3 Types Of Foundation Repair: Restoring Stability To Your Home

The foundation is the backbone of any building, providing crucial support and stability. Over time, various factors such as soil movement, water damage, or poor construction can cause foundation issues, leading to cracks, settling, or even structural damage. Foundation problems should not be ignored, as they can worsen over time and compromise the safety and integrity of your home. Here are three common types of foundation repair that can restore stability to your home.

Underpinning with Piers

Underpinning is a popular foundation repair technique used to stabilize and reinforce a weakened or settling foundation. The process involves installing piers beneath the existing foundation to support and lift it to its original position. There are different types of piers used for underpinning, including steel piers, helical piers, and concrete piers.

Steel piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock, providing strong support for the foundation. Helical piers, on the other hand, are screwed into the soil, offering an effective solution for both foundation repair and stabilization on softer ground. Concrete piers, often referred to as pressed piles or pressed piers, are made of precast concrete and pressed into the soil to support the foundation.

Slab Jacking or Mud Jacking

Slab jacking, also known as mud jacking, is a cost-effective and minimally invasive foundation repair method used for concrete slab foundations. It is particularly useful for addressing settlement issues caused by soil compaction or erosion beneath the slab. In the slab jacking process, small holes are drilled into the sunken concrete slab, and a specialized grout mixture (often a combination of water, cement, and other additives) is injected beneath the slab.

As the grout fills the voids and compacts the soil, it raises the concrete slab to its original level. Slab jacking not only restores the appearance of sunken or uneven concrete but also improves its stability and load-bearing capacity.

Carbon Fiber Reinforcement

Carbon fiber reinforcement is a modern and effective method for repairing foundation walls that have cracks or are bowing inward due to lateral pressure from the soil. In this technique, strips or sheets of high-strength carbon fiber fabric are applied to the damaged area of the foundation.

Once the carbon fiber is bonded to the foundation surface with epoxy, it creates a strong, flexible reinforcement that helps prevent further movement or cracking. Carbon fiber reinforcement is non-intrusive and provides a long-lasting solution for stabilizing foundation walls without the need for extensive excavation or major structural changes.

Foundation issues can be concerning for homeowners, but with the right foundation repair methods, stability and safety can be restored to your home. If you notice signs of foundation issues, such as cracks, settling, or bowing walls, it's essential to consult with a qualified foundation repair specialist promptly. Early intervention can prevent further damage and save you from more extensive and costly repairs down the line. 

For more information on foundation repair, contact a construction company near you, such as Straight Line Construction.