We all want the best for our money, especially when it comes to getting repairs done on our home. But if you’re dealing with a foundation issue, that may not always be possible.

Before hiring Apex Plano Foundation Repair company, you should ask questions to gauge their quality. Start by checking their licenses and insurance.

For a cost-effective solution, concrete piers are a versatile option for your home elevation or foundation repair. They’re compatible with most soil types and have a simple installation process, making them a quick and convenient solution for your home. When used in combination with proper maintenance, stacked concrete piers can last for decades.

Unlike drilled pilings, concrete piers are precast and pressed into place in the hole. This method allows the work crew to get into the site without having to dig large holes, reducing the amount of time and labor needed for this type of repair.

However, the process does have some drawbacks. Concrete piers are susceptible to damage from poor soil compaction, which can lead to low load-bearing capacity and sinking over time. It can also be damaged by water intrusion, which can cause a buildup of hydrostatic pressure beneath the slab. To prevent this, the foundation repair team may recommend the use of drainage systems to keep moisture away from your home.

Another benefit of stacked concrete piers is their maneuverability, which makes them ideal for repairing and replacing slab settlement. This method can be used to address issues like a spongy or wavy floor that’s caused by uneven spacing between the floor joists. It can also be used to address problems caused by soil shifting, such as expansive clay soil that expands when it gets wet and contracts when it dries.

During this repair, the crew will dig a 2’x2’ hole at each pier location. Then, a hydraulic system is used to push the concrete pier into place until it reaches its full height and the soil underneath it can support the home. The crew will then install a plate anchor to connect the pier to the foundation and add a steel bracket for additional stability.

Once the piers are installed, the house is elevated using hydraulic bottle jacks, and steel spacers are put in between each pier to close the gap between the top of the pier and the bottom of the house. This will create a smooth and level surface for the house to rest on, restoring its original elevation.

Steel Piers

Steel piers are hydraulically driven under the foundation footing and into bedrock or load bearing strata to transfer the weight of the structure off the unstable soil. Over time, this stabilizes the foundation and lifts it slightly to restore it to its original level. They are used to repair houses that have settled due to a lack of support underneath the house or because of a shift in the moisture content of the soil.

When sinking or settling occurs it causes cracks in walls, doors that stick and uneven floors. It is important to address the problem quickly so that more damage doesn’t occur and that you can save as much of the existing foundation as possible.

There are several methods of underpinning that can be used to fix a foundation but steel piers are considered the premiere method. They offer many advantages over other types of piers and are the preferred method by our network of foundation repair experts.

The steel pier installation process is very quick and efficient. They are hydraulically driven into the ground faster than concrete piers which allows them to reach bedrock or load bearing strata in a shorter period of time. This also minimizes the disruption to your home and property.

Once the repair site has been excavated and tarps have been placed to protect the area, one or more steel piers are installed. They are connected to the foundation through a metal head assembly and driven into the soil using a hydraulic ram. When the piles are fully extended they are tested to ensure they can support the weight of the structure. Once the piers have been proven to be capable of supporting the weight of your home they are attached to hydraulic jacks and used to raise the foundation.

Once the foundation is raised back to its original level the hydraulic jacks are removed and concrete piers are placed on top of the piles to provide permanent support. The piers are then affixed to the foundation through wall brackets to lock them in place and prevent further movement of the foundation.

Underpinning

Foundation underpinning is a process of increasing the depth of a building’s foundation. This is typically done when the original foundation has become weakened over time due to a number of reasons. These can include soil changes, such as the shrinkage or expansion of clay soils, water patterns that builders may have not foreseen during construction, or the presence of large trees that remove moisture from the ground and cause it to shift underneath buildings.

When a building needs underpinning, it will often display a number of telltale signs, including diagonal cracks that run along the foundation, sagging or bouncing floors, and doors or windows that no longer open or close properly. However, these symptoms are not necessarily indicative of a need for underpinning, and should always be checked by a professional to determine the root cause of the problem.

Concrete underpinning is one of the most common and most cost effective methods for repairing a damaged foundation. It is commonly used in restoring old buildings, “pop-top” renovations (adding additional stories to a building) and condo conversions. This type of underpinning involves digging a hole beneath the existing foundation and adding supplemental concrete to increase its load-bearing capabilities.

The concrete is typically poured to a minimum of five inches below the bottom of the foundation. It is also reinforced with steel rebar to prevent cracking in the future.

Another popular method of underpinning is using screw pilings, also known as helical piles. This method is less costly than traditional underpinning, and works by screwing a series of galvanized steel piles into the ground beneath the home. These piles can be installed to varying depths until stable soil is reached.

This underpinning method uses a more advanced technology, and is ideal for more severe problems. Similar to the screw piles method, this underpinning technique uses a patented system of metal pipes that are installed at different depths. These pipes are then joined together, creating a solid concrete foundation. This is a more efficient method of underpinning, and can be installed faster than other methods.

Crawl Space Repair

Just as a strong foundation is essential to the health of an oak tree, the crawl space under your home plays a critical role in the structural integrity of the house above. If left untreated, crawl spaces can be compromised by excessive moisture, pest infestation, wood rot, and even structural failure. Professional assessment and remediation are key to preserving a home’s value and safety.

The best way to protect your crawl space is by encapsulating it. By sealing the space and covering it with a heavy plastic vapor barrier, you’ll be able to prevent groundwater from seeping in and causing moisture problems. Moisture problems are a major cause of mold, wood rot, and other problems that affect the safety and comfort of your home.

Encapsulating your crawl space will also improve your home’s energy efficiency. By preventing groundwater leaks, your home will be more insulated, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This will lower your HVAC costs significantly, saving you money and helping to protect the value of your home.

Another important aspect of crawl space repair is maintaining proper ventilation. Crawl spaces with poor ventilation can develop stagnant pools of water which can attract rodents and other pests. They can also introduce dangerous bacteria into living spaces. These pests and bacteria can contribute to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues and allergies.

Finally, crawl space repair includes repairing or replacing joists and beams that have been damaged by moisture or by pests. Adding support beams where needed and re-enforcing existing ones will ensure the integrity of the structure of your home.

If your crawl space is in need of repair, contact a trusted foundation service provider today. They can perform a thorough inspection using advanced equipment such as digital hygrometers and borescopes to find the source of the problem and recommend the appropriate solution. A quality company will be able to offer a variety of services, including: