There is no doubt that your home is perhaps the most expensive enterprise you’ve ever made. That is why it is worth maintaining it. If you think something is wrong with your foundation, it may be a good idea to learn how to identify the most common signs of foundation problems in homes or commercial buildings in most parts of the United States. In the long run, concrete slabs and column and beam foundations can develop serious problems requiring a home’s foundation repair. Basements can also be seriously damaged over time.
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Causes of Damaged Foundations
Basic damage can be caused by a variety of things or even a combination of issues. Additionally, foundation failure may be the result of a single major event, or it may be a slow and gradual process.
Outside of your home, poor drainage or tree roots are common causes of foundation damage. Both of these problems affect the moisture levels in the soil around your home. Tree roots cause excessive dehydration, and poor exterior drainage leads to excessive moisture. This uneven soil moisture can cause displacement, base cracking, or other problems.
In your home, foundation problems are often caused by a plumbing leak, a basement leak, or a leak in a tight space. These indoor water issues can lead to moisture issues in the soil around your home. They can also degrade the frame of your home or damage a foundation of pillars and beams.
Foundation Repair Methods
The most common foundation repair techniques are slab removal and drilling. Let’s look at what each of the methods entails.
Slabjacking Method
Slab lifting, also known as concrete lifting, is a common method of repairing the foundations of houses built on a concrete slab.
The basics of extracting slabs include the following steps:
- A pattern of holes is drilled in the area to be repaired.
- A synthetic lifting solution with a texture similar to mortar is poured into the holes and under the plate with special equipment.
- The plastic fills the cavity under the concrete, raising the slab to level with the surrounding concrete.
- The contractor repairs the holes with a concrete mixture.
Compared to other foundation repair methods, slab lifting is a quick and relatively inexpensive solution. Work can be done virtually all year round (except extreme weather conditions, of course) and there is usually very little disturbance to the home or garden depending on the specific circumstances of the repair.
Piering Method
Piering is a method of repairing foundations that use metal or concrete poles to consolidate a broken foundation.
The sliding pillars are made of galvanized or epoxy-coated steel tubes; they are drilled at the base with a hydraulic cylinder.
Helical pillars are a bit like big screws. They are made of steel and are driven deep into the ground by a hydraulic torque motor. At this point, the hydraulic cylinders raise the lowering base to the correct level and the base is secured with bolted or welded wall brackets.
Piering can be a great option for repairing foundations, especially for homes built on large lots. The advantages of Piering include low cost (compared to a full excavation), no heavy equipment, and minimal landscaping disturbance.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many solutions to foundation issues. Some solutions offer short-term relief and others offer a longer or even permanent solution. The options available for repairing your foundation depend on various factors. Contact foundation experts to find out which solution works best for your home and your budget.
