Foundation Repair Processes

The soil that composes a foundation and the consistency of the material can apply pressure to concrete walls. If the pressure outdoors exceeds the pressure being applied outward from the confines of a basement, hairline cracks can form. Untreated foundation issues can lead to buckling or tilted walls.

Dangers Associated

If a cracked foundation is left untreated, the interior parts of a home or business can be unsafe to occupy. The bottom level of a structure bears all of the weight above it. This means that the bottom level needs to be stable and structurally sound in order for other parts of a structure to remain intact. A foundation repair contractor will need to perform soil tests, a concrete inspection, and an erosion control assessment. Frigid temperatures, wet, heavy soil, and a dirty gutter system may have triggered damage to a concrete foundation.

Foundation Remedies

• sealants
• piers and a brace system
• patching compound
• moisture barrier

The Complexity Of A Problem

Any contributing details that have affected the condition of a foundation should be addressed immediately. Failing to clean out a gutter system or treat soil issues could result in a foundation's integrity being compromised in the future. The complexity of a foundation problem may require one or more invasive or non-invasive repair techniques. Structural walls that bear weight will need to be solid and blemish-free.

If minor issues have resulted in small cracks forming in walls, a contractor may be able to salvage the concrete material. They may utilize a combination of a patching compound and a moisture barrier. If a foundation is unlevel and there are portions of concrete that have crumbled, both outdoors and indoors, a structure may be deemed as unsafe. Lifting the structure from the foundation may be necessary. This will allow a basement repair team to access the damaged concrete and properly remove pieces that are not salvageable.

During a repair process like this, upper levels of a structure will be shifted upward and stabilized. A concrete foundation that is laying unevenly in the ground may also need to be adjusted. A concrete contractor may use a pier system and wall braces to straighten and support a foundation. This type of project is much more complex than the use of patching materials and other concrete preservation methods. The disruption of land may require that property be graded, once a foundation repair has been executed in entirety.

Contact a foundation repair contractor in your area to learn more.