Foundation problems are not only an annoyance, but they can lead to expensive home repairs and even more serious issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix these issues.
The most common way to repair a foundation is to install steel piers. This solution is very effective, works in any upper soil condition and is considered permanent. Click Here to learn more.
Over time, the soil under a home can change. It can become less able to support the weight of the foundation or shift in consistency, leaving it at risk of sinking or other problems. Underpinning, or underpinning a house, is designed to address these issues by transferring the load of the foundation to more competent soil. There are a variety of different ways this can be accomplished, depending on the circumstances.
One of the most common signs that a foundation needs underpinning is the appearance of cracks in walls and floors. These can appear in horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or stair-step patterns, and they may get wider over time. While all foundations crack over time, these kinds of patterns are usually a sign that the foundation isn’t getting enough consistent support from the soil beneath it.
Underpinning can also be used when a building is being expanded or added onto. This could be an addition to the house or a new floor being built underneath the existing structure. Underpinning will help ensure the existing foundation can handle the additional load without the structure becoming unsafe or sinking into the ground below it.
Another type of underpinning involves the use of piers or piles that are driven into the ground to transfer the load of the foundation to more competent soil. This can include poured concrete piers, timber poles, or steel driven piles.
Many foundation repair companies will base their charges on the number of piers needed for the underpinning job. This is why it’s important to have an idea of the size of your foundation before contacting a contractor for an estimate. This can also help you prioritize which sections of your foundation need underpinning so you can save money by addressing the most critical areas first.
Slab Jacking
A less invasive solution to foundation problems is slab jacking, or mud jacking. This technique uses a special mixture to lift and level a concrete slab foundation, rather than completely replacing it. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to other solutions and is more cost effective, too. Your contractor will drill a series of holes around the affected area of your foundation slab. Similar to how spray foam insulation is injected into homes, the contractor will then inject the specialized mixture into these holes. The mixture is pumped until it fills the void beneath your foundation and then raises the concrete slab back to its original position.
This process is not limited to your home’s foundation slab; it can also be used to repair sunken driveways, patios, and walkways. It’s quick and easy to do, and your contractor may be able to complete it year-round. It’s much less disruptive than pouring a new foundation, with only a little bit of concrete dust and residual foam to clean up.
If the soil in your yard has become unstable for any reason, it can be difficult to support a foundation. This can happen naturally due to erosion, or it may be caused by a pipe break or drainage problem. In these cases, a concrete foundation can begin to sink and crack. A professional can remedy this by installing steel piers or helical piles underneath the foundation. This method is incredibly effective and permanently fixes the issue of unstable soil. It also helps to stabilize the foundation and prevent future settlement. It’s important to hire a professional for this job, as if the installation isn’t done correctly, it can lead to further damage and expensive repairs down the line.
Concrete Piers
Concrete piers, also called pilings, are long-term foundation repairs that do a better job of returning the home to its original level than slab jacking. These are a good choice for houses on pier and beam foundations, or those that have been damaged by soil issues such as expansive clay or soil that tends to sink or rise. There are several types of pilings, including pressed concrete, steel and bell bottom. A professional will determine which is best for your house.
To install a concrete pier, the crew digs holes underneath the foundation. Then they add a pier and beam assembly to each hole, which is anchored in the ground with brackets. Once the piers are in place, hydraulic jacks lift the house up onto its new foundation. After the work is complete, the team backfills the area and restores landscaping.
The process can take a few days or longer depending on the number of piers needed for support and the amount of damage to the structure. Repairs can include adding pier stacks to interior areas that have been affected by shifting or lifting and replacing wood beams that have been damaged by water or termite infestation.
While pier and beam foundations are more stable than slab foundations, they can still settle or shift over time. This can cause cracks in walls and floors, as well as doors or windows that are hard to open and close. If you see these signs, a foundation repair specialist can help you decide the right solution for your home. There are many options, including helical piers and push piers, to reestablish support and level your house. These are long-term solutions that are designed to last and work in most upper soil conditions.
Steel Piers
A foundation must be exceptionally sturdy to bear the entire weight of a building for decades and withstand everchanging outdoor elements. This takes a lot out of concrete, and it’s not surprising that it eventually starts to wear down over time. When this happens, you’ll need a solution that can lift the foundation back up to its original position. Steel piers, or foundation repair, are an effective and long-lasting way to do this.
The most common type of steel pier is the push steel pier. This pier consists of a set of hollow, steel pipes that are pushed into the soil by a hydraulic ram until they reach the load-bearing strata. The piers are then attached to the foundation with brackets. Hydraulic jacks then place pressure on the piers, lifting the foundation back up.
Another option is the helical steel pier. These piers are similar to the push piers but use large helix-shaped screws instead of hollow steel pipes. A foundation repair specialist uses a high-torque machine to lodge these segments into the ground until they reach the load-bearing soil. These piers can support much heavier structures than the push steel piers and require less excavation.
There are other types of steel piers as well. For example, the pressed concrete piling method uses precast concrete cylinders that are pressed into the ground with a hydraulic tool. It’s a quicker, more cost-effective solution than the drilled concrete approach.
When a pier and beam foundation begins to show signs of sagging, it can be caused by the floor joists not being properly spaced or by older joists breaking down. A reputable pier and beam foundation repair contractor can add more piers to better distribute weight, straighten bowing floors, and repair broken or damaged ones. They can also install galvanized steel piers to resist corrosion from the acidity in rain or minerals in the soil.
Drainage Solutions
If your home has a drainage problem, it needs to be repaired right away. If you don’t, foundation damage will occur, putting your family’s safety at risk and leading to costly repairs.
If the soil around your home absorbs too much water, it swells up and puts pressure on the concrete of your foundation. This can lead to cracks in your foundation walls and other structural problems throughout your home. Standing water also promotes mold growth, which can make your home uninhabitable.
Proper foundation drainage helps you avoid these issues by redirecting the flow of water away from your home and preventing soil expansion and saturation. This can be done by installing surface drains, French drains, and other drainage solutions.
One of the most common signs of a foundation drainage issue is sagging floors. This can be caused by excess moisture in your basement or crawl space, which then causes the floor to sink. If this is occurring, you may need to repair your foundation and basement walls.
Another sign of a drainage problem is leaks under your home. These can be caused by a clogged gutter or downspout, which leads to flooding under your home and moisture issues inside your foundation walls and crawl spaces.
A simple fix for this is to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace your gutters or install a downspout extension. Another option is to use a footing drain, which is similar to a French drain. These are installed at the same time as your foundation, and are buried in porous backfill, such as gravel and coarse sand. The perforated pipe then carries water away from your foundation to a sump pump, sewer, or body of water (whichever is closest). If you’re interested in implementing this type of foundation drainage solution, talk with a Ram Jack professional. They can help you determine the best solution for your unique situation.