A damaged foundation can be hard to spot. However, foundations that sit on eroded, unstable soil can develop structural damage that can cost thousands of dollars to fix.
That’s why it’s best to know the signs of a damaged foundation early and your options for repair. Here are a few signs and strategies you can pursue:
1. Check the Foundation of Your House
If your home sits on a concrete perimeter, it’s easy to determine the integrity of the foundation. Just take a handheld tool, like a screwdriver or a small wrench, and prod the concrete in various areas around the house.
Did anything happen? No? Good. Your foundation is solid.
However, if concrete breaks or falls when you use your tool, that is a sign of a deteriorating foundation. Time to consider repairs.
2. Look for Interior Irregularities
Once you’ve determined that your foundation might be crumbling, take a closer look at the interior of your house. You may notice issues everywhere, such as:
- Windows and doors that are hard to open or close
- Cracks in the ceiling or plaster walls
- Uneven floors
- Leaning walls
- Tilting chimneys
Also, do you see regular leaks or puddles around the framing of your home? Excess water or moisture is a sign of poor drainage around your foundation. And if you already have a problem with soil erosion, more water from clogged drains and sloping soil will only damage the infrastructure more.
If you discover any of the above, then it’s official: It’s time to fix your foundation before repair costs get too expensive. You’ll thank yourself later. (And so will any future potential buyers!)
3. Helical Pier Footings
Helical pier footings can be one of the best solutions to save your house, or incorporated into your landscape design. These steel objects — also commonly known as anchors or screw piles — can be drilled beneath a home and screwed into much stronger soil capable of bearing more weight.
Their nimble design minimizes installation, does not disturb the soil, and can adequately secure a structure of any commercial or residential size.
Helical piers are commonly used to structure:
- Decks
- Sheds and other storage facilities
- Raised walkways
- Sunrooms
- Mobile homes
They are easy to install and compatible with all types of weather, temperatures, and environments.
4. Concrete Vs. Helical Pier — What’s the Difference?
One of the significant discrepancies between concrete and helical piers is cost. Concrete piers are usually installed during pre-construction of a house, and require massive drilling rigs to unearth soil for the concrete piers to be poured in. This makes cleanup difficult and repair challenging — and expensive.
Helical piers are small, agile, and leave little to no mess. They can be drilled directly beneath a residential, commercial, or industrial property to prevent sagging foundations. They also do not require large-scale digging or excavations — which can save you time, money, and stress.
5. Another Option: Polyurethane Foam
You could also pursue polyurethane foam for your foundation repair. Technicians use this foam to inject into affected areas, which can lift the concrete and provide a quick-fix to damaged slabs.
It is accessible and affordable, yet problematic. The foam has been known to clog HVAC units and other ductwork that run beneath houses. Also, additional damage to drainage lines could occur if there are real leaks present.
If you do consider polyurethane foam for spot-repairs or foundation cracks, also obtain an assessment of your drainage systems to minimize any future damage.
Ready to Save Your House? Let’s Talk
We recommend you seek helical pier footings for your foundation repairs. They are durable and adaptable, cost-efficient compared to other options, and are considered the best solution for foundation repairs.
If you need help in examining your house, schedule a consultation with us today.