MORE LOCATIONSChoosing the Right Foundation Repair Method: A Detailed Guide
Whether you live in New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts, over time, problems with your home’s foundation or extreme settling can occur. They can weaken your home’s structure and lead to costly repairs if not addressed early. When it comes to choosing the right foundation repair approach, understanding different methods can help you make an informed decision.
If you’re dealing with foundation problems, this article explores the most effective repair solutions to help you tackle the issue before it worsens.
Helical Piers
- Helical piers are steel piers with threaded helical sections that allow them to be screwed deep into the ground. They are ideal for areas where the soil is too challenging for conventional piers to penetrate.
During foundation repairs in New Hampshire, multiple helical piers are screwed beneath the foundation until they reach solid ground capable of supporting the building’s weight. These piers are spaced at regular intervals to evenly distribute the structure’s load evenly, ensuring stability.
Concrete Piers
- Concrete piers are made from reinforced concrete and are designed to stabilize foundations, preventing sinking or settlement. To repair a foundation using concrete piers, contractors drill cylindrical holes beneath the foundation to the appropriate depth.
Liquid concrete is then poured into these holes to secure the foundation. Once the concrete hardens and cures, the building is lifted to the desired elevation using jacks, and shims are added to maintain the proper alignment.
Sealants And Masonry Patches for Cracks
- One effective method for repairing cracks in the foundation involves using sealants and masonry patches. This method helps patch the cracks and apply a waterproof masonry sealer to ensure long-lasting protection. However, promptly addressing these cracks is crucial as the foundation bears the weight of the entire home.
Hydraulic cement, vinyl concrete, epoxies, silicone, or polyurethane are commonly used sealers for minor cracks. The sealer type depends on the severity and the specific requirements of the crack. Nevertheless, early detection and prompt repairs prevent water seepage and further damage in every situation.
Slabjacking
- Slab jacking, also known as mud jacking, is a reliable method for addressing sinking or settling in slab foundations. To perform slab jacking, small holes are drilled into the foundation at regular intervals. A specialized mixture, typically made of water and solid materials or polyurethane foam, is injected through these holes.
This mixture fills voids and compacts the loose soil beneath the foundation, restoring stability. Once the process is complete, the drilled holes are securely plugged, ensuring a durable and level foundation.
Stabilizing Foundation With Steel Piers
- One of the most effective foundation repair techniques is using steel piers to address settlement or instability issues. Each steel pier section has a galvanized steel pipe attached to a hydraulic jack. The piers are driven below the foundation until they reach stable soil.
This is done with the help of a hydraulic torque motor, which propels the piers into the ground until they reach the soil with adequate stability. Once in position, hydraulic jacks lift the foundation to its optimal elevation.
Concrete Pressed Piling
- Concrete pressed piling is a popular foundation repair method used in several regions, especially for stabilizing structures. This technique involves driving concrete cylinders, typically 6 inches in diameter and 12 inches in height, into the soil beneath the foundation.
Depending on the structure’s weight and soil conditions, contractors may use a series of 8 or more concrete piles to reach deeper, more stable soil with a high load-bearing capacity. The goal is to ensure the foundation is supported by strong, reliable soil to prevent further settling or shifting.
Are you dealing with foundation issues? Let our experts from Crack-X take a look at your foundation. We offer a transferrable warranty on most foundation repairs. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire. Call us at 877-727-2259 to get started.