The Different Types of Foundation Repair
Repairing a leaking foundation is not only challenging, but it’s also stressful. The good news, though, is that there’s more than one way for you to revive a busted foundation.
Here, you can explore the options available to you and determine ahead of time which of the foundation repair solutions you’re most interested in taking advantage of.
When Does Your Home Need Foundation Repair?
Learning you have a foundation crack or leak is not only stressful, but it’s difficult. More often than not, you’re going to need the input of a local foundation repair contractor to determine where, specifically, a leak is coming from and what you’re going to be able to do about it.
There are, however, many symptoms that indicate foundation damage. Look out for any of these problem signs in your home:
Watch the video from our friends at Groundworks for an overview of foundation problem signs to look out for in your home!
Types of Foundation Repair Solutions
Once you’ve identified a foundation crack or leak, the contractor you have on hire will be able to provide you with a quote for potential services. However, there’s more than one way to repair a foundation. Your options will be many, and you’ll have to work with your contractor to determine which of those solutions will best suit your home.
Your options will include the following:
- Push Piers – Contractors will install push piers to support your foundation as the soil shifts around it. These piers will hold your existing foundation in place and will resist the effects of precipitation, contraction, and expansion over the course of several years, as they’re considered the closest you can get to permanent home repair.
- Helical Piers – If your lighter structures like your patio or porch are showing signs of a foundation settlement, helical piers can serve as a steadfast option. They work the same as Push Piers in permanently stabilizing your foundation, but these are “screwed” into the ground.
- Slab Piers – Slab Piers work and can be installed the same as Helical and Push Piers, but these are specifically for stabilizing and potentially lifting your concrete slab foundation.
- Crawl Space Support Posts – For areas of soft, bouncy, sagging floors above your crawl space, we’ll install a heavy-duty solution. Unlike typical light-duty jack posts, our IntelliJack Crawl Space Support Posts are made of galvanized steel to resist rust and corrosion. It is five times stronger than builder’s grade support jacks, and they can support loads of more than 20,000 lbs. These jacks permanently reinforce sagging floors and floor joists, they can help lift these support systems back to level and can be adjusted if any settlement occurs.
- Wall Anchors – Another permanent stabilization solution is our wall anchor system for walls that are cracking and moving inward. Earth anchors are securely embedded in stable soil away from the foundation wall, and they are connected to sturdy steel wall plates with long steel rods, which braces the foundation wall. This stops inward movement and prevents wall failure. Tightening these anchors over time can help return your foundation walls back to their original positions.
- High-Density Polyurethane Foam – Our state-of-the-art PolyRenewal system is typically used for exterior concrete lifting and leveling. But it also can be used inside to help lift and level your garage floor or concrete slab floor, which also can aid in providing some stability to your foundation. However, the other previously mentioned solutions are your best bet for permanently reinforcing your foundation.
Reaching Out for Professional Guidance
It’s tempting to try and take on the challenge of a damaged foundation yourself. This can actually cause more harm than good. Not only do you risk damaging your foundation further by repairing it on your home, but you also could make your eventual repair expenses even more expensive, as a foundation repair contractor will have to undo the work you’ve already done.
When in doubt, reach out to Alpha Foundations. We have the professional experience and certifications to fix your foundation effectively. If you are worried about the cost of repairs, take advantage of our free inspection and quote process. We’ll identify your home’s specific needs, and use the best foundation repair option for the job!
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