The foundation serves as the base for your home by providing structural support and stability. But over time, various factors (such as changes in soil moisture or natural disasters) can cause damage. These issues can result in uneven floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, as well as structural damage. Inspecting your home on a regular basis for signs of foundation problems (such as large stair-step cracks in the walls and sloping floors) can help you identify any issues before they become significant problems.
Depending on the severity of the problem, foundation repair can be done in several different ways. Some of the common techniques include underpinning, mudjacking, or installing piers and beams in an attempt to stabilize it. You should speak to a professional who specializes in foundation repair, so he or she can evaluate the problem and determine the most appropriate course of action. This person will have the necessary equipment and expertise to come up with an effective solution that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Common Causes of Foundation Damage
Some of the common causes of foundation damage include the following:
- Poor soil conditions (such as expansive clay).
- Poor construction practices and the use of inadequate materials (which can weaken the foundation over time).
- Changes in the amount of soil moisture (such as long periods of drought).
- Heavy rains and freezing temperatures (which can cause serious damage to the foundation’s structure).
Being aware of the common causes of foundation damage can help you take care of any potential issues more quickly. If you live in a new construction, have plumbing problems, or are located in an area that experiences conditions that make your foundation more susceptible to damage, you will need to perform more frequent inspections.
Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair
If you can recognize the common signs that your foundation needs to be repaired, you’ll be able to take the necessary steps to take care of these problems more quickly. You’ll be better able to ensure the stability of your home. It will also save you money, because you can avoid more expensive repairs.
Here are some of the exterior signs that your foundation needs to be repaired:
- Cracks in the foundation, walls, or concrete.
- Visible gaps between walls, windows, or doors.
- Walls that bulge or are starting to lean.
- Chimneys that are pulling away from the home’s structure.
- Uneven, sloping, or sunken concrete around your home’s perimeter.
Some of the interior signs that your foundation needs to be repaired include the following:
- Uneven or sloping floors (especially in the middle of your home).
- Multiple or recurring cracks in the walls.
- Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly.
- Gaps between the walls, ceiling, or floors (such as cracks or separations).
- Sagging or bouncing floors (especially on your home’s upper levels).
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a foundation repair professional as soon as possible.
Steps Involved in Repairing a Foundation
The foundation repair process starts with evaluators taking measurements across the inside of a property to determine how much movement has occurred and where it’s taking place. More experienced foundation repair companies will also consider the landscaping and bodies of water around the property to see if they have affected the foundation.
Once they have established a repair plan, the next step is to install the supports (which can include hydraulic jacks or steel piers to make the foundation more stable). Once in place, they will gradually lift any sunken areas to their proper elevation. When the repair process has been completed, the foundation will be level again. But soils will continue to move under your home’s foundation, so any parts that haven’t been lifted may still need to be shifted.
Techniques Used in Foundation Repair
There are a number of techniques that can be used to stabilize and restore the integrity of your home’s foundation. One of the most common is the pressed pile method, which involves the use of concrete piers that are pushed into the soil to create a stable foundation support system.
Foundations can also be stabilized by using steel piers, which provide extra support to sunken areas of your home. Even the use of hydraulic jacks can be helpful in the foundation repair process, because it can raise it to its proper elevation.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair. We have an experienced team who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!