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Do you want to do your foundation repair? Are you sick and tired of cracked walls, broken doors and windows, sinking floors, and unpleasant odors?
If yes, we’ve got you covered!
If you’re a homeowner who doesn’t like unwanted issues and unexpected problems, repairing the foundation is the right solution for you. No matter how well you take care of your home, there comes a point when you need to do some repairs and fixings.
Your foundation will have issues due to various reasons like lack of waterproofing, external weather, and the use of bad materials. However, you’ll always have the option to repair it and make it the way you want it to be.
So, in this article, we’ll explain to you about repairing the foundation, its type, process, and prevention method.
Let’s get started!
What is Foundation Repair?
In simple words, foundation repair is the process where you can repair the foundation of the building. This process is also known as foundation leveling or house leveling. It is a fixation in the structural base that handles the overall structure of the building.
While repairing a foundation, you need to plan everything from installing the support to fixing things and more. If you don’t do house leveling when required, it may result in safety issues or structural problems in the building.
Repairing the foundation of your building is not an easy task. For this, you need professional suggestions. Foundation repair contractors and structural engineers have the best expertise in this field.
We’d suggest you do regular maintenance of your foundation to prevent damage and maintain the value of your home.
What is the Process to Repair a Foundation?
When you, as a homeowner, find issues with your foundation, you need to take necessary steps to prevent more damage.
If you see interior cracks, bouncing floors, drainage issues, upheaval, etc, that’s the time to consider repairing your foundation.
So, let’s get familiar with the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepping the Job
Your contractors will lay tarps (material to cover your floor and furniture) before beginning the task of repairing the foundation. If you do so, you’ll be able to protect your belongings and deal with less mess.
However, not every contractor will provide you prepping facility. So, we’d suggest you ask whether they provide those services or not. If not, you can contact and move ahead with those contractors who’ll help you with it.
Step 2: Digging Holes Around Foundation
This is the must-have step if you decide to repair the foundation of your house or building. In this step, your contractor will dig the pit or trench around your building’s foundation perimeter.
However, if you need interior piers, they’ll dig holes underneath your house. This process is actually lengthy and time-consuming. Here, the carpet is peeled down on the foundation’s top and concrete slab.
This step is necessary for your house as it allows you to install the piers prior to beginning the task of fixing the foundation.
Step 3: Lifting the Foundation
When your house is settled, hollow, or needs a little bit of raise, that is when your foundation is lifted. By this, you can bring your house to its original or desired level.
Your foundation is lifted very gradually to make sure that the movement doesn’t damage anything. It is done in very small amounts in order to prevent the sudden moves of lifting.
You can do both interior and exterior piers, as per your choice. However, if you decide to do the interior piers, you need to allow workers to come inside your house to make changes.
Step 4: Covering Holes
Your contractor will remove soil from the dug part to keep steel or concrete piers. However, after they complete the lifting task, the holes are filled with the soil again.
It is really necessary to cover holes around your house as it saves your house from rain and water.
Check if the soil level is foundation level or not because this is the right way to be. At the same time, the soil level should not be too excessive.
It will take around a year or two until the soil of your foundation repair is naturally compressed.
Step 5: Cleanup Around the Foundation
After your contractor finishes the foundation repair task, they’ll remove all the debris and tarps. Then, the task is almost complete. If there is any dirt that goes inside your interior, you can clean that, too.
Step 6: Monitoring and Recheck
A lot of people call the foundation leveling task off after they clean things up. However, we’d suggest you not to do so!
In the span of two to three weeks, you’ll get to know if the changes made are working well or not. In simple words, you’ll be able to monitor. If things are right, it’s perfect! If it’s not, consult with your contractor about the existing issues.
Things to Check After House Leveling
Even after you’re done with the house-leveling task, there are a few things you can do afterward.
Here, we’ve listed down the top five things you should check after your house leveling!
Flooring and Roof: You should check your floor and see if there are any cracks or not. Similarly, check out the roof line and see if there’s any damage.
Exterior Walls: You should check if there are any cracks in the exterior walls. We’d suggest you check around the door and windows especially.
Plumbing: You should examine fixtures and fittings in plumbing and find out if there are any leaks or not.
Door and Window: We’d suggest you check if your window and door will open and close down smoothly or not.
Inspection by Professionals: No matter how smart we are, we’ll never have better knowledge than experts or professionals. So, if you want a specialist viewpoint, we’d suggest you hire one!
Conclusion
If you want to do foundation repair, it's better to search and find contractors that will provide you with the services you’re looking for. Not only that, look at their services, pricing, and facilities, then choose the one you like the most.
A lot of companies also provide free inspection services. So, before repairing of your foundation, it’s better to let the professional do their inspections.
We hope this article helped you have a better understanding of house leveling, its process, and things to change afterward.
Wish you all the best for your foundation repairing journey!
