Identifying foundation issues early can save you money. It can also protect your family’s safety and prevent severe damage to the home.
There are many different ways to Sugar Land Foundation Repair. Some methods are permanent; others are temporary. Here are some of the most common options: Hydraulic cement can fill voids and tighten cracks, while masonry patching compounds can address minor surface cracks.
Crack repair is a fairly quick and inexpensive method of repairing foundation cracks. The process involves using a crack filler material such as concrete patching compound, hydraulic cement or epoxy resins to close the crack and restore structural integrity to the area. Before applying the crack repair material, the cracked area should be thoroughly cleaned with a wire brush or wet/dry shop vacuum to remove loose debris from the crack and improve bonding. A layer of bonding adhesive should then be applied to ensure that the new crack filler material is tightly connected to the existing concrete, and that it will not loosen or break apart with further movement.
It is important to distinguish between non-structural and structural cracks, as they indicate different issues with your home’s structure. Structural cracks are wide and may indicate that the soil underneath has shifted, while non-structural cracks are usually vertical or diagonal and don’t have much of an effect on the building’s overall stability. It’s also important to assess the severity of any cracking, and determine whether it’s likely to worsen over time. For minor, vertical hairline cracking, DIY repair solutions such as masonry cement patches or epoxy injections can provide temporary fixes until a professional contractor can be consulted.
Another solution for small to moderately-sized cracks is crack stitching, which involves drilling entry and exit holes along the length of the crack, then running a row of U-shaped metal staples into the hole, anchoring them into place with grout or epoxy. This technique is particularly effective for repairing vertical cracks that run in straight lines, and can be done without disrupting the exterior of the home or causing any further damage to the concrete foundation.
For major cracking, or cracks that are accompanied by other signs of foundation problems, such as doors and windows that don’t open and close properly, or sagging floors or walls, underpinning may be required. Underpinning is a more involved process that involves excavating a trench beneath the affected area, and then adding steel-made support columns called “push piers” or Helical Piers to the bedrock. These support structures help distribute your home’s weight evenly throughout the foundation, so it will not shift or sink.
Slab Leak Repair
A slab leak is a constant source of leaking water that fast-tracks foundation damage. It happens when the pressurized copper lines that supply water to the home’s faucets break beneath the concrete foundation. This can be caused by erosion of the soil underneath the house or a pipe that was improperly installed. In many cases, the homeowner will notice a water bill that is significantly higher than usual and may hear a faint hissing sound coming from under the sink or a bathtub.
A plumber can use a variety of methods to locate and repair the leak. One method involves digging up the damaged pipes and then replacing them. This can be expensive and is a labor-intensive process. Another option is to tunnel through the concrete slab using special equipment, which is less invasive and more cost-effective. The plumber can also use electronic listening tools and line-tracing equipment to pinpoint the location of the leak.
This is a much better alternative to jackhammering the foundation, which can cause a lot of noise and dust in the house. It also allows the homeowner and their family to stay in the house while the work is being done. However, the plumber will need to dig holes around the affected area of the foundation.
If you think that you have a slab leak, it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If left untreated, this type of leak can lead to extensive water damage and costly repairs. In addition, it can create a health hazard by allowing toxic mold and sewage to seep into the house.
A plumber can reroute the old copper water line to a new location outside the foundation or in the attic of the house. This is a more expensive solution, but it’s much faster and less disruptive than removing the foundation and replacing the old pipes. It’s also worth checking your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers slab leaks. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider a whole-house solution that includes lining the plumbing pipes to prevent future leaks.
Underpinning
This major repair technique involves strengthening the existing foundation of a building or house by excavating beneath the footings and adding additional support. Most often, underpinning is required when a house is suffering from subsidence or other structural movement caused by shifting soil conditions. Homeowners also use underpinning to restore a house’s stability after a new construction project like an addition or basement excavation interferes with the soil that supports the foundation.
In general, the primary signs that your foundation needs underpinning include a sinking in one area of your house. Sloping floors and drywall cracks are other telltale signs of a failing foundation. These issues can be caused by a number of reasons, including erosion, drainage problems or even a flood, but the root cause is likely to be a change in soil composition.
A foundation professional can determine the best method of underpinning based on your specific situation. In most cases, underpinning involves adding a series of steel or concrete piers to the inside of your foundation footers. Once the piers are in place, a contractor uses synchronized hydraulic jacks to lift your house back up onto its original footings. The process may close up settlement cracks but it will not completely eliminate them.
Another form of underpinning is called resin injection. This is a less expensive option than underpinning and works by injecting an environmentally friendly liquid resin into the ground around the foundation. The resin expands and puts pressure on the soil underneath the foundation, helping to lift your foundation. This is a relatively new method that is still being researched and isn’t suitable for every property or soil condition.
Other types of underpinning include push piers, Helical piers and slab piers. Slab piers are the most common and involve driving these heavy-duty steel piers deep into stable soil to help stabilize your house. Helical piers work similarly but are screwed into the ground mechanically until they reach stable soil. If you’re wondering if underpinning is right for your house, contact us today for a foundation inspection. We’ll provide a recommendation for the best solution and a free estimate.
Foundation Repair Cost
The foundation is the most important structural component of any house. It supports everything above it and keeps the building level. But it can deteriorate over time. This deterioration can lead to cracked walls, leaks, and sticking doors. It’s important to fix the problem before it gets worse.
There are a number of different ways to repair a foundation. It depends on the type of damage, soil conditions, and foundation build. Some repair techniques are easier and less expensive than others. For example, repairing cracks with epoxy or polyurethane is relatively cheap and usually requires minimal excavation. In contrast, a full excavation and reconstruction of the damaged section of the foundation is more costly and takes longer.
Another factor that affects cost is the accessibility of the area. Crawl spaces and basements are more difficult to access than slabs, so they tend to cost more to work on. Other factors include labor, materials, and permits. Labor costs are generally higher in urban areas than rural areas, and permits can be a significant expense.
The most important thing to remember is that the sooner you address a foundation issue, the less expensive it will be. If left unchecked, a small problem can become much larger and more expensive. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to a professional about your options and plan for repairs as soon as you notice them.
A professional will begin by performing an inspection. They’ll use a variety of tools to measure the movement of the foundation and determine its cause. They’ll also take into account the landscaping and bodies of water around the property to see if they’ve had an impact on the foundation.
Once the cause has been determined, they’ll recommend a solution. This could be anything from a simple patch job to underpinning. Helical piers are screw-shaped steel plates that help distribute the weight of your home evenly across the foundation. Push piers are hollow steel pipes that are pushed into the soil under your foundation until they reach bedrock. These are ideal for repairing light-load areas.
