As a homeowner, property manager, or potential buyer, it’s crucial to monitor for signs of foundation issues in a property. Foundation issues and extreme settling can significantly damage a building’s structural integrity and lead to significant repair costs if not detected early.
If you already have foundation issues, don’t worry. Read the following content. This article will explore the most effective foundation repair methods.
What Is Foundation Repair?
Foundation remediation attempts to fix a building’s foundation damage to prevent further deterioration. However, how can one determine when foundation repair is necessary?
There are multiple underlying causes of foundation issues. The main contributing ingredient, though, is water or moisture uprooting soil. Living in humid areas with high rainfall, heavy snowing, or a recent plumbing leak can cause excess moisture to seep into the foundation, causing damage.
Causes of Foundation Issues
- Over-saturation of soil.
- Structural weight affects the foundation.
- Soil shrinkage due to lack of ground moisture.
- Poor drainage of yard run-off.
- Incorrect placement of gutter downspouts.
- Tree roots grow beneath the foundation.
- Depletion of soil moisture by plants and trees.
- Heavy rain-induced landslides.
- Interior/exterior plumbing leaks.
- Poor slab construction.
Best Foundation Repair Methods
A successful foundation repair contractor always uses the following techniques:
Concrete Piering
Concrete Piering is a popular method for stabilizing foundations due to soil movement. It involves installing concrete piers beneath foundation footings to transfer the structural load to stable soil layers.
It is famous for its durability and long-term effectiveness; it costs between $1,000 to $3,000 per pier. However, it can be expensive, time-consuming, and may cause minor property damage.
Steel Piers
Steel piers are structural elements used to support foundations. They are famous for their high load-bearing capacity and resistance to corrosion.
Military, they are typically cost-effective, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per pier. They offer adjustable lifting and levelling, minimal excavation, and minimal disturbance to the landscape.
However, they can be expensive, may cause noise and vibration, and have limited depth. They require professional installation by trained professionals.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Polyurethane foam injection is a method for lifting and stabilizing concrete slabs that have settled due to soil erosion or compaction. It involves injecting expanding foam beneath the slab through small holes, filling voids, lifting the slab, and compacting loose soil.
This method is commonly used to repair sidewalks, driveways, and other concrete structures. The cost of polyurethane foam injection varies, but it offers quick installation, minimal disruption, lightweight material, water resistance, and long-lasting results.
However, it has the potential for overexpansion and limited effectiveness for large settlements. Specialized equipment and expertise are essential for it.
Mudjacking
Mudjacking is a technique for raising and levelling sunken or uneven concrete slabs by injecting a mixture of cement, soil, and water beneath them. It is cost-effective, quick, durable, versatile, and environmentally friendly.
Typically, the process costs are between $500 and $1,500, depending on the project size and complexity.
However, it may not be suitable for structures with significant foundation settlement problems, future settlement, or extensive structural damage.
The mud-jacking process may also affect the concrete’s aesthetic appearance. It may be unsuitable for heavily loaded areas or structures with extensive structural damage.
So, careful attention to limitations is crucial for driveway mudjacking similar projects.