Foundation Piers – What Are They and How Do They Work?
Foundation Repair Murfreesboro TN may sound scary, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it’s not. The first step is a thorough inspection of your property by a contractor specializing in structural assessments.
Look for cracks in walls, doors and windows that stick or misalign, and gaps between walls and ceilings. These are early warning signs that need to be addressed immediately.
Whether your home is experiencing foundation settlement or tilting, concrete piers are a reliable solution that stabilizes the structure and prevents further damage. They’re one of the most popular and trusted repair methods for residential and commercial properties. But how do they work? How are they different from other types of foundation supports, and how do you know if this is the right option for your property?
The key difference between concrete piers and other structural support options is their durability. Unlike masonry piers that may crumble or steel piers that can rust when exposed to moisture, concrete piers are made of monolithic solid concrete and are heavily reinforced. This makes them resistant to both compressive and lateral forces.
Another advantage of concrete piers is their versatility. They can be used for both repairing a settled or heaved foundation and raising a house on a crawl space slab. When paired with a drainage system, concrete piers can also prevent water from building up under your foundation and causing further problems.
Drilled concrete piers are installed in sections that are typically about a foot wide. The first section is placed under the existing foundation and sometimes has a cable embedded in it. A hydraulic jack is attached to the pier and then lifted, creating a space under your foundation that allows the next section to be placed on top and pushed down. This process is repeated for each pier until your house has been raised or repaired to the appropriate level.
When compared to other repair methods, concrete piers are relatively quick and cost effective. However, they can be labor intensive during the installation process and require excavation that leaves behind displaced soil and debris, which can take additional time to clean up. This can drive up the initial costs of this method, but the enduring quality of concrete piers often offsets these initial costs. For a comprehensive review of this repair method, it’s a good idea to consult with a local foundation contractor. They can provide you with an in-depth assessment of your foundation needs and recommend the best solution.
Steel Piers
Foundation repair experts can use steel piers to help support a foundation. These piers are made from strong and durable materials that can stand up to heavy loads, making them ideal for supporting large buildings or even skyscrapers. They also require minimal maintenance, which can save money in the long run. Depending on the situation, foundation piers can be a good choice for new construction as well.
The installation of foundation piers is a relatively simple process. The first step involves clearing the area around the foundation. The team then excavates the soil to uncover the foundation footing bottom, and measures to determine the pier locations. The team may also use the opportunity to address any cracks or other visible damage that needs attention.
During the next phase, the steel piers are installed using hydraulic jacks. The piers are driven into the ground until they reach the load-bearing stratum, which is usually bedrock or shale. Once the piers are in place, the team practices loading testing to make sure that the building weight is transferred to the piers and that they are stable. The piers are then backfilled and any visible access points are sealed.
When selecting a contractor to perform the work, experience is vital. Not only does it ensure the quality of results, but it also allows the company to work more quickly and minimize disruption to the property. The company should also be familiar with local soil conditions and regulations. Finally, it should offer a warranty on its services to ensure customer peace of mind.
While concrete piers are a popular choice for many repairs, steel piers are better suited for heavier structures. They are more versatile and can be used in a variety of soil conditions, including those with poor bearing capacity. They can also be used in conjunction with other repair methods, such as slab jacking. They are more expensive than concrete piers, but they provide a more durable and long-lasting solution. They can also be used to stabilize retaining walls and are often recommended by structural engineers.
Slab Jacking
Slab jacking is a foundation repair procedure in which the voids under sunken concrete are filled with a mixture of water and cement to raise the slab back to its original position. This method is most commonly used on sagging concrete porches and driveways. While it won’t solve serious issues with your foundation, it is an effective way to prevent the problem from getting worse.
The voids underneath a sinking concrete slab occur due to erosion and poorly compacted soil. These voids cause the slab to sink and can also collect water, which can lead to cracking and further settling of the concrete. Over time, the sinking concrete can actually direct water towards your home rather than away from it, which can damage the foundation and other structural elements of your home.
If you are experiencing a sagging slab, it is important to contact a professional foundation repair contractor right away. Once an expert inspects the area, he or she will determine the best solution for your needs. There are two established procedures that can be used to fix a sagging or sunken concrete slab: slab jacking and piering.
Mudjacking is a less costly and time-consuming option than tearing down and replacing the slab, especially if it is an occupied residential or commercial space. Holes are drilled into the concrete, and a low mobility grout mix is pumped through those holes into the voids beneath the slab. As the mud fills the voids, it lifts the slab back to its original position. The holes are then patched and the surface is ready to be re-used.
There is a bit more debris cleanup involved with mudjacking than there is when pouring a new foundation, but there is no demolition or persistent construction noise. Furthermore, mudjacking addresses the underlying issue of soil voids that caused the sinking slab, while replacing the slab would not address this problem at all. For more permanent fixes, a professional can recommend either concrete piers or helical piers. Both are designed to reach stable soil under the slab, but helical piers have a longer installation time than concrete piers.
Sealants
Foundation sealing involves the application of a protective barrier to the basement’s exterior walls, and sometimes interior ones too. The barrier, typically a waterproof sealant or membrane, effectively repels water, preventing it from seeping through basement walls and potentially causing structural damage. In addition to avoiding moisture infiltration, basement sealing also protects the property’s structure and promotes energy efficiency.
Visible cracks in basement walls are the most common sign of a problem with a home’s foundation. When left unaddressed, these cracks can worsen, threatening the integrity of the entire structure and creating a host of problems. Other warning signs include doors or windows that won’t close properly, pooling water, or musty odors. It’s crucial to monitor these symptoms and seek a professional if you notice any of them, as they indicate that the basement is leaking or experiencing some other issue.
Ideally, cracks in the basement should be repaired before they become too serious. However, if this is not possible, the best way to deal with them is by sealing them as soon as you notice them. It is important to use a high-quality basement sealant that has been specifically designed for the purpose of protecting concrete structures against the harmful effects of moisture.
There are a variety of different sealants available on the market, and each one has its own unique properties. Generally speaking, they are categorized by their intended use and their chemical basis. For example, there are epoxy resin injections and coatings that provide strong bonding for structural repairs, and there are low-strength putties and waxes that serve only to fill in voids.
Using the right sealant for your basement can save you money in the long run, and it will help to prevent further problems from occurring. It is also vital to have the work done by a professional, who has access to the right tools and materials, and can guarantee a comprehensive solution that addresses all potential sources of moisture infiltration. In addition, reputable professionals offer warranties and guarantees that give you peace of mind.