How to Repair Your Foundation: 3 Effective Ways

Tackling foundation problems requires the touch of a professional. Fixing a foundation requires proper tools, knowledge and training that isn’t readily available to the average homeowner.

On this page, we’ll look at three of the most effective ways to repair a foundation and you’ll discover which solution is best for your home.

Top Foundation Repair Methods

1. Foundation Piers

Foundation piers stabilize and lift sinking or settling foundations. They work by transferring the weight of the structure from unstable or weak soil to more stable bedrock deep below the surface.

This process helps to correct foundation settlement and prevent future movement. By installing foundation piers, homes and buildings can regain level alignment, reducing the risk of further structural damage and restoring property value.

Different Types of Foundation Piers

At Alpha Foundations, we install three types of foundation piers—slab piers, helical piers, and push piers. Each pier system stabilizes and lifts sinking foundations, but they differ in design and application.

• Slab piers: specifically designed for concrete slab foundations, installed directly beneath the slab to elevate and support it once they reach stable soil or bedrock.
• Helical piers: recognizable by their screw-like design, they twist into the ground and are best for lighter structures and areas with limited access; they provide stability by anchoring into stable soil at a predetermined depth.
• Push piers: straight steel piers that are hydraulically driven into the ground until they reach a stable layer, suitable for a variety of building types.

While all three types aim to transfer a structure’s weight to stable soil or bedrock to prevent further sinking and correct existing foundation issues, they vary in their installation techniques and the specific situations for which they are designed.

2. Crawl Space Support Jacks

Crawl space support jacks stabilize and lift sagging floor joists in a crawl space, addressing foundation issues caused by settling or weakened supports. Since they are adjustable, steel jacks work in almost any crawl space. They restore the stability of the floor above and prevent further foundation damage from occurring.

At Alpha Foundations, we install IntelliJack™, our patented version of crawl space support jacks. Made with galvanized steel, these crawl space support jacks can withstand even the most humid Florida days without rusting.

3. Polyurethane Injection

Polyurethane injection, a method used in foundation repair, involves injecting a high-density foam beneath a settling or sunken concrete slab. This foam expands, filling voids and lifting the concrete back to its original level position, while also stabilizing the underlying soil to prevent future issues.

This process not only corrects uneven surfaces but also addresses the root cause of foundation problems without the need for extensive excavation. At Alpha Foundations, we use PolyRenewal™, an eco-friendly, waterproof, and long-lasting polyurethane injection method!

Is Foundation Repair Necessary?

Foundation repair is important because it fixes problems that make a building unsafe and less valuable. If you see wall cracks, uneven floors, or stuck doors and windows, it means there’s something wrong with the foundation of your house.

Fixing these issues early on stops them from getting worse and costing more money later. It also keeps your home safe and sound, ensures it stays a good place to live, and maintains its value over time.

Repair Your Foundation With Alpha Foundations

Are you noticing foundation issues in your home? Consider reaching out to Alpha Foundations—a company recognized by the Better Business Bureau and trusted as Florida’s top foundation repair expert for more than 20 years.

We assist homeowners throughout Florida, delivering industry leading foundation repair services. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and ensure your foundation’s stability for years to come.

Related Resources

Debunking 6 Myths About Foundation Damage

Drywall Cracks: Should I Be Concerned?

Can Trees Damage Your Foundation?

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.