When you notice cracks or other signs of a foundation problem, it is important to understand the root cause and the available foundation repair methods. This way, you can choose the best option for your home.
If left unaddressed, foundation problems can become much larger and more expensive to repair. Luckily, there are a variety of foundation repair techniques that can fix these problems early on. Visit Website to learn more.
Concrete piles are typically long cylindrical or square structures made of concrete that are driven deep into the ground to support a structure. They can also be constructed from steel or wood and are installed through driving, drilling or jacking methods. Pile damage may occur due to corrosion, deterioration or cracking and can compromise their load-bearing capacity. Effective pile repair techniques should restore the structural integrity and load-bearing capability of the damaged piles to ensure safety and stability of the supported structure.
Concrete pilings and other specialized structural steel or timber piles are commonly used in Central Texas for building foundations, bridge piers, utility poles, and other applications that require substantial load-bearing capacity. Compared to traditional foundation repair methodologies such as complete removal and replacement, pile repairs can save significant time and money.
A common method for repairing damaged concrete piles is to encapsulate the pile in a jacket or shell, which reinforces the existing pile and protects it from further damage. The most common type of jacket is a high-strength epoxy that is applied to the surface of the pile and injected through a small hole at the bottom. This method is especially useful for piles that are subjected to extreme loads, such as those supporting large buildings in a seismic zone.
This method is more efficient and economical than complete removal and replacement of the damaged pile, but it requires special equipment and trained personnel. Another alternative is to replace the damaged pile with a new, larger pile that is designed for the application. This is often done for corroded piles in marine environments.
Many home foundation repair companies use concrete press piles to stabilize a house that has been damaged by shifting soils. The theory is that they can be pressed into the clay soils to a point where they will reach bedrock or competent load-bearing stratum, which can help prevent future movement of the house. However, a number of factors can affect the success of this method including soil conditions and the experience of the contractor. For example, most of these companies do not use gauges to measure depth and only state the maximum PSI (pressure per square inch) they will go. This is a very misleading number as it only indicates the amount of pressure the pile can take, not the actual load-bearing capacity.
Poured Concrete Piers
Piers made from poured concrete are common for foundation repair and provide stability to keep your home or business from sinking or settlement. To install these piers, crews dig circular holes below the existing foundation up to a suitable depth. Concrete is then poured into the hole and allowed to cure. After the concrete dries, hydraulic jacks are used to lift the foundation up to its original elevation.
Although piers are extremely stable, they do not last as long as slab-on-grade foundations. This is because the piers are exposed to the elements, which can cause them to deteriorate over time. In addition, the piers are susceptible to movement caused by soil changes in temperature and moisture.
If you’re considering having piers installed under your foundation, it is best to consult with a reputable company that has experience with local soil conditions. The company can conduct thorough soil testing and determine the best type of piers for your location. If you are going to have piers installed, make sure that the contractor takes precautions to limit water penetration and ensures that they are properly placed to prevent the shifting of your foundation.
Poured concrete piers are more expensive than other types of piers, but they are also a reliable option for many situations. They can also be installed more quickly than other pier types. Additionally, concrete piers don’t corrode as quickly as steel, which is another reason they are so popular.
In some cases, the problem with your foundation may not be severe enough to require a poured concrete solution. For this reason, many repair companies offer a method called slab jacking. Slab jacking is similar to concrete piers, except that instead of digging holes, the repair crew will drill into the existing slab and inject a slurry under it. This slurry is a mixture of concrete and polyurethane foam, which provides additional support for the existing slab.
Depending on your soil conditions, a helical pile or screw pier may be the best type of pier for your home. These piers are screwed into the ground to a depth that will support your building. They are more affordable than other pier options and work well in most situations. They can also be installed more quickly, which is why they are so popular.
Epoxy Injection
Epoxy injection is used for crack repair and structural repairs of concrete slabs, beams, columns, and walls. It is highly effective for stabilising and strengthening foundation cracks and voids and can also be used to strengthen bridge structures and rehabilitate ageing structures.
This low pressure to medium pressure crack injection method involves injecting a high-strength, low viscosity epoxy resin into the crack. It is designed to seal and structurally glue the concrete crack to sound concrete, restoring its load-bearing capacity. This repair is suited to both structural and non-structural cracks that are wider than a quarter of an inch. This method is a very cost-effective way to fix foundation wall cracks.
It is important to ensure the crack surface and surrounding areas are clean and dry before injection. The crack surface should be brushed with a wire brush and any surface contaminants such as oils, grease, or paints should be removed. The crack must be clean and dry in order for the paste-over epoxy to bond to the sound concrete. In addition, if water is continuing to seep through the crack, it must be stopped in order for the injection to yield a suitable repair.
Surface ports are then drilled into the cracks to form entry points for the epoxy resin. They may be surface mount or socket-mount, depending on the application. These ports are then sealed off with a capping paste and the injection process begins. Once the cracks are injected, it is important to monitor the epoxy movement through the ports and to stop when the port-to-port injection has reached the outer perimeter of the crack.
Unlike DIY kits, professional contractors will use multiple injection ports and 2-3x the amount of material included in a kit to fill larger cracks, ensuring they are effectively repaired with minimal leakage and movement over time. They will also guarantee their work with a warranty that is transferable should you sell your home or business in the future. This makes epoxy injection an excellent option for commercial and residential foundation repair issues, particularly in older homes with a history of basement flooding or cracking.
Underpinning
A sunken foundation can lead to a multitude of issues for a building, including structural damage. The causes for a sunken foundation include poor construction, soil changes, and even climate change. It’s important to have a foundation repair expert perform an assessment to determine which method is best for your foundation.
When a sunken foundation is due to weakened or shifting soils, underpinning can be an effective solution. Underpinning involves digging out areas of the soil underneath a building, and then inserting steel or concrete piers to transfer the load from the foundation to more competent load-bearing soil.
The most common underpinning methods are push piers and helical piers. The former are hollow cylinders of hot-dipped galvanized steel with a maximum load capacity of 68,000 pounds. These piers are pushed through holes in the existing foundation footer, and then driven deeper into the ground by hydraulic jacks. The piers are positioned to stabilize the foundation, and in some cases they can actually lift a foundation back into its original position.
Another type of underpinning is mini-piled underpinning, which uses a system of small precast concrete cylinders, or “shims” that are driven into the ground. These piers are similar to push piers, but they are shorter and are head with a wire and shims. A drawback to this approach is that the shims can shift and cause movement in the piers and the foundation.
Some underpinning projects require more extensive excavation of the soil beneath a building, and this is often the case when a building is close to a neighboring property. This can destabilize the foundation if the excavation cuts into the existing foundation footing.
Other types of underpinning include the use of grout and urethane-based chemicals that expand in the soil to raise the pavement, concrete or slab. This is sometimes referred to as soil jacking, but no reputable foundation contractor will claim that it can level the foundation to its original flatness.
Other signs of a failing foundation include doors and windows that don’t open or shut properly, walls that crack or bulge, and torn wallpaper. Contact a foundation repair specialist as soon as you notice any of these problems to prevent them from getting worse.
