Popular Foundation Repair Methods Explained | Foundation Repair 101

February 3, 2022

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Choosing the right foundation is critical when building single-family houses, skyscrapers, or superstructures. Any building's foundation serves two purposes: it distributes weight from load-bearing walls to the soil or bedrock underneath it and keeps groundwater and soil moisture out.

The sort of foundation acceptable for your project will be determined by the topography, geology, and pedology (the study of soil) on your construction site, as well as the size of your building and other criteria, such as the type of construction. But no matter how well your foundation is laid and designed, it will require repair in the long run; thus, foundation repair methods are crucial for home maintenance.

foundation repair methods

What are the Common Types of Foundation Repair?

The possibilities for repairing a foundation depend on several circumstances, including the location, type of the site, and so on. Some of the top-ranking foundation repair methods include:

Slab jacking 

As the name implies, slab jacking injects material into concrete slabs to elevate any empty parts, basically lifting the piece of concrete that has dropped. Polyurethane foam is one of the most often utilized materials in product building. Concrete holes are bored, and vacant gaps are filled in. Because of its numerous benefits, including cost savings, punctuality, and aesthetics, it is the most often used foundation restoration method.

Steel pier

This is a technique for repairing the settling of a building's foundation by driving many steel pipe pilings into the earth. Steel piercing is commonly used when the building is prone to collapsing downhill. A hydraulic lifting system is utilized with the steel piers to elevate the foundation and adjust its height, thus making it more stable for weight-bearing.

High tensile polyurethane foam 

High-density polyurethane foam is the best material to utilize when developing sturdy patterns with perfect surface detail and a high-quality surface finish. Because of the inexpensive maintenance cost and the speed with which it can be accomplished, it is quite popular.

Sealant repairs

Because sealant repairs are quite straightforward, they are the most prevalent way of fixing damaged foundations. Caulking or filling the cracks with hydraulic cement are common sealant fixes.

Helical tieback anchors

Helical tieback anchors are used to securing bending or leaning walls. They are linked in the inner wall section, and then strain is applied to straighten the wall.

Spot piers

In light-weighted situations, spot piers are the most effective foundation rehabilitation. They are concrete-filled shallow piers that were dug by hand.

Segmented piers

Segmented piers are a novel product that has recently been available on the market. Because segmented piers are affordable, they're a smart choice if you're on a tight budget.

foundation crack repair

Consequences of Not Fixing Foundation Problems

If any defect in the foundation of the home is not fixed properly and as at when due, the following complications may ensue:

1. Sinking/Settling of the Foundation

One of the first things that can happen is this. Foundations can sink into the earth and become uneven over time as they shift. It's possible that your floors aren't level or that your door frame is misaligned. You'll require foundation repair if you see problems like these.

 2. Insect and rodent infestations are common.

If you let your foundation deteriorate, this may serve as a passageway or conduit for insects and rats to get access into your home. This is especially true of crawl spaces in pier and beam foundations. Infestations are a key source of worry. The most concerning aspect of these organisms invading the home is their propensity for rapid reproduction.

This implies that if you don't notice it quickly away, you can be dealing with a huge infestation that causes more damage to your property. Even if an exterminator is used, the core problem of how the rodents got into the house must be addressed.

3. Plumbing Issues

With foundation problems, plumbing in the home becomes increasingly exposed. Plumbing fittings can become entangled in the foundation of a pier and sometimes beam home and snake their way into your home. Plumbing problems are likely to occur beneath slab foundations and go unreported for years. When a house has foundation problems, the shifting in the structure might cause plumbing pipes to burst. Water damage in the home may be disastrous when plumbing leaks or bursts.

 4. Mold and Mildew disturbance 

Mold and mildew degrade wooden parts of foundations such as the pier and beam if foundation repair is not done promptly.

Water can get into the small space if cracks or inadequate sealing around a pier and beam foundation. This water may create a hazardous atmosphere, putting your family's health in danger. It is especially harmful to youngsters and elderly persons with respiratory problems or asthma. Wood decay worsens with time.

Can Slab Foundation Be Fixed?

Slab jacking is a technique used by contractors to fix a sinking foundation. The procedure is to fill the area beneath the slab and push it back to its original position.

Slab jacking involves drilling access holes through a slab and filling the space underneath it with cement and other chemicals to repair it. Slabjacking is a highly specialized technique requiring specialized equipment and highly qualified personnel.

piers of a house foundation

Do Foundation Piers Work for Foundation Repair and Reinforcement?

Piering is a technique of driving steel pipe or concrete pilings beneath a foundation to stabilize it and prevent it from moving further. A hydraulic pump is used to drive the piers into the earth. Concentrically loaded foundation piers are put exactly beneath the center of the wall to be lifted and use the foundation to force the pier into the earth.

The piers must be pushed deep enough to contact bedrock or other stable layers to be functional. This provides a solid basis for the piers, which supports the foundation. Piering is the most durable and dependable means of stabilizing a settling or sinking foundation.

How Much Does Foundation Repair Usually Cost?

Because the stability of the entire structure is based on the foundation, it is critical to have specialists handle the foundation repair. According to HomeAdvisor, the average quote for foundation repair is about $2,138 to $7,437.

Foundation repair is important and must be done promptly once a defect is noticed. Early foundation repairs save the home from collapsing and help the homeowner save an extra dollar. Contact a professional to have your foundation checked and repaired promptly.  

For additional information, please reach out to Chattanooga Foundation Repair Experts! We're happy to answer any questions you have.

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