Foundation repair can be a tricky business. Whether you’re dealing with a minor crack that looks like stair steps or something more severe, it’s best to have a licensed contractor look at any issues. Visit https://www.sugarlandfoundationrepair.com/ to learn more.
Many signs that your home’s foundation needs repair start small and seem insignificant. But ignoring them can lead to serious problems down the road.
Pile Repair is a foundation repair method that uses concrete pile cylinders to encase existing, damaged steel and concrete piles. This helps retain the load-bearing capacity of existing piles while also minimizing future movement and damage.
Pile cylinders can be constructed of reinforced concrete or of steel. They can be circular, which is desirable because it minimizes the ability of a pile to bend and flex. They can also be square or rectangular in shape, depending on the application. Pile cylinders are installed in holes excavated at the site of the foundation, or they can be driven into the ground with high-powered hydraulic rams.
These methods are often utilized when the foundation of a home is experiencing movement and needs to be stabilized. The most common type of repair used is the use of a pressed pile system. These are pre-cast, concrete cylinders that are then pushed into the ground under a house with the aid of a hydraulic jack. These cylinders are pushed into the ground one by one until they reach what is known as “the point of refusal,” which is the point at which the soil gives up trying to support the piles and the piles become stabilized.
Unlike other foundation repair methods, concrete piles don’t require curing time. They are ready to be installed at a moment’s notice, which can save valuable installation time on projects with tight schedules and budgets. The use of pile cylinders can reduce the amount of drilling and excavation required at the construction site, further reducing installation time and costs.
This type of repair can be used to stabilize a sunken foundation, and is typically more cost-effective than other types of repairs. However, it is important to note that it is not a permanent solution and will likely require some form of continued maintenance. For this reason, this type of repair is not recommended for houses with long-term occupancy and may only provide temporary stability. It is also advisable to consult with a foundation repair expert before choosing this type of repair for your Central Texas home.
Poured Concrete Piers
Concrete piers are big solid cylinders of reinforced poured concrete. Rather than building an entire foundation from scratch like with slabs or basements, they’re simply dropped in place where needed. These piers are often used to stabilize sinking and settling foundations in expansive clay soils. They can also be installed in new construction to stabilize the foundation and prevent future shifting and sinking.
The piers are drilled into the foundation, then filled with concrete that’s pushed down onto the drilled shaft with steel bars for added strength. Once the piers are in place, they’re allowed to cure, which can take up to seven days. They’re capped with a zinc galvanized post base to protect them from corrosion and provide additional stability.
One downside of this method is that it can be difficult to install a new foundation with a concrete pier system when the old foundation has already been damaged by water or shifted from its original position. This is because the drilled shaft of the pier will not be able to reach load-bearing soil, which will cause the foundation to shift and settle again.
This is why it’s important to have a professional inspect your home for signs of foundation damage. Cracks in walls and floors, uneven or sloping floors, and difficulty opening doors or windows are all signs that your foundation is moving or shifting.
The good news is that these symptoms can be repaired by adding extra support to the existing foundation or by pouring new concrete. However, this is a temporary fix and will not hold up in the long run. Instead, the best option is to have a foundation repair expert install a permanent solution, such as helical piers.
Another upside of this type of foundation is that it requires less digging and disruption to your home than other types of foundations, such as a basement or slab. This is because contractors only have to drill a hole for each pier. This allows for quicker installation and repairs, which can be completed in a shorter amount of time. In addition, it gives inspectors and contractors more access to pipes, ducts, and wires that run beneath the house, making it easier to find the source of any moisture issues or structural problems.
Steel Piers
Steel piers are often used when concrete piers cannot be installed because of unstable soil. They transfer the weight of your home from the weaker soil to the deeper bedrock beneath the surface, which offers unmatched stability. KC Pro uses Earth Contact Products (ECP) steel piers, which are a favorite of foundation experts. These piers are manufactured with high quality materials, and are load tested after each installation.
ECP steel piers can support up to 20,000 pounds per square inch, which is more than enough to redistribute the weight of your home or structure onto the piers. The piers are also made with a patented external sleeve that helps to strengthen the pier at the critical point where the pier meets the ground. This sleeve also protects the pier from erosion and provides additional strength to the structure above.
The installation process for steel piers is similar to the press concrete pier method, however it is less labor-intensive. The work crew digs holes for the piers using a hydraulic tool instead of an auger drill. The crew then installs temporary brackets along the foundation and a guide sleeve is advanced through the hole to the footing bottom. A hydraulic manifold is then used to lift the piers into place.
Once the piers are in place, a permanent bracket is then welded to the top of the pier. Once the piers are in place, they can be used to support your foundation, or masonry elements of your structure. Unlike concrete piers, steel piers are capable of supporting much larger loads because they are made with high-quality materials.
Compared to the concrete pier method, steel piers are typically more expensive to install, but the increased durability and longer-term solutions they provide may make it worth the investment. The best way to determine which option is right for you is to talk with a reputable contractor and discuss your property’s specific needs. Contact RS Foundations today to schedule an inspection and consultation for foundation repair in Lewisville. We serve customers throughout North Texas. We have the experience, equipment and expertise to provide you with a long-term solution for your foundation damage.
Soil Reports
There are over 70,000 different types of soil worldwide, each with a unique composition and density that impacts home construction. Before any building project, including foundation repair, can begin, a soil report is often required to help engineers understand the condition of the ground. These geotechnical reports are conducted by an engineer who specializes in soils to discover the properties of the soil at a construction site, helping contractors and homeowners make informed decisions about their foundation repairs.
Without a soil test, the structure’s foundation may be constructed on unstable ground and collapse under its own weight. This type of problem can cause cracks in walls, windows and doors, as well as other serious structural issues. It is possible for soil-related problems to spread from the foundation into the rest of the house, affecting everything from drywall to shingles.
A soil test helps determine the best type of pier to install for a foundation repair. It also helps the contractor determine how deep to dig for the piers. This information is necessary to prevent wasting time and money on a repair that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
The test involves a series of techniques, such as plate load tests, pressuremeter tests, and dynamic cone penetration testing (DCPT), to assess the strength and structure of the soil. It can also be used to identify any issues that could affect the safety and durability of a building, such as slope stability issues.
Soil reports are a requirement for any construction project, and they’re especially important for homes with shallow foundations that require a high degree of strength. A soil report can also be helpful for farmers who are considering purchasing land with low-strength soil or buildings with fill-supported foundations.
When hiring a foundation repair contractor, it’s important to choose a professional who can provide an unbiased recommendations from a state certified engineering professional. A structural engineer will inspect the property and offer an individualized plan for foundation repair that addresses your specific needs. They will also ensure that the correct piers are installed and the structural integrity of the building is restored.