A home’s foundation needs to be maintained to ensure it stays at the proper elevation. Foundation issues like cracks in the walls and uneven floors can lead to a lot of problems for homeowners.
There are various methods of Foundation Repair Bismarck. This article will touch on some of the major ones.
Concrete piers are used to lift and stabilize slab foundations and pier and beam foundations that sink due to soil issues. They are the foundation repair method of choice for many homeowners, as they are relatively inexpensive and offer a great deal of versatility. Foundation piers can also be used to elevate homes and can be customized by adding or removing shims.
However, concrete piers are not a solution for all types of foundation problems. If your home is sinking due to erosion, a faulty drainage system or a combination of issues, a professional will recommend other methods of repair such as soil stabilization or foundation lifting.
A professional can install a concrete pier in your foundation by excavating the area around the foundation, drilling down to the load-bearing soil and either pushing or screwing a pier into place. Once the pier is in place, it can be loaded and tested to ensure that it is capable of supporting the weight of your structure. This is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of your repaired foundation.
When the time comes to choose a foundation repair professional, it’s important to find one with experience and a good track record. A reputable company should be familiar with the local soil conditions and will perform thorough site evaluations to determine the best type of pier for your foundation repair. They should also offer a warranty on their work and the products they use, such as piers.
Hydraulic piers are another great option for foundation repair, as they can easily reach the load-bearing soil under your home. They are also much less susceptible to soil movement than concrete piers, making them the ideal choice for new construction and rebuilds.
Hydraulic piers are installed by using a hydraulic system, which is hooked up to multiple hydraulic jacks connected to a unified hydraulic jacking machine. The unified machine lifts your home until the weight of the structure is evenly distributed over all piers. As the piers are lifted, the concrete beneath them will begin to expand and settle back to its original position.
Steel Piers
Steel piers are among the most effective and reliable solutions for stabilizing foundations that have experienced significant shifts in the ground. These piers are able to transfer the weight of a building from unstable soil layers onto bedrock or load-bearing strata, giving them the ability to provide more stable and lasting support than concrete-based systems. Compared to other foundation repair methods, they are also considerably stronger.
The installation process for steel piers is relatively quick and less labor-intensive than other types of foundation repair. Using a hydraulic machine, a crew will drive steel pipe segments into the ground vertically until they reach a solid sub-stratum. Each pier is then connected to the next with helical plates, forming a sturdy, long-lasting system of support.
Because of their strength, stability, and durability, steel piers are often preferred for commercial buildings that are heavier than typical residential structures. They can also be used to fix a wide range of foundation problems, including sloping or uneven floors, cracks in the wall, and other structural issues that are caused by shifting soil.
As with concrete piers, the strength of steel piers depends on how deep they are driven into the earth. In general, the deeper they are pushed into the ground, the more weight they can support. Steel piers can be driven much farther into the ground than concrete piers, allowing them to reach solid bedrock or load-bearing strata.
Depending on the type of project, there are several different steel piers available to contractors. The push and helical varieties of these piers differ slightly, but both offer an excellent alternative to traditional concrete piers. With a push steel pier, a team of professionals will use a hydraulic ram to drive hollow metal pipes into the ground. These piers will be connected to each other by helical plates, which are then used to transfer the weight of the building to a solid sub-stratum.
Helical piers are more data-driven than push piers, meaning that the helical plates are drilled into the ground rather than being hammered in. They are designed to resist bending and can hold loads up to 55,000-60,000 pounds per square inch.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are used to stabilize and lift homes, decks, and other structures. They’re especially useful in repairing older foundations that have experienced shifting or sinking over time, as well as new construction on sites with challenging soil conditions. These helical piles use a screw-like design to mechanically advance into the soil, helping them reach bedrock or other stable layers more easily than other foundation repair methods.
This method is less invasive than other methods, making it more suitable for existing buildings, such as residential and commercial properties. Helical piers also have the ability to transfer load much more quickly than other methods, which allows for immediate stabilization of your structure. Additionally, helical piers are versatile and can be installed year-round, regardless of the weather.
During the installation process, helical piers are screwed into the ground using hydraulic machinery. The installers monitor torque to ensure that each pier is reaching its maximum capacity. This is important because it determines whether the pier is capable of supporting the loads your structure requires.
As they screw into the soil, helical piers create a threaded connection that’s designed to grab and hold onto the surrounding soil. Once they reach the proper depth, they’re secured by a bracket that connects to your foundation. This is then connected to a steel plate, which helps support your home or other structure.
In addition to providing structural support, helical piers help stabilize your foundation by transferring weight to more stable soil layers. This redistribution of weight prevents future settlement and movement, allowing your foundation to remain stable for the long term.
While it’s impossible to accurately predict how long helical piers will last, your foundation repair professional should be able to provide you with an estimate based on site conditions, corrosion history, and other factors that influence the condition of your soil. The length of a helical pier can also be impacted by the amount of uplift created during the foundation lift.
When considering helical piers for your home or other structure, it’s crucial to consult with a licensed engineer or helical pier professional who knows your building site. These professionals will be able to determine whether helical piers are the best choice for you.
Wall Patching
Some homeowners attempt to save money on foundation repairs by patching drywall cracks themselves. While this can be a temporary solution, it can also mask more serious problems, like heaving or soil pressure against the walls. If you notice a crack in your drywall, it’s important to contact a professional right away. Ignoring a cracked foundation can lead to further damage and more expensive repair costs in the future.
If you’re not sure what type of cracks are affecting your home, a foundation expert can inspect and assess the issue. Minor cracks, like angle cracks in the corners of your basement wall, are common and can be caused by settling and moisture. However, if you see horizontal cracks along the foundation, this can indicate that your foundation is shifting in one direction and is at risk of collapse.
You can often fix these types of cracks with hydraulic cement, epoxy, or polyurethane injections. These materials seal the cracks and keep water from entering your home, making them a cost-effective option for repairing small to medium-sized cracks in a concrete foundation.
Other methods for addressing foundation issues include wall anchors and braces. These systems are fastened to the inside of your basement wall and help prevent bowing and leaning. They’re most effective when used to repair walls that have deflected two inches or less from their original position.
Mudjacking is another way to address sunken concrete slabs and foundations. This method involves drilling holes in the slab and pumping a slurry of concrete, sand, and topsoil under the slab to lift it back up to its original position.
Foundation issues are complex and can affect the entire structure of your house. If you’re concerned about cracks in your foundation or other signs of structural damage, contact AMC911 to schedule a free foundation inspection. Our team of experts will take a look at your home and advise you on the best course of action to protect your investment. Our professionals are licensed and insured, so you can feel confident that your property is in good hands.
