Unknown foundation problems can eventually lead to severe
structural damage to your home. Whether you are a homeowner or just someone who
is looking to purchase their first property, foundation problems are a scary
concept, and you will undoubtedly have lots of questions. There are many ways
to repair foundations, but hiring a professional is crucial.
What are the common causes for foundation damage in Plano, Texas?
The hot climate and soil in the North Texas region are the main
contributors to foundation problems. Due to the severe temperature fluctuations
that can present themselves within a 24 hour period, the soil will expand and
contract. When the soil is hot, it will shrink in size, and when it's cold, it
will increase in size. This creates unwanted movement, which over time, can
make your home unstable.
Lack of an adequate foundation drainage system can sometimes
create issues too. Flooding can damage crawl spaces and the residual moisture
can damage slab foundations. This also goes hand in hand with plumbing leaks,
which can present similar problems.
For those that have a flora-heavy yard, tree roots can
occasionally damage your foundations. As the roots push under your house, they
will lift your foundation and crack your slabs.
Inadequate soil compaction is another widespread issue. If
the soil under your foundation wasn't compacted and prepared sufficiently
during the construction of your home, the foundation can sink, due to it not
being able to hold the weight above it.
Are there any warning signs to spot foundation damage?
There are a lot of different factors to consider when
looking for foundation damage, and they can present themselves in many
different ways. House quality, as well as the earth underneath, all play a role
in when, where, and how foundation damage will show. Massive cracks in your
walls are a relatively easy indicator, but you might be surprised to find out
how many other symptoms are easily seen.
Interior symptoms
●
Cracked walls
●
Stuck windows and doors (that weren't previously)
●
Unexplainable cracked floor tiles
●
Ceiling cracks and wall separation
●
Cabinet separation
●
Leaning fireplace
Exterior symptoms
●
Brick separation and cracking
●
Cracked chimney
●
Window frame separation
●
Any cracked exterior concrete
●
Cracked slabs
If you notice any of these visible indicators, it's
imperative that you consult a professional foundation repair company
immediately. This type of damage will not go away by itself, and will only get
worse with time. The sooner you get the problem fixed, the less damaged your
home will become.
Slab foundation repair
Plano homes are often in need of slab foundation repair.
This is due to the ever shifting soil, as a result of the hot temperatures and
rainfall. Plumbing leaks, which are common, can also lead to slab fractures.
There are four different methods available when repairing a
slab foundation, and each one has their pros and cons. We recommend that you
opt for slab or steel piers for homes that are in Plano, due to the clay soil that's
prevalent here.
Foam jacking
Foam jacking is a process of injecting a high-density
polyurethane foam under your slab foundation. It will then expand, which will
result in the slab foundation getting pushed back up. The speed at which it
lifts is slow, even over a large area, which helps to reduce any unwanted
damage.
Mud jacking
Mud jacking is similar to foam jacking, with the primary
difference of it being sand-based grout that is being injected, rather than
polyurethane foam. The force from the pump will push the foundation back up.
This method can be a little messy, and is best used for completely unoccupied
areas of your home.
Concrete piling
Piering, or piling, is the best option for foundation repair
in the Plano area, due to the expansive soil.
To start with, a square hole will be dug to around four-five
feet in depth. This hole will be under the grade beam of your home.
A concrete cylinder will then be placed directly beneath the
grade beam, at the bottom of the hole. A hydraulic ram will then be placed in
between the top of the cylinder, and the bottom of the grade beam. The ram will
then push the cylinder into the ground. Each cylinder will then get connected
with a rebar and epoxy. Cylinders will keep being added until the point of refusal.
This is when it takes more force to push the piling than it does to raise your
home.
Every piling installed will receive a concrete cap. With
several bottle jacks, your house will then be lifted to as near as the original
position as possible. This is done to the limit of the foundation and the
structural integrity that remains, as additional damage is what we want to
avoid.
All of the holes will then get backfilled.
Steel piling
Steel piling is almost identical to concrete piling and can
be used anywhere where concrete can be used; although it is better suited for
areas that have sandier soil.
Pier and beam foundation repair
There are two different options for pier and beam foundation
repair, and it depends on whether you have a perimeter concrete grade beam or
not. If your home does have a concrete grade beam, it means pressed pilings can
be used to help lift it.
Interior floors
Specific interior floor levels can be adjusted. The floors
of pier and beam houses sit on beams, that are supported by piers. These piers
are typically made from concrete. Raising the beam off of its support and
adding, or removing, steel shims, will allow your floor to sit at a natural
level. It's common for support piers to fail and to be replaced over time.
It's sometimes necessary for the wood in pier and beam
foundation crawl spaces to be replaced too. The wood can get cracked or receive
damage from insects and moisture. This is also a good time to install a better
ventilation systems to reduce moisture build up and to help lower humidity
levels later on. Adequate ventilation will minimize the wood rotting and stop
mold and fungus growth.
Let us get started with the repairs
To receive the best foundation repair in Plano, Texas,
please call us at 469-909-1827 us for a free evaluation.
Originally published at: http://plano.texasfoundationpros.com/foundation-repair/
