One of the most critical aspects of your home is the foundation. The structural stability of your home is dependent on the foundation. The strength of the soil beneath your foundation has a significant impact on its performance. Over time, dirt that was not correctly compacted during the construction process will compress and shift. This makes things difficult. Soil moisture is another common issue for foundations: too often, little moisture can lead to costly repairs.
Foundation Stabilization Methods by HydroHelp911:
CONCRETE PIERS
Concrete piers are used as low-cost foundation supports that are installed beneath a house. They effectively combat the clay soil conditions, and can be sunk or pumped into the earth around or under a structure. Drilling the piers around 10-15 feet below the foundation requires a pressure of about 10,000 psi. Piers can also be built by directly pouring concrete into prefabricated holes around the foundation. Both poured and drilled piers are frequently validated with rebar, and the piers can take 1-2 weeks to set fully. Steel piers are used in more advanced foundation repair because they can be drilled deeper into the ground.
CONCRETE PILES
These are prefabricated concrete columns that are inserted into the ground beneath the existing foundation. These are much faster to install than the other foundation stabilization options in Gastonia, NC. They are ready to use immediately after installation. They do not require the same amount of time to harden as a poured concrete pier. However, unlike steel piers, they are not connected to the foundation of the house. This increases the likelihood of the concrete piles shifting after a while.
HELICAL STEEL PIERS
Helical steel piers are steel pipes with spiral blades at the bottom. One or more helixes (spirals) are connected to the pipe’s front section. This will provide the steel pipes with the required bearing capacity. The piles will be twisted into the ground using a hydraulic torque motor in this type of foundation stabilization method by HydroHelp911. Because of the helices on the lower ends of the steel pipes, they do not need to be as deep as the driven piers.
Know What It Looks Like After Helical Piers Are Installed, watch the video!
MUDJACKING
This is a type of foundation stabilization repair method that is commonly used to raise small concrete layouts. This is used to increase sidewalks, garages, and occasionally basement floors. This is accomplished by drilling holes into the existing concrete slab and putting a concrete mixture beneath it to provide additional stabilization. While this method works exceptionally well for small concrete layouts, it is not recommended for foundation repair on your home.
STEEL PIERS
Most structural engineers will recommend this foundation stabilization repair for your home. This is a solid and tried-and-tested method of stabilizing a foundation that has begun to shift or sink into shaky ground. Large galvanized or epoxy-coated steel pipes are linked together in this method. With the assistant of a hydraulic ram, the structural engineer will drive the steel piers into the stable, load-bearing underlying soil of your home. This foundation repair will raise and support your home, preventing it from further settlement.
SOIL INJECTION
Soil injection, also known as injection stabilization, is a chemical process that uses potassium ions to adjust the soil. Because of the expansiveness of the clay soil, this technique is sometimes required for advanced foundation repair. A more stable soil zone results from permeating the clay with a potassium-based chemical solution. As a result, any future change and bulging of the foundations are significantly reduced or eliminated.
Soil injection is a low-cost alternative to excavating and substituting clay soil during building projects. It is a highly effective advanced foundation stabilization strategy by HydroHelp911 when other methods are ineffective because it permanently diminishes soil bloating.
Perks of Hiring HydroHelp911
If you’ve noticed vital warning signs of foundation damage near your home or any property in Gastonia, NC,
Contact a foundation stabilization repair specialist, HydroHelp911, to schedule a free foundation repair estimate. We will diagnose any foundation issue and offer cost-effective solutions to manage your foundation repairs.
What effect does soil swell have on existing homes?
Soil swell, also known as “shrink soil,” can result in many foundation issues. Interior and exterior wall shifts can occur as the foundation soil expands or heaves. Furthermore, the expansive soil can crumble during low soil moisture, causing the foundation to shift, crack, or crush.
Inflamed or swelling soil has also been shown to induce erosion around the foundation of an existing home. If you’ve recently noticed issues with your foundation or want to weather-proof the soil around your home’s foundation before problems arise, the HydroHelp911experts are here to help in Gastonia, NC.
What are the foundation stabilization methods used by HydroHelp911 for concrete slab foundation?
Repairs are much more difficult if your home is built on a concrete slab. Depending on the issues with your foundation, several methods can be used.
- When it comes to stabilization, steel pressed pilings are a force to be reckoned with.
- Concrete cylinders are used to make concrete pressed pilings. However, concrete piers are not suitable for all types of soil.
- They have been used in the construction of homes and thus remain a favorite among engineers.
- Masonry spots and sealants are applied when cracks in the foundation are visible, but no structural damage has occurred.
- High-density polyurethane froth is used to elevate the interiors of buildings quickly. It has a few disadvantages, especially if it gets into pipelines, but it is a renowned foundation stabilization repair method.
What is soil stabilization?
Using a chemical or mechanical treatment to a soil volume to boost or sustain its resistance or improve its engineering properties is known as soil stabilization. On the other hand, land solidification with substantial increases in compressive strength decreases permeability and encapsulates toxic elements. This treatment also provides sufficient structural stability, which is especially important for weaker or wetter soils.
How long does it take to repair a foundation?
The length of time required to repair a foundation varies from property to property — the amount of time needed to fix a foundation is determined mainly by the nature of the damage, the type of repair methods used, and the size and scope of the property, among other factors. For example, the residential foundation repair takes 2–3 days.
What are the Benefits of Concrete Foundation Piers?
The following are the advantages of foundation piers:
- Low price. It can take up to ten times less as compared to replacing a building’s foundation.
- There will be no disruption or loss of use of the dwelling. The repair is carried out while the building remains operational.
- The equipment is compact and can be used in small spaces or carried by hand in areas where access is restricted.
- In one step, it treats both the cause of the settlement (unstable soil) and the consequences (dwelling out of level).
- No yard disturbance
- No heavy machinery was used.
What are your recommendations for keeping my foundation in good condition?
The soil beneath your foundation must have the proper amount of moisture. During the rainy season, ensure that your drainage system is in good working order and that your gutters are free of clogs. Excessive watering can soften the soil, causing your foundation to shift and sustain damage. During the summer, on the other hand, you must ensure that the soil is adequately hydrated. Absorbent hoses can be used. Keep the hoses at least a foot away from the slab. It should take about 15 minutes in the morning and afternoon to hydrate the soil.
What happens to my landscaping when you repair my foundation?
HydroHelp911 has been in the foundation stabilization business for many years, and the methods we use will cause minimal damage to your landscaping. Plants may need to be relocated in some cases, and we will do everything possible to keep your plants alive. Even so, we are not responsible for your plants’ survival. If you place greater emphasis on your landscaping, we suggest hiring a professional landscaper to remove the plants before working on your foundation.
What does a foundation inspection entail?
HydroHelp911 provides free foundation inspections in Gastonia, NC, for residential and commercial properties. Because each property is different, our foundation specialists evaluate each foundation carefully to determine whether or not the property requires repairs. In addition, we will inspect both the interior and exterior of your home to classify any signs of foundation stress. Inspections can last anywhere from an hour to several hours, depending on the size of the property.
Is it necessary to repair the whole foundation?
No, not always. HydroHelp911 offers recommendations for only the areas that need to be repaired. However, foundation stabilization and other repairs may be required to prevent future foundation failure in some cases. For example, suppose our foundation repair specialists identify areas of the foundation or structure prone to movement or collapse. In that case, they will inform the property owner and offer expert advice on practical and preventative foundation stabilization repair methods.
