Your foundation supports the weight of your home, so it needs to be stable. If you have a problem with your foundation, a professional can offer several solutions. Reach out to Apex Plano Foundation Repair for expert assistance.
A structural report can help you determine the severity of your problem and the cost of a repair. A few of the most common techniques are underpinning, slabjacking, and concrete piers.
Cracks in foundation walls are common occurrences. They don’t necessarily indicate that a house is falling apart or require immediate professional attention, but they do need to be monitored. Cracks that are wide enough to allow water infiltration should be repaired immediately, as they can cause significant damage to the structure of a home over time. There are a variety of methods for repairing these cracks, and some are more reliable and long-lasting than others.
First, it is important to differentiate between structural and non-structural cracks. Structural cracks are wide enough to cause problems with other parts of the building, and may indicate a need for major repairs or foundation replacement. Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, are usually narrower and do not pose as much of a threat to the integrity of a foundation. They may be repaired using epoxy injections or hydraulic cement patches, which are readily available at home renovation stores.
Hairline cracks are a common sight in concrete foundations, often appearing during the curing process. These small fissures are a normal part of the curing process and should not be cause for concern unless they get wider over time.
Shrinkage foundation cracks are another common type of crack, and they appear when poured concrete loses moisture through evaporation. Newly poured concrete is especially prone to shrinkage cracks, and they don’t typically pose any serious risks to the foundation.
Diagonal cracks are often caused by pressure on the concrete from adjacent soil or from shifting of the underlying bedrock. These types of cracks can be difficult to repair without removing and replacing the damaged portion of the foundation.
Other causes of cracks in foundations include poor drainage, extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, and poor construction. All of these factors can have an impact on a foundation’s strength and longevity.
When a crack appears, it is essential to monitor it regularly and take action if necessary. Non-structural cracks can cause moisture to seep into a home, which leads to problems with indoor air quality, excessive wear on heating and cooling systems, pest infestation, wood rot, and mold growth. If you notice that a crack is getting wider or is allowing water to seep into the basement or crawlspace, it is a good idea to consult with a foundation contractor for advice and recommendations.
Water Infiltration
The foundation of a home is the bedrock upon which the entire structure rests. A compromised foundation can cause serious structural damage that requires costly and extensive repairs. It can also decrease property value and create health hazards for residents living in the house. Water infiltration into the foundation is one of the leading causes of cracked walls and uneven floors.
If the issue isn’t addressed, the situation could worsen over time. The first sign of a problem is pooling water near the foundation, mold growth, peeling or bubbling paint, moisture on basement walls and floors, rusting of items stored in the home, buckling of flooring and a musty smell. Water infiltration can also lead to rotting of wood that supports or is part of the foundation, and eventually cause cracks in the concrete foundation wall.
Water infiltration can be caused by flooding, clogged gutters spilling over the sides of the house in sheets, downspouts that don’t properly direct water away from the foundation, broken water and sewer lines, improper grading, landscaping and bedrock, or other issues that allow excessive amounts of water to collect around a foundation and saturate soil.
The saturated soil can expand when it dries out, exerting pressure against the foundation. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction over time can cause the foundation to crack.
A professional can evaluate your foundation to determine the cause of the water infiltration and suggest solutions to fix it. Some options include:
Creating an effective drainage system is the best way to prevent standing water from damaging a foundation. The most important factor is making sure your gutters are free of debris and directing water away from the foundation, downspout extensions are used to ensure the water drains far enough away from the house and the soil is graded properly so it doesn’t pool around the foundation. A sump pump is also a great solution for preventing groundwater infiltration into the basement.
If you already have cracks in your foundation, an interior waterproofing solution can seal them and stop water infiltration. Epoxy injections can also fill minor cracks and prevent further damage. Regular inspections of your foundation can catch problems before they become structural issues and save you money.
Shifting Soil
Shifting soil is a common problem that affects homeowners across the country. Shifting soil is caused by fluctuations in the amount of moisture in the ground. These fluctuations can cause the soil to expand and contract, leading to changes in the pressure exerted on the foundation by the weight of the house. When the soil shifts, it puts undue stress on the foundation and can cause damage throughout the entire home.
Many factors can contribute to shifting soil, including erosion-prone land and improper construction. Erosion-prone land is often sandy, and it easily erodes and loses its structural integrity over time. Improper site preparation can also lead to shifting soil, as the weight of a foundation can compress loose soil unevenly. This can create voids that allow the foundation to settle into them and cause differential settlement.
Other contributing factors can include poor drainage, which causes soil to absorb and swell when it gets wet. If the water around a home is not properly diverted, it can put excess pressure on the foundation and cause it to shift and crack. Insufficient drainage can also cause sand to build up underneath a foundation, which can make the foundation more susceptible to shifting and sinking.
One of the most obvious signs of a shifting foundation is a noticeable difference in your home’s alignment. This can be evident by sticking doors and windows, misaligned plumbing pipes, or sloped floors that make walking across your home a tripping hazard. In more severe cases, a shifting foundation can lead to bowed walls, which can cause serious structural issues for your home.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to help stabilize your foundation and protect it from future damage. Steel foundation piers and helical anchors can be installed beneath your home’s existing foundation to stabilize it and transfer the weight of your home to the anchors. This will prevent additional shifting from occurring and restore your foundation to its original location. This method can be used to repair both settling and sinking slabs, as well as to stabilize homes with expansive soils.
Structural Damage
Structural damage can cost more than just money – it can threaten the integrity of your home, making it unsafe for you and your family to live there. Structural issues aren’t something to ignore, so it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs like cracks in the foundation, doors or windows that don’t open or close correctly and uneven flooring or walls. If you notice any of these issues, consult a professional to assess the severity and find an effective solution.
There are a variety of ways to address structural damage in your foundation. Depending on the type of issue, you may need to repair cracked concrete, add pier stacks or replace wood beam structures. You’ll also need to consider other factors that can impact your foundation’s stability, such as soil conditions, drainage problems, tree roots and poor construction.
A common method for repairing foundation cracks is to apply hydraulic cement. This cement expands as it cures, filling voids and tightly sealing the crack. It can also be used to treat leaking basements by waterproofing the area and addressing water intrusion issues.
Another option for repairing foundation damage is to use steel hydraulic push piers, which are inserted into the ground under the foundation to raise and stabilize it. A qualified engineer will determine how many piers are needed and where to place them for best results. Once installed, these piers distribute your home’s weight evenly to prevent further movement and damage.
Pier and beam foundations are typically made of concrete columns sunk into the ground (the piers) overlaid with wooden or concrete joists (the beams). This style of structure can become prone to shifting and settling, especially in humid areas with changing soil conditions. Repairing pier and beam foundations may require a complete rebuild or replacement of the joists, adding pier stacks or underpinning.
If you are having foundation issues, it’s essential to contact a contractor for repair and installation services. They will be able to diagnose the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action for your needs. If the costs of repairing or replacing your foundation are too high to afford, you may be able to take advantage of government-backed loans.