Foundation repair is required when the core structure of the house or building is damaged. Foundation damage is commonly caused by water. The movement of the building occurs when the soil components begin to shrink because of the moisture. The expansion and contraction movements cause the damage. The damage may also be a result of poor drainage around the building. If the soil has a high content of clay, then the probability of damage is very high.
Foundation damage may result in damage to the entire building or even lower the value of the real estate. The damage also makes the house very unsafe to stay in. Some of the symptoms of foundation damage include cracked floors, uneven floors, bulging floors, cracked foundations, and even cracked walls. Many experts or engineers can repair the damaged foundations. For instance, foundation repair Waco.
Table of Contents
Hereby are the types of foundation repair
1. Slab jacking
Slab jacking involves repairing concrete whereby every piece of a sunken concrete slab is lifted by thrusting something through the concrete which eventually lifts it to its original height. Polyurethane spray is the most commonly used substance during this process. During this process, holes are drilled to access the area then any void space is repaired. Slab jacking is the most commonly used method of repairing damaged foundations because it is cost-effective and time-saving.
2. Steel piercing
Steel piercing involves placing many pilling of steel pipes to correct the settlement of the foundation. It is used in instances where the building structure tends to tilt in a downward motion. The hydraulic lifting system is used together with the steel piers to lift the structure and repair the damages thus enhancing stability.
3. Masonry patches and sealants
Foundation cracks can be coated using waterproof masonry sealant. It is also ideal for the foundation which has damage due to shrinkage. Since the foundation supports the entire building, it is always advisable to spot the cracks at repairing them as soon as possible. A tiny crack can be repaired using hydraulic cement, vinyl, epoxy, and silicone sealants. The severity of the crack will help determine the type of sealant to be used. To prevent water penetration and further damage, fixing the problem at an earlier stage is the ideal thing to do.
4. Helical tieback anchors
Helical tieback anchors are normally used to renovate walls that are leaning or bending. They are also used to secure new foundations. They are normally positioned in the inner section of the wall and the wall is leveled up by applying pressure. They are threaded into the ground and the weight of the wall is moved to the piers.
5. Spot piers
The spot piers are filled with concrete and they are usually shallow. There are ideal for repairing damaged foundations in regions that are lightly loaded.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, there are many solutions available for foundation problems. Some of the solutions provide a long-term fix while others provide a short-term fix. You should always consult with an expert to identify the type of repair for your building. You can reduce the foundation movement by observing preventive maintenance initiatives. The above article provides an overview of the commonly used methods.
