Whether your foundation is cracking or sinking, there are several repair methods that can help. Some like poured concrete piers and steel push pier installation are ideal for addressing structural issues, while others like drainage systems and root barriers are more preventative.
For hairline cracks, a simple DIY solution is epoxy or polyurethane foam injection. Clean the crack, widen it slightly with a chisel for better adherence, and apply the filler as instructed by the manufacturer. Contact Foundation Repair Plano for professional help.
There are many different ways to repair your home’s foundation, depending on the cause of the problem. Some methods are more expensive than others, and they all require some level of disruption to your home. It’s important to choose a reliable contractor and understand the process before deciding which method is best for you.
The type of foundation repair you need will depend on the condition of your foundation and the soil underneath. Non-structural cracks are usually caused by expansion and contraction of concrete, while structural issues such as a shifting or sinking foundation can lead to leaning walls or doors that don’t close properly. You may need to underpin or slabjack your foundation, or you may need to rebuild or add pier stacks.
A foundation specialist will inspect the interior and exterior of your home for signs of a shifting or failing foundation, including hairline cracks in your walls, which often appear in a zigzag pattern. If you notice any of these problems, call a foundation specialist right away. Foundation problems get worse over time, so fixing them quickly can save you money and stress in the long run.
Foundation Repair Methods
A slab jacking system is an affordable way to lift sunken areas of your home’s foundation and restore it to its original level. A contractor will install hydraulic jacks that connect to steel piers, which will then be driven into the ground beneath your house’s foundation. The piers will be filled with concrete and then the jacks will be used to raise your foundation back to its original level.
Another option is to use helical or push piers, which are made of high-strength steel and can be driven into the ground without needing to remove any existing concrete or dig a large hole. These piers have a screw-like shape, which distributes your home’s weight across the entire pier. Helical and push piers are commonly used for repairing foundations that have experienced significant settlement or movement.
One of the most expensive and complex options is to rebuild your foundation, but this can be a very effective solution when other repair methods are insufficient. A foundation expert will carefully examine the structure of your home to identify the root cause of your issues and develop a plan for repair. This will likely include removing and replacing damaged foundation materials.
Other options for foundation repair include a shimging system, which uses small pieces of metal stacked on top of each other to correct minor unevenness in your foundation. This method is less expensive than a full foundation replacement and requires minimal excavation.
A drilled pier system is a more permanent fix for settling and foundation failure. These piers are made of hot-dip galvanized steel and are driven into the ground under your house’s foundation, then loaded with a machine that applies pressure to them. Drilled piers can also be installed in new construction to prevent foundation problems from occurring in the future. They are a good choice for pier and beam foundations as well as concrete slab foundations in mild climates with stable soil conditions.
Inspection
If you’ve noticed signs of a foundation problem, it is important to contact a professional for an inspection. During a foundation inspection, the expert looks at both inside and outside the home. He or she will also take time to build a full report that outlines whether or not your home has issues and how to fix them.
Structural problems often have many causes, so it is important to get a professional opinion before starting any repairs. A specialist will identify the cause and then come up with a solution that will meet your needs. This could include things like installing piers or using wall anchors, depending on the situation.
A foundation specialist will also look at the interior and exterior of your home to see if there are any signs of damage or settling. This will include examining windows, doors, and crawl spaces. Look for uneven floors and walls, as well as doors that no longer fit in their frames. These are all symptoms of a shifting foundation and should be taken seriously.
Large cracks in the foundation walls are usually an indicator that a foundation is leaking or has shifted. It is also important to check if the bricks in your foundation are cracked or discolored. This indicates that there is a moisture problem, which can lead to more severe problems later on.
You should also look for areas where your foundation walls have started to bulge. This can indicate a shift in the foundation that is putting pressure on other parts of your house.
Finally, you should check if the soil around your foundation is loose or not. If the soil is moving too much, it can put pressure on the foundation and make it move unevenly.
It is also a good idea to talk to friends and family for recommendations of foundation repair companies. This will help you find a company that has the experience and reputation to give you an accurate assessment of your problem. You should also ask about pricing. Some companies offer free estimates, while others charge a fee for the inspection and consultation.
Once you’ve found a reputable foundation repair specialist, you should schedule an appointment for an inspection of your home. The inspection process takes about an hour, and the specialist will look for any signs of damage or settling. During the inspection, they will also recommend the best method to repair your foundation. This may include things like installing piers or using house jacks, depending on the situation. Once the inspection is complete, the specialist will provide you with a quote and discuss your options. If you choose to go with the recommended repair method, it is important to understand that the price will depend on how big your problem is and what type of solution is required. For example, if you need to lift the entire home, it will be more expensive than fixing a small section of the foundation. The cost will also vary based on the type of materials you are using for your repair and the size of your home.