Which Foundation Repair Method is Best?

JES installer attaching a foundation pier to machinery for installation.

Foundations are easy to overlook. After all, they’re mostly located underground. But they play a huge role in the health of your home, as problems with your foundation can compromise the structural integrity of the entire building.

Whether you have a concrete slab, crawl space, or a basement, it is important that you keep your foundation in top shape. There are many repair methods available, so you might be wondering if one outshines the rest. After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding on what method of Foundation Repair is most suitable for your home’s needs.

What Is the Best Foundation Repair Method?

Here’s an answer you might not want to hear: there isn’t a “best” foundation repair method. That’s because the foundation repair process largely depends on your home’s needs. The good news is that many effective ways to repair a foundation exist. Instead of looking for the best one, it’s all about finding the best one for you.

With so many different foundation repair methods, we understand that making a decision can easily feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you.

Every foundation is different, and what might work for one home won’t work for another one at all. In our experience, these are the most common and effective foundation repair methods. See which one might sound best for your home.

JES installer inspecting a foundation pier.

Foundation Piers — For homes with a sinking foundation, push piers, helical piers, and slab piers can solve the problem. These systems are pushed into bedrock below the ground and then attached to your foundation’s footing. This redistributes the weight of your home and stabilizes the foundation.

Wall Repair — Most often used with basements, wall repair tools fix and prevent bowing and cracking basement walls. Options include wall anchors, steel I-beams, and carbon fiber reinforcement, all of which push walls back into their original positions and keep them stable.

Crawl Space Supports — Do you have a crawl space? Does your home have sagging floors? Installing crawl space support beams will solve the issue, and JES installs the IntelliJack™ system to lift floors back into place.

Working with a professional team like JES can help you determine which foundation repair method will work best for your home. If you have noticed that something is wrong with your foundation, schedule a free inspection with our team today.

Common Signs of Foundation Issues

Detecting foundation problems on time can save you a lot of trouble. Not only is it cheaper to fix one small problem than several big ones, but you will also make sure that you and your family live in a healthy home. It is important not to write off little issues because you believe that the house is settling. If you notice any of the following signs, call the contractors right away and have them inspect your foundation.

Cracks

Whether there are cracks in your house or outside of your house, you should see them as a red flag. These cracks sometimes suggest that your foundation is sinking or that your supports are crumbling, so do not ignore them. Otherwise, they could grow larger and cause a whole range of issues.

Standing Water

Is there water in your home’s basement or crawl space? Water intrusion is a sign that your foundation might be compromised. Call your contractor so they can locate the problem and fix it.

Bowing Walls

In case your basement or crawl space walls are bowing, it is possible that they are no longer able to support the weight of your house. Do not panic; it doesn’t mean your house is going to collapse any minute now. In fact, skilled contractors can easily fix this problem and make your home safe again.

Gaps

Are there large gaps around doors and windows? If you notice these openings and your doors and windows are getting stuck more often, call the experts and have them take a look at your foundation.

What Causes Foundation Damaged?

Foundation damage can occur due to various reasons. With regular maintenance and waterproofing systems, you can prevent this problem most of the time.

Expansive Soils

If there are expansive soils underneath your home, they can create foundation damage. This type of soil, such as clay soil, is famous for its absorbing powers. When it rains or there is a flood, this type of soil will absorb a lot of moisture and expand. When it expands, it pushes against your foundation, causing cracks and waterproofing problems. On the other hand, when this soil dries, it shrinks. The shrinkage can cause your foundation to settle unevenly into the voids left behind by the shrunken soil.

Floods and Hydrostatic Pressure

One of the most common causes of damage is water. Whether the flooding is a result of heavy rain and storms, a plumbing problem in the area, melting snow, or plumbing leaks in your own house, the wet ground around your foundation almost always leads to cracks and other structural problems.

When the excess water starts sinking into the soil, it makes the soil exert pressure on your foundation. As a result, hydrostatic pressure can easily cause cracks and water leaks. When this problem occurs, water often ends up leaking into your basement or crawl space.

While the homeowner is busy dealing with the more visible problem first, the water that has leaked into the foundation has already started to cause foundation issues. Therefore, whenever you are dealing with a plumbing leak, have your contractor check the situation with the foundation.

Drought and Dryness

Just as excess water can cause a problem, substantial drought can lead to foundation damage as well. When the soil is extremely dry, its particles begin to shrink, making the foundation unstable and causing cracks and leaks. This is why you should make an effort to keep the soil around your home moist at all times.

Severe Weather

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes can also play an important role when it comes to foundation damage. While the flooding from hurricane rain can cause your soil to expand, an earthquake – no matter how strong – can magnify small foundation cracks.

Poor Workmanship

If you have purchased an already built home, you cannot know how much planning and thought went into the construction and which materials were used. If the contractors cut corners and used low-quality materials, you will most likely experience foundation damage at some point.

Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection With JES Foundation Repair

JES installer walking next to work truck with materials.

Since 1993, JES has been helping homeowners repair their foundations and make their homes safer. With industry leading foundation solutions, we’re committed to creating better homes for our neighbors in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.

Come see why homeowners through the Mid-Atlantic trust us. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection where we’ll create a plan to fix your foundation issues. The best foundation repair method for your home is just around the corner, and working with JES gets you there faster!

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