homes or deep stable layers.
- Helical Piers – Screw-like steel shafts twisted into the soil; good for areas with unstable clay or sandy soil.
- Mudjacking / Slabjacking – Pumping a cement slurry beneath the slab to raise it; best for minor settling.
2. Pier and Beam / Crawl Space Leveling
Homes with crawl spaces or pier-and-beam structures can be adjusted from below.
- Shimming – Adding steel or hardwood shims between piers and beams to fine-tune height.
- Pier Replacement or Addition – Damaged or sunken piers are replaced or supplemented to provide even support.
- Beam Replacement – Rotted or damaged beams are replaced to restore structural integrity.
3. Preventive Measures During Leveling
- Root Barriers – Prevent tree roots from causing future soil movement.
- Drainage Correction – Install French drains, gutters, or grading improvements to control water flow.
- Soil Stabilization – In some cases, chemical soil injections can reduce swelling and shrinkage in clay.
In short:
- Slab foundations → use piers or mudjacking
- Pier-and-beam homes → use shimming, pier replacement, or beam repair
- Always pair leveling with drainage improvements to prevent repeat issues.