Foundation problems can lead to a variety of other issues like sticky doors and windows, so it’s important that homeowners address them immediately. The first step is an inspection from Apex Plano Foundation Repair or structural engineer.

The next step is installing supports, either concrete piers or steel piers. These are drilled or driven below the foundation into heavy, compact soil until they reach bedrock or stable soil.

As part of a foundation repair, crack repair may be necessary. This can be especially true if the home is experiencing some type of shift in the soil. Whether it is from settling or water intrusion, shifting soil can cause problems with the foundation that need to be addressed.

There are many ways to handle this problem, but the most important thing is to make sure it is addressed quickly. If not, the problem will only get worse and can affect other parts of your home. Some signals to watch for include cracks in walls, doors and windows that are hard to open or close, gaps developing in trim work and floorboards that sag or bounce when you walk on them.

Small cracks in walls, no wider than a hairline, can often be repaired with masonry caulk. This is a quick, low cost solution that will help to keep moisture out of the cracks and can be done by a homeowner. If you are dealing with larger cracks or cracks that are widening in a zigzag pattern, this is more of a serious issue and should be handled by a professional.

Another method for fixing foundation cracks is the routing and sealing technique. This is typically used for dormant cracks but can also be used on active ones as long as the concrete is still stable. To use this method, a hole is drilled into the wall and then grout is passed down through it. This forms a key, which prevents leakages and helps to stabilize the wall.

Regular inspections are also vital for keeping up with foundation maintenance and catching issues early on. This can save homeowners money in the long run and also provide peace of mind knowing that their homes are safe and sound. If you are concerned about the state of your foundation, speak with a local contractor to learn more about your options and what repairs may be needed. Some contractors offer free inspections and payment plans to make the process more affordable. Ask about any temporary solutions that can be put in place to protect your foundation until you are able to save up for more permanent repairs.

Underpinning

A building’s foundation may need underpinning as part of a wider project to strengthen it. It can be a costly endeavor, but it provides long-term stability to the structure that can last for decades. Underpinning can be needed for a variety of reasons, including changes in soil conditions, construction flaws, significant renovations, expansion to add additional floors and instability caused by natural disasters.

If you’re having problems with your home’s foundation, it’s important to work with an experienced contractor who can offer a solution that fits your needs. Some options to consider include underpinning, mudjacking and polyurethane material. While these methods can provide short-term relief, they don’t address the root cause of the problem.

Underpinning is an in-depth procedure that involves lowering the existing foundation footing onto more stable ground to add depth and support. It can be done using a number of different methods, and the costs vary based on the method used, the amount of piers added and the technical expertise required. It is recommended to do some prep work yourself if possible, such as clearing the area around your foundation and removing landscaping. This can reduce the amount of labor your contractor must perform, lowering costs.

There are four common types of underpinning:

Mass concrete underpinning — This is the traditional method that requires contractors to excavate and pour new concrete under the foundation. This is the most invasive option, but it is also considered the strongest.

Helical pile underpinning — This technique is more advanced than the mass concrete method and doesn’t require excavation. Instead, helical piles are mechanically rotated into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil. The piles are then lifted by synchronized hydraulic lifts to underpin the existing foundation.

Foundation sinking is another reason for underpinning a foundation, but it’s usually more serious than simple cracking. It’s a sign that the foundation hasn’t been designed well, or the soil conditions weren’t taken into account during construction. Expansive soil, like clay, can swell by a large percentage when wet and then shrink back again, stressing the foundation. This can be a particularly difficult situation for homeowners to deal with because it affects the entire house and its contents.

Concrete Piers

Foundation piers aren’t just used for underpinning—they can also be installed as part of a foundation repair to address sinking or sagging. Foundation piers are drilled into the ground, often to a depth of 12 or more feet underneath your home, and then concrete is poured. The piers are then secured in place with steel reinforcement. Once the concrete has cured, hydraulic jacks will be used to lift your foundation back to its original height.

Depending on the type of soil, a number of different types of piers can be used to support your foundation. Foundation specialists can recommend the best option based on their assessment of your home’s needs. The most common piers are concrete and steel, but helical, segmented pipe, and precast concrete cylinder piers are all options for your foundation.

Drilled concrete foundation piers, sometimes called caissons, are the go-to solution for new construction or when you need to repair a sinking foundation. They are drilled into the bedrock or very deep soil and then a steel cage is placed inside to boost their tensile strength. The cage is then filled with concrete, which takes as little as a week to cure.

These piers are versatile and work well for many types of soil conditions. They are a good choice when you have expansive or corrosive soil, when your property sits on a slope, or when the top layer of soil isn’t particularly strong or stable.

Another benefit of this type of pier is its speedy installation. While the drilled holes will take longer to create than concrete, crews can get these piers in and working much faster. Then, they can use hydraulic jacks to lift your foundation back to its original position and close any cracks that may have formed.

When it comes to repairing your foundation, it’s important that you act fast to minimize damage and prevent further problems. Addressing these issues as soon as they occur can help to avoid more costly repairs in the future, protect your property value, and even keep your family healthy by preventing dangerous leaks and mold growth.

Steel Piers

Steel piers can provide a long-term solution for settling or sinking foundations and offer several key benefits over other foundation repair methods. These include a minimal maintenance requirement and a high support capacity. They can also help reduce future costs due to their durability and strength. Additionally, unlike other piering systems, these piers do not require the use of shims which can loosen or fall over time and create a more unstable foundation.

There are two main types of steel piers: push steel piers and helical steel piers. The first type consists of hollow steel pipes that are hydraulically driven into the soil. These piers are designed to transfer the weight of your foundation from the less stable soil to the stronger bedrock deeper below. This lifts your foundation and restores it to its original position.

The second type of steel pier is helical in design and resembles large screws that are driven into the ground. Like the push piers, these piers are designed to transfer the weight to the bedrock below. However, helical steel piers can be installed more quickly since they do not require hydraulically driving them into the soil.

Both types of steel piers can be installed in interior or exterior locations. They are driven by a hydraulic jack into load bearing strata and can be used to stop settlement, lift a structure or correct other structural flaws caused by the foundation sinking or shifting. They can also be used to correct settlement of concrete slabs and pier and beam foundations.

A foundation repair specialist will perform a thorough soil test to determine which type of pier is best suited for your home’s unique conditions. Whether you are experiencing issues with a settling or sinking foundation, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Untreated damage to your foundation can lead to more costly repairs and may even compromise the structural integrity of your entire home.

If you are noticing warning signs such as cracks in the walls, doors or floors, contact us today to schedule an inspection. We can determine if our steel pier system is the right solution to fix your foundation problems and return your home to its proper condition.