Foundation Repair Plano is a complex, time-consuming process. It requires the installation of supports underneath your home, which may take days or weeks depending on the method used.

The most effective methods include steel piers and bell-bottom piers, which can be driven deep into the soil until they reach stable rock or bedrock. Other options include mudjacking and concrete slab underpinning.

Cracks

If you spot a foundation crack in your home, it is important to understand the severity and cause before calling a professional. Cracks may not be a problem at all, or they could be an early warning sign of structural problems. It is best to hire a foundation contractor to evaluate your cracks and recommend any necessary repairs.

Foundation cracks range from hairline to horizontal, and they can appear in all types of materials. Thin uniform cracks that are less than 1/10 of an inch wide are often harmless and may result from concrete shrinking within a few months after being poured, or they could be the early stages of house settling.

Larger cracks may indicate that a significant amount of stress is being exerted on the walls, which can lead to structural damage and even sinking. Horizontal cracks in brick or block walls, which look like steps running the length of the wall, are also an indication that there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Stair-step or stair-step cracks are common in homes built of brick, stone or concrete blocks. These cracks typically appear in the corners of your foundation walls on both sides of the house and form a stepped pattern. These cracks are caused by displaced soil, and they can be a sign of a serious issue.

If a crack is wider than a hairline and a quarter can fit into it, then it should be repaired immediately by a foundation repair specialist. This is a sign of serious instability and may be allowing groundwater to seep into your basement or crawlspace.

Non-structural cracks can be repaired by using a polyurethane, silicone or latex concrete caulking product that is applied with a caulking gun. This can fill the crack and keep water, dirt and radon gas from entering your home. If you plan on selling your home in the future, it is a good idea to get all cracks repaired as soon as possible. This will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. For long-lasting, permanent repair, a foundation specialist can install steel or bell-bottom piers under your home to stabilize it and prevent further movement.

Sediment

Depending on the location of your home and the ground conditions surrounding it, sediment can add pressure to the foundation and increase the chance of cracks. Whether or not sediment is the cause of your foundation problems, it’s important to identify it and have the proper repairs completed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of future damage.

A homeowner’s insurance policy may cover some or all of the cost of a professional foundation repair contractor. If not, it’s essential to find a reputable company that is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of foundation repair. Ask for references, photos of past projects and a written warranty before hiring. A reputable foundation specialist should be able to provide you with an estimate of the costs for the necessary repairs and be able to explain any unexpected expenses.

It is not uncommon for a house to have foundation issues caused by various factors like soil movement and water damage. These issues can lead to the need for costly repairs if they are not addressed quickly. By taking care of these issues early, you can help prevent further damage to your home and improve its resale value.

In addition, by sloping the soil away from your house and keeping your gutters clean, you can help prevent moisture damage that contributes to foundation problems. This will also reduce the likelihood of foundation cracks caused by expansive soils that swell with moisture and exert pressure on your foundation walls.

The type of repair method used can significantly affect the cost and duration of a foundation repair project. The pressed pile and bell-bottom pier methods are quicker and less expensive but are not as durable as the steel pier method.

Steel piers are able to be driven down as deep as 100 feet providing incredible stability. This makes them ideal for repairing a foundation that has been damaged by expansive clay soils.

The helical pile method is also a fast and effective solution for foundation repair. This process involves drilling holes into your foundation, then driving helix-shaped plates or anchors into the earth beneath your home. Helical piles are ideal for repairing lightweight concrete slab foundations and pier and beam foundations.

Soil Movement

The soil that surrounds your home is in constant movement. It expands during wet weather and shrinks in dry conditions causing movement of your foundation. This can cause cracks in the walls and separation from the above ground structures, like doors and windows. It can also cause damage to plumbing.

Expansive soils, such as clay, can cause this movement. They swell when they absorb moisture and push up on your foundation, causing your house to settle. This cycle of expansion and contraction is called heaving. This type of movement is common in Central Texas, especially around homes built on clay soils.

Soil changes can also be caused by clogged drainage systems. Heavy rains can clog the draining system and create hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. This is one of the most destructive forces on your foundation. Hydrostatic pressure can cause bowed walls, inward rotation of foundation walls, separation of chimneys and other aboveground structures and damaged or sticking doors and windows.

A foundation repair contractor will assess the problem and develop a plan for repairs. If the foundation has sunk, they will install support piers along the perimeter of the house to lift the structure back to its original elevation. This is done by digging and drilling into the ground and pouring concrete (for piers that are poured on site) or driving pre-formed pieces of steel into the ground under hydraulic pressure for pilings.

The foundation company will remove the old soil from the foundation area and replace it with fresh, stable soil. They will then compact the new soil and use a backhoe to level it out. After the job is complete, they will clean up the work area and plant grass where necessary. They may need to move plants or trees, but they will do everything possible to keep them safe from further damage.

It is important to act quickly if you think your foundation is moving. Moisture ingress, cracked walls and other problems will continue to worsen if they are not fixed. A qualified and experienced foundation contractor can help prevent these problems by addressing the source of the movement, rather than just repairing the results.

Piers

Foundation piers offer a permanent solution to issues like shifting soil. Your Innovative Basement Authority inspector can recommend a type of foundation pier based on the specific needs of your home, the soil conditions, and the extent of the damage.

Helical piers look like giant screws and are twisted into the ground to lift the weight of your home off the foundation and stabilize it. These piers are less disruptive than other methods of foundation repair and can be installed in tight areas where access is limited. They are a great option for homes with slab foundations, concrete additions, and pier and beam foundations that need additional support.

These piers are augered into the ground to weathered shale or bedrock, where they are connected to the foundation with steel brackets. These piers can be installed in a much shorter time than other types of foundation piers, and are also preferred for homes with slab or pier-and-beam foundations that have weakened beams.

Push piers are similar to helical piers in that they are driven into the ground by a hydraulic ram until they reach a load-bearing stratum. They are preferred by experts because they can be installed in a shorter amount of time, and are also a great choice for areas where there may not be sufficient depth to install helical piers.

If your pier and beam foundation is experiencing some minor shifts, you can prevent these problems from worsening with a method called reshimming. This is a relatively easy process that involves making small adjustments to the position of the beams. Your foundation repair contractor can use small pieces of wood called shims to fill any gaps between the piers and wooden sill beams.

If your home is showing signs of sinking or shifting, you should act quickly to prevent further damage to your foundation and home.