If you’re looking for a contractor to repair your foundation, you’ll need to look for one with experience and local knowledge. These professionals can help you save money by preventing structural problems from becoming bigger problems.
Foundation cracks are often a sign of an underlying issue. A professional should evaluate them to determine if they are a minor problem or need serious repairs. Contact Foundation Repair Greensboro NC for professional help.
Foundation repair methods vary depending on the specific circumstances of a problem. Some methods, like piering, use steel or concrete piers that are driven into the ground to support and lift a home’s foundation. Other methods, like underpinning, use steel or concrete pilings that are hydraulically pressed into the ground. The goal is to return a home to its original elevation and repair any damage that has occurred.
Many things can cause foundation settlement, including expansive soil, earthquakes, poor construction practices, inadequate drainage, invasive tree roots, and more. These problems can lead to differential settlement, where one side of a foundation sinks or rises. A qualified professional will inspect your foundation for signs of damage and determine a plan to stabilize or lift the foundation.
The first step in any foundation repair plan is to identify the areas that need support. These areas are often found along the perimeter of a house that has settled or sunk. Occasionally, support is also needed under the center of the house.
Once the areas needing support have been identified, a foundation repair contractor will begin installing the supports. They dig and drill holes around the foundation, pour concrete for piers (also called bell-bottom piers) or press pre-formed concrete pieces into the ground with hydraulic pressure for pilings (also called pressed piles). Once these have cured, they insert a jack that is able to raise the sunken sections of your home. Steel shims are then used to secure the raised section of your home.
Another method of foundation repair is called slab jacking, or mud jacking. Your foundation contractor will drill small holes into the concrete slab foundation and inject polyurethane foam with a hose. This will expand and fill the holes, lifting the foundation and stabilizing it. This is a quick, cost effective method of fixing a sinking foundation. It is important to regularly inspect your foundation for signs of damage and to act promptly when you see warning signs, such as cracks larger than 1/4 inch wide or doors that are difficult to open.
Concrete Piers
When it comes to restoring stability to concrete foundations, piers are a reliable and durable solution. These pillar-like supports are driven deep into the ground until they anchor into stable soil strata that are more dense than the shifting layers beneath your home. This method of repair can address a variety of issues, including uneven settlement, sinking foundations, and cracking in drywall.
The installation of concrete piers is a relatively fast process, and it requires less disruption to your property than pouring a new basement or building on a slab foundation. In addition, a properly installed pier system can help minimize future problems by addressing the underlying causes of shifting and cracking.
Foundation piers are designed to distribute the weight of your house evenly, preventing differential movement and maintaining structural integrity. In addition, a well-designed pier system can prevent hydrostatic pressure from pressing against your foundation by ensuring that water drains away from the structure. This is accomplished by installing a drainage system, which may include French drains around the foundation and/or a tile drainage system inside the house, including a pit and sump pump.
If you suspect that your foundation is in need of repair, it’s important to choose a reputable professional with experience in pier installation. Take the time to compare quotes and find a professional who offers a balance of expertise, quality products, and cost-effectiveness. A reputable professional will also offer a warranty on their workmanship and the piers they install, which can provide peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Once you’ve decided to invest in a concrete pier foundation, it’s important to maintain proper drainage and keep the surrounding soil moist. A good way to do this is by implementing a stormwater management system, which can be done by installing French drains around the foundation or a tile drainage system in the basement. In addition, it’s a good idea to plant shrubbery and trees far enough away from the foundation so that they don’t interfere with the structural integrity of your home. With a little care, you can enjoy the benefits of a stable concrete pier foundation for years to come.
Steel Piers
If settling and shifting have impacted the stability of your home or commercial structure, steel piers can offer a solution. Also known as push piers or resistance piers, these sturdy structural supports are a growing option in foundation repair thanks to their durability, versatility, and strength. They are ideal for homes and structures that require a deep, long-term fix to stabilize the structure, as they provide a robust alternative to other more invasive repair methods.
Unlike concrete piers, which can crack or degrade over time, steel interlocking piers are made of high-quality, welded metal and designed to withstand heavy loads. They are also more resistant to environmental wear and corrosion, making them a durable option for any structure. And since they’re constructed with minimal loose parts or shims, these piers are less likely to shift and settle over time.
When used to support residential or commercial structures, these piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. This deep support can help stabilize the foundation, and transfer the weight of the structure away from the expansive soils that cause settling and other structural damage. And because they don’t rely on concrete, these piers can be installed more quickly, with less disruption to the property.
As a more long-term solution, steel piers are well-suited for expansive clay soils and other challenging conditions that can’t be easily addressed with other methods. And although they may cost a bit more upfront, their longevity can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for future repairs.
As with concrete piers, steel piers can be used to correct a wide variety of foundation problems. Cracking or widening in walls, doors or windows that open or close unevenly, and sagging floors are all signs of shifting soils that can be corrected with these robust supports.
Underpinning
When the ground beneath a foundation starts to shift or sink, underpinning is one of the most effective ways to keep it stable and prevent structural damage. This involves installing new, robust support structures beneath the existing ones, like concrete footings or steel piers. It’s a complex and disruptive process, so it’s best left to professionals. It’s often necessary in homes that are sinking or settling due to poor construction, soil erosion, earthquakes, flooding or other natural disasters. It’s also necessary when a structure needs additional weight support or if the original foundation is too thin.
While underpinnings don’t stop a house or building from settling, they do allow them to recover their initial height. This means that doors and windows will return to their original positions, floors will become flat and stable again, and unsightly cracks in walls will close. It can even help to restore a home’s value, impede further settlement, and allow for renovations or additions like a second story.
There are two main types of underpinning – piering and mudjacking. Piering is the more invasive option, and involves digging tunnels to install new support piers underneath a home. This is more expensive than mudjacking, which can be done with minimal excavation, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. For example, if the new piers aren’t placed properly, they will only provide short-term relief, and it will be necessary to have them replaced eventually.
Mudjacking involves injecting resin or grout into the soil, which fills voids and expands, compressing the ground. This is the cheapest option, but it’s not as reliable or quantifiable as other methods, and isn’t suitable for all ground conditions.
The key is to recognize the warning signs of foundation problems before they get worse. Visible cracks in your walls and floors that are getting wider and longer are a clear indicator of a weakened or damaged foundation. Uneven floors or doors that are hard to close can also indicate a weak foundation. If you spot these signs, contact a professional for an inspection and underpinning.