Building a house on a poor foundation can eventually require time consuming repairs. There are many factors that may cause a poor foundation and necessitate a foundation’s repair. This would include building a home on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils or poor maintenance around foundations. When you begin to evaluate your home’s foundation issues it is important to hire a consultant.
No matter the cause, settlement of a foundation can destroy your home’s value and even make some of them unsafe. If you think you have a problem with your foundation it is important to call a professional for an assessment.
They will tell you what your problem is and can help you determine the best repair plan and may even be able to consult on repairs. Many consultants offer their service for free in the hopes that you will hire them to fix your problem.
Most repairs are done with concrete blocking through an underpinning. The first step in this case is to dig a hole under the damaged part of a foundation. The damaged part of the foundation will normally be indicated by visible sinking. Next, contractors will run a strong cable to the bottom of the hole. Then they will thread several concrete blocks or pilings through the cable.
After that is complete, they cover the concrete blocks with a concrete cap and ensure that it is level. On top of the concrete cap you place jacks that will lift the foundation to its proper level. Concrete cylinders will then replace the hydraulic jacks that will hold up the foundation. Finally, they will seal up the site with soil.
It is not recommended that homeowners fix their own homes without previous experience with hydraulic systems and home leveling. This is a list of steps to fix general problems. More steps will be needed to address more unique problems such as tree roots.
Fixing a foundation is a long process that can take up to a month. It is best to plan your foundation repair at a time and season that will best suit your family and the workers. Many people who fix their foundations make the mistake of failing to fix the underlying problem. This simply leads to more costly and time consuming repairs.
Remember that many foundation repairs are covered by homeowners insurance. Consultants will be able to advise you on making a claim with your insurance company.