Common Foundation Repair Methods & Which One Do You Need

Damage within houses happens all the time. People that are owners of the same home for many years will, sooner or later, experience certain foundations. Foundations can come in a wide range of ways. They can be in form of sticky doors, cracks, and other stuff.

However, there is a global problem that we have noticed. Believe it or not, most people delay the improvement of these issues for some reason. They keep the problem until it gets truly impossible to live under those conditions. Because of that, we are here to help! This article will certainly change your way of thinking (if you are one of those people, of course).

Generally speaking, the easiest way to solve the problem is to hire experts that use different repair methods. You just need to find the one that is experienced for the type of issue you want to solve. For example, if a wall crack appeared in your basement, then you should find those companies that use the poured concentrate repair method to fix this issue. For more information about the foundation repair lansing mi, you can visit this site.

But, before you even choose the company you will collaborate with, you need to educate yourself. More precisely, you need to understand which foundation repair methods are exactly those that you need. Because of that, we will highlight the most common ones in this article to make things easier for you. Based on our explanations, you will improve your knowledge and make better decisions. So, let’s go!

Slabjacking

It is not a secret that some homes have uneven concrete. Things become even worse when the lifted concrete is sinking. People start to panic and they are not quite sure what is the right solution for this problem. Is it too expensive? Will you have to move to another place or sell the real estate you have?

The fact that this method has four names only confirms how common it is. You will hear the phrases like concrete lifting, slab leveling, and mudjacking. All these names are actually synonyms and they all describe the same method. Generally speaking, these methods are not appropriate for some larger damages that appear. Instead of that, you can use them to raise steps, decks, walkways, garage floors, and other stuff.

So, how does the entire process work? Let’s use concrete lifting as an example. If the companies that professionally work in this industry decide on slabjacking, they will use the dilling 2-inch holes that go through the foundation made of concrete. They will have only one goal – to reach the space that is below.

Concrete lifting using polyurethane injection often stands out as a superior method compared to traditional slab jacking due to several advantages. Polyurethane injection involves a lighter material that expands beneath the concrete, filling voids and lifting the slab evenly.

Unlike slabjacking, it requires smaller injection holes, minimizing disruption to the surface and reducing the visual impact. Additionally, polyurethane foam sets quickly, allowing for faster completion of the repair with minimal downtime. Its lightweight nature exerts less pressure on the underlying soil, reducing the likelihood of future settlement.

Furthermore, polyurethane offers greater durability, as it is resistant to moisture and won’t deteriorate over time. Overall, the precise, efficient, and long-lasting results achieved through polyurethane injection make it a preferred choice for concrete lifting, ensuring a more reliable and aesthetically pleasing repair solution for driveways or sidewalks.

When they reach the space below, they will use some of the natural elements like cement or soil and inject them through the hole. Logically, the slab will, in some moment, raise back into the place.

But, this is not the only option that you can choose. There is also a method that allows you to use the so-called polyurethane injections. Just like in the previous case, the same injection will be used to fill the voids that are below. However, this time, materials that will be used are not cement, soil, and others. Instead of that, professionals decide on using elements that are lightweight.

So, which one is better? We are not the ones that will judge. However, we can same that they have the same purpose and are ideal for some small projects. Apart from that, they are not lasting too long. You will need to repeat them once in a couple of years. It may happen that polyurethane injection is a bit more durable, but that process is not as common as the other one. So, we invite you to research a bit more.

Piling Foundation Repair Method

Helical pier installation is another effective method in piling foundation repair. This method involves screw-like steel shafts being drilled into the ground to provide stability and support to the foundation. This technique is particularly useful in areas with unstable soil conditions, and it offers a reliable and durable solution for foundation repair. The helical pier installation process is known for its efficiency and effectiveness, making it a popular choice for addressing foundation issues.

There are many subcategories of this method. For example, some of the common options that you can often find online are pressed pilings, bell bottom piers, concrete piers, etc. You will not have to repeat them as often as in the previous case. It may happen that they last even for 10 or 15 years. But, before we end this part, it would probably be good to highlight and explain some of the mentioned methods.

Pressed concrete pilling is often used for any sort of interior or exterior repairs. You can easily use them for beam houses as well as any type of slab concrete foundation. The professionals strive to go as deep as they can. In most cases, their goal is to go 12 feet deep.

Belled concrete piers may be a bit difficult to understand. However, we will try to simplify the explanation. Every pier bottom comes with some sort of bell shape foot. The purpose of that “foot” is to give the necessary assistance and support to the pier. They are made of pouring concrete and placed in the hole.

We would also like to talk about steel piers as well. According to long-lasting research that we have done, a lot of experts in this industry recommend them! There is a good reason for that. It may happen that they can be a permanent solution. More precisely, they will be a permanent solution if you find the right company to complete these tasks. Piers are, in this case, going directly to the bedrock. That means there is no chance anything will move or break.

In the end, the last option worth mentioning is helical steel piers. Many professionals like to call them anchors. So, don’t get surprised if you hear the term like that. They are an amazing solution for all the repairs of so-called lightweight concrete slab foundations. Apart from that, most constructors are using them to boost the security of any new foundations.

There are several reasons why it is important to repair uneven floors. Causes of uneven floors can vary, but regardless of the specific cause, addressing this issue is crucial for several reasons. Whether it’s addressing foundation issues, moisture damage, or other underlying factors, taking the necessary steps to repair uneven floors is a wise investment in the long-term integrity and value of your property.

Continuing with our exploration of foundation repair methods, let’s delve deeper into some of the mentioned techniques and their significance in addressing uneven floors.

Pressed Concrete Piling: This method is versatile and commonly employed for both interior and exterior repairs. It’s suitable for various types of foundations, including beam houses and slab concrete foundations. The primary objective of professionals using pressed concrete piling is to reach significant depths, often aiming for a depth of around 12 feet. This depth ensures stability and support for the foundation, making it a reliable choice for addressing uneven floors.

Belled Concrete Piers: While the concept of belled concrete piers may seem complex, it can be simplified. These piers have a distinctive bell-shaped foot at the bottom, which plays a vital role in providing support to the structure. They are created by pouring concrete into a hole, with the bell-shaped foot serving as a stable base. This method is effective in stabilizing foundations and preventing further settlement.

Steel Piers: Extensive research in the industry has shown that steel piers are highly recommended by experts. The key advantage of steel piers is their potential for a permanent solution when installed by a reputable company. These piers are driven directly into the bedrock, ensuring unparalleled stability. Once in place, there is minimal risk of movement or structural issues, making steel piers a dependable choice for addressing uneven floors.

Helical Steel Piers (Anchors): Often referred to as anchors, helical steel piers are an excellent choice for repairing lightweight concrete slab foundations. These piers provide added security to new foundations and are widely favored by construction professionals. Their unique spiral design allows them to anchor securely into the ground, providing stability and preventing settling. Helical steel piers are an ideal solution for reinforcing foundations and ensuring long-term structural integrity.

Repairing uneven floors is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it’s a critical investment in the overall health and value of your property. Uneven floors can be caused by various factors, including foundation issues and moisture damage. Addressing these issues promptly through the appropriate repair method is essential to prevent further damage and maintain the structural integrity of your property.

Conclusion

As you see, these are the most common repairing methods that you should know about. All of them are good for a certain purpose, and we will let you decide based on the reviews above which one is most suitable for your needs. Generally speaking, it matters a lot who is a professional that will work on the project. If the company you hired has the experience, they will know exactly which solution to offer.