How Is Foundation Repair Done? Everything You Need to Know
As a homeowner, you will probably face foundation repair issues at some point in time. Perhaps you have already noticed something is off with your home’s foundation, and you want to learn more about foundation repair services and what they entail.
Depending on the type of foundation you have, you can expect a different process. Let’s look at the two most common types of foundations and their repair options.
Pier and Beam Foundation Repair
When a home is built in an area with soft soil, many contractors opt for pier and beam foundations rather than concrete slabs, as pier and beam foundations can offer more stability in these types of environments.
What is a pier and beam foundation exactly? This type of foundation is characterized by piers that are embedded in the soil underneath the house, while beams are laid across the piers to add more stability and support.
Foundation Repair Services for Pier and Beam Homes
- Adding/Rebuilding Pier Stacks:If an inspection discovers that the interior piers are damaged, the pier stacks might have to be rebuilt. Another option is to add more pier stacks. Either way, the process usually takes a few days.
- Shimming:In cases where the situation isn’t serious or requires some preventive measures, shimming is the go-to option. This involves inserting wooden shims between the beams and piers to tighten loose areas.
- Replacing the Beams:Sometimes, the problem is rotting wood. This is a common problem in areas with excess moisture. In such a case, all affected wooden beams need to be replaced.
- Underpinning Addition:When affected interior support areas are the source of the foundation’s problems, the solution is usually to add underpinnings.
Concrete Slab Foundation Repair
Concrete slab foundations are the most common type of foundation, and it is not hard to see why. They tend to be durable when laid correctly and are also cheaper, which can lower the overall costs of building a home.
It is said that a well-poured concrete slab foundation will last a lifetime, but these foundations are not immune to the effects of time and the weather. If you live in an old house where the seasons see extreme temperatures that might contract and expand the soil around your home, it could hasten the effects of the damaging factors that play on your home’s foundation. Usually, the first sign of trouble is a crack running up the wall.
How Is Foundation Repair Done for Concrete Slab Foundations?
In most instances, concrete slab issues can be corrected by pushing piers underneath the foundation. This process commonly involves hot-dip galvanized steel piers and a hydraulic pump. Specific piers are chosen, like helical piers, to help distribute the home’s weight evenly across the foundation
What Can You Expect When You Order Foundation Repair Services?
Things will kick off with a thorough inspection. This is to get behind the root of your problem and choose the appropriate antidote. Once the inspection is completed, the contractor will provide you with an estimate for the repairs and any additional services related to the repairs.
Sometimes, getting a structural engineer to look at your home and issue a report might be necessary. This service is often provided by the contractor, but you can also choose a structural engineering company yourself.
The repair process begins after all the inspections are done and everyone has a good picture of the damage and solutions at hand. This can take anywhere from several days to weeks, depending on the severity of the problem. The final step is to clean up the property. The contractor’s team will remove all debris and equipment to tidy up the place.