If you notice a crack in your foundation wall, this is a sign that your home may be sinking or shifting. It’s essential to contact a professional as soon as possible.
There are various methods that can be used to repair foundation problems, such as surface sealants, concrete piers, steel piling, and helical piers. Every method has unique benefits. Contact Foundation Repair Greensboro NC for professional help.
Most homeowners understand the value of a well-maintained foundation. It keeps the building stable and secure, maintains or even boosts the resale value of the home, and prevents future structural damage.
However, many homeowners fail to consider the impact that foundation problems can have on a home’s functionality. When door and window frames don’t close, when tiles crack and loosen, or when walls are separating, these problems affect daily life in the home and can be expensive to repair or replace.
Foundation repairs can fix these issues, restoring the building’s original functionality. Foundation repair methods include piering, soil stabilization, and drainage improvements. While each method is different, the goal is the same: to correct the issues causing a house’s foundation to shift.
If a homeowner notices cracks in the foundation, they should call a professional immediately for a consultation and estimate. The extent of the damage will determine what type of repair is needed, how long the process will take, and the cost.
A professional will examine the foundation and the surrounding area to determine what the best solution is for the situation. For example, if the problem is caused by water, a contractor might recommend drainage improvement by installing gutters or regrading the yard to direct the flow of water away from the home.
For more severe cases of foundation movement, a concrete or steel pier method might be used to support the structure. This involves digging holes and inserting the piers under the foundation, which lifts the house and stabilizes it against further movement. This is especially useful for sagging or leaning houses.
The pressed pile method is less costly and quicker than the bell-bottom pier method, but it may not be as durable in the long run. The piers are also smaller than the bell-bottom piers, which means that the piers must be pushed farther down into the ground to reach stable soil. A hydraulic jack is then placed on top of the piers to lift the home and shims are hammered in to hold the house steady. This method is typically the best option for homes with recent remodels, as it does not require removing or damaging interior trim and cabinetry.
Restoring the Original Elevation
Once the foundation has been repaired, it is important to bring your home back to its original elevation. This is not only for aesthetic purposes, but also to ensure that the home functions properly. The home was designed to sit in a certain position and it works best if it stays that way. If the house sinks or rises too much, it can cause problems with the plumbing and damage the structure of the home.
When the soil beneath a foundation becomes unstable, it can create movement that causes the foundation to settle unevenly. This can lead to cracks in the walls of the house and sagging floors. These are signs that it is time to call in a foundation repair company. The earlier you catch these problems, the less damage they will cause.
To address the issue, a foundation repair contractor will create a plan for installing supports under your home. They will dig holes around the perimeter of your home to reach below the foundation. Once the desired hole depth is reached, they will either pour concrete in the case of piers, or hydraulically press pre-formed steel sections of pilings, known as pressed piles into the ground. The piers or pilings are used to lift the sunken areas of your home and they are secured into place with shims.
The contractors will use these supports to stabilize your home and return it to its original elevation. This is a much less invasive option than replacing the foundation. This method is usually completed in a shorter amount of time as well.
Once the repairs are complete, you may notice some small cracks in your walls as the house adjusts to its new position. These cracks are normal and should go away with time. However, if you see them getting wider or they continue to grow in length, it is important to contact a foundation repair specialist. You will want to hire a contractor with experience and who understands the soil conditions in your area. You should also check for licensing and insurance.
Preventing More Damage
Foundation damage can affect the whole structure of your home. It can create cracks in walls and ceilings, sagging floors, and doors and windows that don’t close properly. It can also lead to moisture-related issues like a damp basement. These issues can compromise the quality and comfort of your home and are a serious safety hazard for you and your family. Getting these problems fixed early can help prevent further damage and ensure that your home is safe and secure.
Addressing these issues early on can save you a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. This is because fixing minor problems with the foundation is often less expensive than repairing major structural damage later on. In addition, it can protect your investment and maintain or even boost your property value.
The key is to catch foundation issues before they turn into major problems, so it’s important to regularly inspect your home and learn to recognize the early signs of foundation damage. If you notice cracks in the wall or ceiling, uneven floors, or doors and windows that don’t open or close properly, contact a professional for a foundation inspection.
The process of restoring your home’s foundation involves several steps, including excavation to expose the damaged area and installing supports, such as steel piers or bell-bottom piers, to stabilize the foundation. These support systems are drilled into the soil or bedrock to prevent further movement. In many cases, the process requires a piering plan and can take a few weeks or longer to complete. It’s possible to speed up this process by using carbon fiber reinforcement or slabjacking (mudjacking) instead of steel piers. These methods are similar to piering but require much less digging. They’re also quicker and can be completed in a few days or less. This makes them a good option for homeowners who want to avoid the disruption of more extensive excavation. Waterproofing is another common method for preventing further damage to the foundation and the interior of your home. This includes installing waterproofing membranes and exterior sealants, as well as addressing drainage issues by planting shrubs and trees further away from the house and ensuring downspouts are properly directed.
Preventing Water Damage
Foundation water damage isn’t just costly to repair; it also devalues your home. Prospective buyers are unlikely to want to purchase a property with structural issues, and this can be difficult for you if you ever decide to sell. In addition, water damage is a major source of rot and mold, which can create a host of health problems for you and your family.
Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor drainage and plumbing leaks. It’s important to learn how to recognize these issues and take action as soon as you notice them to prevent more serious structural problems.
Drainage Problems
Clogged gutters or faulty downspouts allow rainwater to collect near your foundation, saturating the soil and putting pressure on walls. This can lead to cracks or bowing of the foundation. In addition, grading your yard to slope away from your house can help prevent drainage issues.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can also lead to foundation problems if not fixed quickly. Leaking pipes can saturate the soil around your foundation and cause it to shift, leading to cracks. Inspect your home’s plumbing system regularly and fix any leaks as soon as you spot them.
Soil Expansion and Contraction
Soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a complex mix of minerals, organic material, and water. It can expand and pull away from your foundation or shrink and exert pressure on it, resulting in shifting and cracking of the foundation. In addition, changing weather conditions can affect the moisture levels in your soil.
Foundation Supports
During the repair process, your contractor will determine where supports are needed. Most often, these are placed along the perimeter of your home. The most common method for achieving these supports is by using concrete piers, which are pressed into the ground. If you prefer a more durable solution, your contractor can install bell-bottom piers instead, which are rebar-reinforced and have a wider base. This method is more expensive, but it can provide longer-lasting stability for your foundation. In either case, your contractor will develop a plan to ensure your foundation’s long-term safety and health.
