We use a few different several foundation repair methods. The most effective way to help repair settlement issues is piering, which is also referred to as underpinning and piling. Essentially, these piering methods transfer the weight of your home to more stable soil.
Concrete pressed piles are pre-cast supports that are made entirely of concrete that are then inserted into the ground and underneath your foundation with the assistance of a hydraulic jack. The concrete pier or pile section is usually a concrete cylinder that is six inches in diameter and twelve inches tall. The section is usually pushed into the ground using a cheap bottle jack that uses the weight of the structure as resistance.
For Concrete or steel piers, both the Steel Piers and the Pressed Concrete Piling Method are commonly used for foundation repair. However, if one was to evaluate which method is better than the other, it is clear that the steel pier method is the preferred method for long-term, high-quality foundation repairs. That fact is true whether you’re installing them before construction or decades down the road to correct a sinking foundation. Generally, concrete piers can last 75+ years without issue. Of course, outside factors may cut their lifespan short.
Drilled pier is a deep foundation which is constructed by drilling a large hole. in the soil and subsequently filling it with concrete. One primary issue is the potential for significant damage and subsidence due to a lack of support during deep excavation. This risk can adversely affect adjoining structures during or even long after excavation activities.
Helical piers can lift the foundation back to its original position by pushing it from below without relying on the soil underneath. This is a great way to manage sinking problems and make sure your foundation stays in place. Disadvantages of helical piers- Helical piers don’t handle dense or rocky layers of soil particularly well. Conversely, push piers can penetrate this type of soil with ease. It’s easier to push straight into rocky soil than to torque your way down.
Epoxy Injection is traditionally used to weld cracked concrete back together to restore the structural integrity of the concrete wall. Epoxies are available in very low viscosities that make them ideal for injecting hairline cracks. Disadvantages: More expensive than urethanes. Does not work well on wet surfaces, bond strength is significantly decreased. If foundation is still moving, cracks can reform in epoxy and concrete.
