Apex Plano Foundation Repair is a crucial step in maintaining the structural integrity of your building. If left unattended, even small cracks can grow into more serious issues.
Luckily, if you act quickly and hire the right contractor, these issues won’t escalate. This introductory guide will help you understand what to look for in a contractor and how to proceed with your repair.
While DIY foundation repair is certainly a viable option, the best course of action is to trust a licensed professional for your home’s repairs. Foundation specialists have the training and experience necessary to assess damage, choose the best method of repair, and carry out the work in a way that will protect your investment and ensure lasting stability.
All homes experience some degree of settling over time, but excessive movement or uneven settling can be a sign that there is a problem with the foundation itself. Signs of this include cracking walls, sagging floors, gaps between baseboards and the wall, and doors or windows that no longer open or close properly. Uneven settling is often caused by differential movement in the soil beneath the foundation, and it can cause structural damage over time if left unaddressed.
Professionals can also inspect the drainage system to check for problems that may contribute to foundation issues, such as a clogged drain pipe or damaged gutters that allow water to move towards the foundation. They can also recommend regrading the soil around your house to help prevent water from pooling or seeping under the foundation and into the basement.
Once they’ve assessed the damage, professional foundation contractors will create a plan for repairs that takes into account the severity of the problem, soil conditions, and other factors. They can offer warranties and guarantees on their work as well, giving homeowners peace of mind that the job will be done right.
Depending on the repair method chosen, foundation professionals will either use patching or underpinning to support your home’s structure and restore its integrity. With patching, concrete or hydraulic cement is used to fill in the cracks and keep water from entering the basement and causing further damage. With underpinning, your foundation specialist will install supports beneath the floor to lift and stabilize it. These supports can be made from piers or pilings, and are typically installed along the perimeter of your home.
Regardless of the repair method chosen, experts like those at Set In Stone make every effort to cause minimal disruption to your family’s life while they work. They will advise you if they need to enter the home, and it is often recommended that you vacate while repairs are underway. This will also give them the space they need to complete their work quickly and efficiently.
Concrete Piers
Nothing says homeowner fun like spotting cracks in your walls or feeling that subtle (but unmistakable) floor slant under your feet. Those are signs of shifting and settling concrete, which can cause serious structural problems for your home. If you’re faced with a foundation problem, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
One method for stabilizing your foundation is through concrete piers. These are often used in situations where a concrete slab would be impractical. They are designed to support foundations that are sinking or settling, and they can be a cost-effective solution for many homeowners.
Concrete piers are made of reinforced concrete, and they are installed by digging a hole around the affected area. The piers are then driven into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. Once they are in place, hydraulic jacks lift the foundation to the proper level. Then, the hole is filled with concrete to lock in the piers and secure your foundation.
During the installation process, a professional will determine which type of pier is best for your home. They will consider the depth of the soil, as well as its ability to retain moisture and shift with weather changes. They may also use a machine called a pressure gauge to test the soil’s load-bearing capacity.
When choosing a professional to work on your foundation, ask them about their experience and whether they provide a warranty for their services. Look for a balance of expertise, quality, and cost-effectiveness. It’s a good idea to get quotes from several professionals, so you can compare prices and services.
The most common sign of a shifting or settling foundation is visible cracks in interior and exterior walls and uneven floors. Other symptoms include difficulty opening or closing doors and windows, and gaps surrounding window frames. To repair a settling or shifting foundation, a professional will install concrete piers under the affected areas of your home. In some cases, a foundation pier contractor will excavate the affected areas of your home before installing concrete piers. In other cases, the piers are installed using a pressed piling method.
Steel Piers
The most important step in foundation repair is choosing the right support option. The piering method you choose has significant impacts on your building’s long-term stability, so it’s crucial to understand the differences between options like concrete vs steel.
Concrete piers are an excellent choice for homes in stable soil conditions that aren’t prone to shifts or movement. These piers are driven into the ground and placed under a building’s foundation, transferring the weight of the structure to the pier. This allows the pier to stabilize and strengthen the foundation above.
In more challenging circumstances, steel piers are a superior option. These structural elements are driven deep into the ground to reach load-bearing bedrock and provide exceptional stability. Their exceptional depth makes them resistant to soil movement, and they can even improve a building’s stability in some cases by transferring the weight of the structure to solid ground.
If you’re thinking about using steel piers for your foundation repair, the first step is to work with a reputable professional. Ask for referrals and reviews from previous clients to see what their experience was like. Once you’ve found a trustworthy expert, get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best price and service. Lastly, don’t forget to inquire about the warranty period and aftercare services.
Once you’ve chosen a reputable professional, the next step is to schedule your foundation repair. During this process, the experts will assess the severity of your foundation issues and determine if steel piers are a good fit for your situation. They’ll also take a look at any warning signs you might have, such as cracks in walls and exterior brick or floors that feel uneven or sloped. They’ll also recommend any additional services you might need to address the problem, such as installing crawl space supports or repairing cracks in concrete. They may also suggest polyurethane injection or slab jacking as alternative foundation repair solutions. These methods are cheaper than steel piers, but they’re not as strong or effective.
Underpinning
Foundation repair is important to protect the value of your home and to prevent costly structural damage. If you notice that your foundation is in need of repairs, don’t delay and contact a professional for inspections and estimates. Depending on the severity of the problem, underpinning may be required. Underpinning involves digging under the existing foundation and creating stronger piers or piles underneath, thus strengthening the foundation. This also stabilizes the soil around the foundation, preventing further shifting or settlement.
Underpinning is a common solution for foundation issues. It’s a cost-effective and efficient alternative to demolishing and rebuilding the foundation. It can also extend the lifespan of the building, allowing it to continue being used and improving its value. It can also be beneficial for buildings that are being expanded or renovated and can provide additional load-bearing capacity, especially if new floors are being added.
A home’s foundation comes into direct contact with the ground it sits on, and while this partnership may seem solid, the ground beneath is constantly moving and changing. This movement can affect a building, leading to instability and if left unchecked, foundation failure.
Some of the most common signs of a foundation problem include cracks appearing in walls, leaning or bowing walls, door or window frames that are no longer fitting properly, and sinking floors. These are all indicators of a serious problem that will need to be addressed quickly before it worsens and puts the integrity of your home at risk.
Underpinning helps ensure that your foundation stays strong and stable, protecting your property from further damage and ensuring that you and your family are safe. Moreover, underpinning minimizes soil disruption, preserving plant and root systems while stabilizing the ground underneath your home.
When done by a licensed and experienced contractor, underpinning is a safe and effective method of strengthening your foundation. The best way to determine if your foundation needs underpinning is to get an inspection and estimate from a reputable contractor. They’ll be able to recommend the right underpinning method for your building, and help you restore its stability and structural integrity.
