Foundation Repair Techniques to Restore Your Foundation
The structural integrity of your home’s foundation is very critical. In the event it is unstable, damaged or cracked, it will affect the entire structure of your home and result in serious damage if left unchecked. Some of the signs that can tell you your foundation is cracked or unstable include;
· Stairs
· Floor cracks
· Sloping floor
· Leaning Chimney
· Bowing walls
· Beam and post problems
Once you see these signs, it is important to contact a reputable foundation crack repair contractor who will undertake professional inspection of your home to identify the underlying issues. Your foundation specialist will provide you with an in-depth report on the foundation issues affecting your home and provide the best solution to getting your foundation structurally sound. Some of the effective foundation repair techniques that can be implemented include;
Drilled Bell Piers
Drilled Bell Piers method is a foundation repair method that involves creating new support for your foundation. Your foundation cracks repair specialist will drill Belled shafts that are approximately 11 feet long through the foundation of your home. When concrete is poured into Belled Shafts and left to dry so carry the weight of the building.
Pressed Pilings
In the event you are on a tight budget but still want to restore the structural integrity of your foundation, your foundation contractor might suggest undertaking Pressed Pilings. With pressed piling, concrete cylinders are placed underneath the foundation. Pressed Piling is only used for shallow foundations as their shapes and sizes make it difficult for them to be placed in deep foundations.
Helical Pier
The helical piers system is highly recommended for light structures like patios and porches that are showing weakness or sagging. To permanently secure Helical Piers they have to be mechanically screwed into the foundation of light structures. Helical piers have a high load bearing capacity and when installed, the load of the structure is transferred to the plates welded onto the shaft. Helical piers are also used to provide support in new construction projects as the helical pier shafts are highly resistance to bending.
Steel Piers
Using steel piers to restore the structural integrity of your foundation involves driving steel pipes under your foundation to act as support beams. Even though it is an expensive method, Steel piers are very effective in preventing further foundation damage. One shortcoming, however, is that they are susceptible to rust.
Slabjacking
In the event your home seems to be sinking, your foundation repair contractor will undertake Slabjacking. Slabjacking is sometimes referred to as mud jacking; slab jacking is the process in which your foundation is lifted by pumping concrete underneath. Slabjacking causes the concrete to fill any spaces causing the sinking and also strengthen the foundation while restoring it to its original position.
Soil Injection
If your foundation’s structural integrity is as a result of wet soil, your foundation contractor will inject non-toxin chemicals like ammonium salts and potassium ions under your home to inhibit the soil’s ability to absorb water.
When selecting a foundation repair company, it is important not to take chances by selecting a company that does not understand the complexities of restoring a foundation. A bad company will only cause the situation to get worse, these are what are considered temporary fixes. Only contact a proven and professional foundation cracks repair contractor.