5 Different Techniques Of Foundation Repair

A strong, well-built foundation keeps the house standing while nature rages around it. Construction engineers say that a good foundation should be able to support both the dead weight and the live weight of the house. The dead weight here refers to the weight of the structure, or in other words, the weight that remains stationary. Similarly, the live weight is the weight of the people in the structure and the things they bring along with them.

A damaged foundation is seriously concerning and should be remedied as soon as possible. Fortunately, a crumbling foundation gives away its struggle by multiple indications. The most easily discernible ones are cracked floors and walls and sticking out windows and doors. If your house displays any of these signs, you should immediately hire house foundation repair services.

What Are The Different Types of Foundation Repair?

The technique applied for foundation repair depends on several factors including geographic conditions, site area, etc. For example, a construction crew working on a foundation in Oklahoma City’s plains would go about their job much differently than a crew in Colorado’s hills.

Without further ado, let’s glean a little more knowledge on the different types of house foundation repair techniques.

Slab Jacking

Slab jacking follows a method in which a grout mixture called slurry is pumped underneath the sunken concrete slab. One of the biggest merits of slab jacking is that it can be carried out anywhere without paying any heed to the weather conditions. The landscaping is left intact, a few strategically drilled holes can pump up the settled slab.

Steel Piering

Here, the ground is first excavated followed by mounting the foundation bracket for the piering system. The steel piers (also known as push piers) are installed in the dug-out ground and the weight on the structure shifts onto the piers.

Steel piering is mostly used for structures settling down. A hydraulic lift is used to elevate the foundation prior to installation.

Helical Piering

Helical piering and steel piering are similar enough with the most noted difference being the shape of the piers. Here the shafts are fitted with helical plates giving them a screw-like appearance. The pier is hydraulically rotated into the ground and a steel bracket is installed. Helical piercing does not cause stress to the foundation.

Sealant Repairs

If the damage doesn’t run too deep, sealants can be used. Also known as masonry patches these are particularly useful against basement leaking. The process is exactly what it seems like, a crack is patched using a sealant. There are a few different types of materials that can be used, a few being hydraulic cement, polyurethane, vinyl concrete, and even silicon and epoxy. The depth and placement of the crack dictate what material is to be used.

Concrete Piering

Alternatively termed push piers, concrete piers are inexpensive and extremely durable. In fact, even when a concrete pier needs repair, the costs are meager at best. They are ideal for foundations where the piers don’t have to go too deep.

Suspect A Struggling Foundation? Let Ram Jack Help

Trust no one, but the best with your foundation repair. Ram Jack’s patented piling system provides a permanent solution to a crumbling/sagging foundation. If you live in and around Oklahoma City area, we will even arrange a free foundation analysis for you!