Every home experiences some settling over time, but uneven or excessive movement is a sign that foundation problems are present. Unaddressed, these issues will worsen, leading to cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows that stick, and other symptoms that compromise the comfort and safety of your home.
All Pro Services contractor will create a plan to install supports under your home, either using the pier method (digging and drilling, then pouring concrete) or pressed piles. Once the supports are installed, hydraulic jacks will be used to raise the foundation back to its original position.
Structural Strength
A home’s foundation is the key to its structural stability. It rests on concrete footings that are dug into the ground and connect to support beams and floor joists, making it essential for the safety of a house. Several factors can lead to damage over time, including soil movement, water intrusion, and natural settling. If these issues go unchecked, they can cause the load-bearing walls to crack or bow.
Structural damage is a serious problem that requires professional attention. It is also expensive to repair and can even threaten the integrity of a building’s structure. Addressing problems early prevents them from escalating, saving homeowners thousands in repairs and replacement costs.
The first step in any foundation repair process is an assessment of the home. A qualified team will look for signs of damage, including hairline cracks and sagging floors. Larger cracks that form a zigzag pattern or are wider than a quarter inch also require immediate attention.
After the assessment, a detailed repair plan will be put into place. This could involve carbon fiber straps, steel I-beams, basement waterproofing, foundation raising, and other techniques, depending on the type of damage. Before the crew starts working, they will take measures to protect furniture and belongings. They will cover anything that needs protection with plastic and may turn off heating or air conditioning units to avoid spreading dust throughout the house.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is the process of creating a protective barrier around the foundation. This can help prevent the entry of moisture into the soil around the foundation, which causes it to expand and erode. This can lead to a number of problems, including cracks in the foundation walls and piers, basement flooding, and the need for costly structural repairs.
The first step in the foundation repair process involves a detailed assessment of your home’s foundation damage. This includes checking the severity of the cracks and determining the extent to which the foundation has sunken and settled. The assessment also includes identifying the type and age of your foundation, as different types require separate repair techniques.
Visible cracks in the walls of your home are a clear indicator that the foundation is shifting, and should be evaluated by a professional. Hairline cracks are not a cause for concern, but larger cracks that form in a zigzag pattern are an indication of serious problems. Other indicators of a failing foundation include doors and windows that stick or fail to close, uneven or sagging floors, and gaps between the wall and ceiling. Many factors contribute to foundation damage, including the type of soil and climate. Homes built on expansive clay soils experience damage due to shrinking and swelling, while those constructed on coastal sands are more susceptible to erosion.
Energy Efficiency
The foundation of a house is the unsung hero that holds up the entire structure. This vital component often shows signs of damage before a homeowner even notices it, which is why it’s so important to regularly inspect and maintain your foundation. If you do notice the earliest indicators of foundation problems, like doors that stick only during humid weather or gaps forming around window frames and exterior doors, take action quickly to address them. Taking the steps needed to preserve your home’s foundation and prevent structural damage will likely save you money on future repair bills.
If you wait to address foundation issues, they can worsen and affect the resale value, curb appeal, and safety of your property. In addition to cracks in the walls and sloping floors, you may also see drywall that droops, chimneys pulling away from the house’s structure, or water leaks into the basement.
While many homeowners try to do their foundation repairs, this is a job best left to the professionals. Using different methods, experts can provide solutions that are both cost-effective and durable. Some of the most popular methods include steel piers, bell-bottom piers, and mudjacking. In most cases, these methods involve digging a hole in the ground and installing strong supports to stabilize your home’s foundation. Once the piers are in place, they’re connected to support beams and, finally, to floor joists to keep your house secure and stable.
Durability
Visible cracks and uneven settling are warning signs that foundation issues must be addressed promptly. If the issues are left unaddressed, they will worsen and lead to more extensive damage. Foundation repair services address the root causes of these problems, preventing future structural damage and saving homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed inspection of the inside and outside of the home to identify the type and severity of the damage. Evaluators use tools to measure the size and direction of the cracks, as well as the extent to which the house has sunken or settled. A separate evaluation will determine the soil conditions, including clay content, which may be driving the movement of the foundation.
Once the assessment is complete, the professional will recommend a repair method for your unique situation. Most homes require support under a portion of the foundation, which can be accomplished using piering or slab jacking methods. For more advanced damage, a wall anchor or house jacks may be required.
The crew will take care to protect your furniture, belongings, and landscaping during the work. They will cover items with plastic to avoid damaging them, and they may also put down tarps or cloths in high-traffic areas to prevent dust from spreading throughout the home. They will also make sure to clean up all debris and tools after the job is finished.
