Foundation repair is sometimes a necessary evil in the health of a home. Discusses the causes of foundation problems and the best solutions and advantages for each.
Have you been noticing cracks in the interior or exterior walls of your home or business? If so,
it's possible you need foundation repair.
The Causes of Foundation Problems
1)Swelling and shrinking caused by water retention and release in some soils.
2)Inadequate soil compaction when the house was built.
3)Plumbing leaks under slab work.
4)Poor foundation support.
Foundation Problems Warning Signs
1)Stress cracks in the brick mortar.
2)Warped window frames.
3)Broken window panes.
The bad news is that patching the cracks in the mortar with more mortar will not fix the problem. The only way to adequately do the job is with foundation repair.
Without repairing from the bottom up, the home may actually split right down the middle over time. Concrete slabs can crack and collapse. When this happens, it's serious business. Settlement results and can cause drastic damage to the beams, roof and joints of your home.
There are numerous ways to fix settlement issues. A reputable contractor will efficiently know how to do so. It's not a bad idea that you educate yourself as well. That way, when consulting with a repair technician, you'ill definitely have an edge if you understand what he's telling you.
Foundation Repair Solutions
1)Concrete Pilings
2)Steel Press Pilings
3)Bell Bottom Piers
Each of these three proven methods depend upon the condition of the soil under the house, the age of the house, the house style and what the homeowner's goals are.
Of the three, the concrete pilings are the quickest and the cleanest method. They're made of a concrete core and steel.
Steel press pilings are excellent if the house has been built on clay soil simply because they're less than three inches in diameter. This method is often chosen because steel is very long lasting and can be driven into the ground at great depths.
Bell bottom piers is probably the most permanent method of repair. It's used extensively in highway structures such as overpasses.
It must be noted there are pros and cons to each one of these methods. The bell bottom piers seem to be the one with the most advantages and is used by engineers because of its excellent durability and resistance to soil erosion.
Foundation repair, even though necessary, can have a huge negative impact on your budget. But many people feel as if the cost is a justifiable investment. If not given proper attention, cracks can eventually be the cause of leaks which, in turn, can damage your carpet, drywall, insulation, furniture plus many other items over time.
If this happens, then you're not only looking at additional costs but possible risks to your health as well. Moisture leakage can breed molds. The added cost and health risks could be easily avoided by having foundation repair done as soon as possible.
At the first sign of a crack, seek help. The small investment you make now can produce big returns in the future.
