Foundation repair

The primary function of a home foundation is to transfer the weight of a structure to the underlying soil and rocks. One of the factors causing the need for foundation repair is improper foundation settlement. Foundation settlement can devalue structures and also make them unsafe. Building on expansive clay, improperly compressed or contracted fill soils, and improper maintenance in and around the foundation are some of the main reasons for improper foundation settlement. Another reason for improper foundation settlement is undetected or unsuspected air pockets in the ground below the construction area. These can collapse and compromise the integrity of the base.

General symptoms of a structure in need of foundation repairs are bulging or cracked walls and doors that won’t close properly. Building on expansive soils is the main culprit in foundation settling. When only part of the base settles or rises, cracks form in the base. Exterior warning signs of improper floor settlement are wall rotation, displaced trim, cracked brick and foundation, and gapping around doors and windows from walls. Interior warning signs of improper floor settlement are floor cracks, rock plates, and misalignment of doors and windows.

There are many ways to repair the foundation. Cement, stone, steel, or wood were widely used in past techniques. They would be forced to bury themselves in an attempt to salvage the strength of these foundations. However, this type of repair work is known to be useless. Two of the most successful forms of foundation repair are slab lifting and the drilling method. Drilling is also known as a hydraulic jack.

Slab lifting is the process of adding grout under a slab or beam. This produces a lifting force and restores the beam or slab to almost its original elevation and increases its strength. Care must be taken that the amount of sand is perfect when adding grout.

During drilling, the steel posts are driven through unstable soil. Hydraulic jacks are used to stabilize concrete slabs that are weakened due to changes in the underlying soil. Steel beams are used in the drilling method because concrete has great compressive strength. Although springs can transfer enormous loads downward without the help of reinforcing steel, steel is used in piers to prevent the pier from separating or shearing under the forces of expansive soils. Repairs normally take 21-30 days, however this time period may vary depending on soil conditions and weather delays.