Foundation issues can arise from various factors, such as soil movement and structural deterioration.
When it comes to fixing these issues, there are many causes of foundation problems, ranging from soil shifting to structural degradation. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with these problems. Repair techniques vary depending on the circumstances, each with pros and cons.
Fortunately, understanding foundation damage methods, such as cracks and settling, can help you make informed decisions for your property’s stability and longevity.
Scroll down to learn more about these ideal repair methods.
Slab Jacking for Foundation Repair
Slab jacking is a technique utilized to lift uneven or sinking concrete. This procedure is also called mudjacking, concrete lifting, and slab leveling. This technique is perfect for minor tasks like raising porches, decks, walkways, garage floors, and driveways.
Slab foundations can sink or tilt due to the shift or collapse of the soil underneath, resulting in empty spaces below. Professional foundation businesses can access tools and information about local soil conditions for home foundation repair.
This technique entails boring two-inch holes into the recessed areas beneath the concrete foundation. The hole is filled with a natural element solution, such as soil and cement, injected to fill the void. As the solution expands, the fallen slab returns to its original place.
Drilled Concrete Piers
Homes constructed on hillsides frequently experience foundation issues due to soil creep and lateral displacement. Concrete piers can be installed to stop this movement and support the foundation. The process involves drilling big holes roughly 18 inches in diameter, 15 to 30 feet deep, and close to the foundation. After placing reinforcement cages, one can create a cast-in-place drilled concrete pier by pouring concrete into the holes.
Concrete Pressed Piling
Concrete-pressed piling is a widely used foundation repair technique that effectively stabilizes foundations. This relatively simple process involves the strategic position of concrete cylinders, sometimes referred to as concrete piles, beneath the foundation. Concrete cylinders, measuring 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height, are inserted into the soil beneath the foundation.
The number of piles needed depends on several factors, including the structure’s weight and the soil’s state. However, qualified contractors usually use a string of eight or more concrete piles to guarantee enough stabilization. This brings the piles into close contact with the soil to ensure the structure’s stability.
Pressed piling is one of the reliable and prevalent techniques for resolving various foundational problems. It enables homeowners to ensure the long-term structural integrity of their homes and establish a solid foundation.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are an adaptable foundation repair solution usually used to support buildings on unstable soil or fill. The piers are constructed using hydraulic machinery to twist steel shafts into the ground using helical plates. They originate their stability from the surrounding soil and are appropriate for new construction and foundation repair projects. They provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for resolving settlement issues.
Concrete Lifting
Concrete lifting, called concrete levelling, is commonly used to lift settled sidewalks, driveways, or concrete floor slabs. However, this concrete repair process can also lift foundations for homes built on concrete slabs instead of traditional below-grade basement foundations.
This type of concrete levelling is more extensive, as it involves raising and levelling the whole home instead of simply a patio or driveway. The procedure starts by drilling a series of holes in the impacted area. The injection of levelling compound through the holes in the concrete fills the voids beneath it, raising the foundation. One of the main benefits of concrete lifting is that it is a cost-effective solution compared to more intricate foundation repair methods.
