The Impact of Soil Conditions on Foundations

Are you planning to build a new home, or add an extension to your existing property? If yes, then you must understand the importance of soil conditions. The soil on which your foundation will be built is a deciding factor of the longevity of your property. Soil conditions significantly impact foundations, and ignoring this can lead to costly consequences. Understanding soil conditions is crucial for home owners to make informed decisions about their property investments.

Soil Type

The type of soil on which your foundation is built plays an important role in determining the strength and stability of the foundation. The properties of soil types such as clay, sand, and rock differ significantly. These differences can have a profound impact on the foundation of your property. For example, if your property is built on clay soil, then it can cause foundation problems such as structural damage, cracking of walls, or uneven floors.

Moisture Content

The moisture content of soil also has a severe impact on foundations. Moisture can make the soil expand, and when it contracts, it can lead to foundation shifts or cracks. The moisture level of the soil can vary depending on climate conditions. If your property is situated in an area where there is heavy rainfall or flooding, then it is important to take steps to prevent water damage from reaching your foundation.

Depth of Soil 

The depth of the soil on which your foundation is built also affects its strength and stability. Generally, the deeper the soil, the stronger the foundation. However, in some cases, deep soil can be unstable, which can lead to foundation problems. The depth of the soil must be checked before starting any construction work to ensure it’s strong enough to hold the foundation.

Soil Compaction

Soil compaction plays a crucial role in ensuring that the foundation of your property is strong and durable. Compaction is the process of compressing the soil before constructing a foundation. Compacted soil provides a stable base for the foundation. Without proper soil compaction, the foundation can shift or crack over time.

Drainage

Drainage is another crucial factor that affects the foundation of your property. Improper drainage can lead to soil erosion, making the soil beneath your foundation unstable. Poor drainage can also cause water to collect around the foundation, leading to water damage. A proper drainage system is essential to protect your foundation from water-related damage. You can learn more information about how poor drainage can cause foundation damage by talking to a professional. 

Soil conditions play a significant role in the longevity, strength, and durability of a property's foundation. As a homeowner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of soil conditions before starting any construction work. Checking the soil type, moisture content, depth of soil, soil compaction, and drainage can help ensure a strong foundation for your property. Ignoring these factors can lead to costly consequences, including structural damage and foundation issues. Taking preventative measures and having a solid plan can help homeowners protect their investment and ensure the longevity of their property.

Tips To Avoid Needing Foundation Repair and Keep Your Home Strong

Your home's foundation is the backbone of your building, and it's crucial to maintain its structural integrity. Foundation cracks, shifting, and settling can all lead to significant damage that will cost you hefty sums in repair bills. Staying on top of your foundation's upkeep is essential to ensure your home remains safe and structurally sound.

As a homeowner, you should know that foundation repair can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. However, several steps can be taken to prevent foundation problems from arising in the first place. In this article, we'll share essential tips that will help you avoid needing foundation repair and keep your home strong.

Manage Your Home's Water

Water is a significant culprit when it comes to foundation problems. Water can cause foundation slippage or compromise your home's foundation strength if not adequately managed. To avoid this problem, ensure your gutters are clear and free-flowing, and avoid accumulating water around your foundation by ensuring water is drained away from your structure. Furthermore, keep your lawn well-watered to prevent soil from drying out and contracting. It's also essential to keep your garden beds and trees a fair distance away from your home's foundation. Overgrown roots can suck up moisture from the soil, leading to foundation problems.

Keep Your Foundation Moisture-Free

Moisture can penetrate your foundation walls and weaken them over time. Ensure that your foundation is appropriately sealed and insulated to prevent moisture from seeping in. Furthermore, grading is another way to keep your foundation moisture-free. Grade your lawn to create a slope away from your foundation. This slope causes excess water to move away from your house, keeping it safe from water damage.

Maintain Your Plumbing

Plumbing leaks are an often-overlooked cause of foundation problems. Leaks can result in soil erosion, which can compromise your foundation's structural integrity. As a homeowner, ensure that you fix any plumbing leaks as soon as you notice them. If you're unsure how to handle plumbing leakage, hire a professional plumber to get the job done right. It's also crucial to avoid DIY plumbing projects that may result in costly damage.

Regular Inspections

Routine home inspections are a great way to detect foundation problems early on. Schedule a professional inspection by an experienced foundation repair team, and let them thoroughly inspect your home. Ensure regular visual inspections of your home's exterior, paying keen attention to cracks and gaps. If you spot any signs of foundation damage, act promptly to rectify the problem before it worsens.

Professional Foundation Maintenance

Working with an experienced foundation repair team is essential when dealing with all things foundation. A professional team can inspect your foundation, perform repairs when needed, and provide maintenance services to keep your foundation in top shape. You must work with a reputable and experienced team with an excellent track record of success.

Your home's foundation is an essential component of your home, and it's crucial to take care of it. By following these essential tips, you can avoid needing foundation repair and keep your home's foundation strong. Keep your home free of standing water, keep the foundation moisture-free, maintain your plumbing, regularly inspect your home, and work with a professional foundation repair team. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and keeping your home safe should always be your top priority.

Foundation Repair: Problem Analysis, Repair Methods, and Cost

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

The foundation of your building is what keeps the entire structure in place. Any defect in your foundation can result in a devastating problem later if not taken care of immediately. The unaddressed foundation repair problems can later give rise to massive fractures in basement walls, mold formation, and insect infestation, among other severe structural damages. Therefore, disregarding foundation repair is certainly not a good idea if you want an easy and early escape from this problem. This comprehensive guide on foundation problems will help you get to the roots of the problem and deal with it better. 

Common Signs of Foundation Problems

Foundations are susceptible to various kinds of problems, and each one comes with different warning signs. Detecting the signs of damage on foundations can be tricky sometimes because they may appear in subtler forms, such as small cracks in foundation walls. However, some damage signs are more prominent in most buildings. Knowing these warning signs can help you diagnose the problem in your foundation and call for help at the right time. Here are some of the common signs of foundation problems:

1. Stuck Doors and Windows

Foundation damage can affect the level of your house, causing it to sink or slope towards one side. If this happens, the compression in the walls will disorient the doors and windows to some degree. Then, you may notice that the disoriented doors and windows do not open and close properly and get jammed. 

2. Bouncy or Uneven Floors

Damage in the foundation can be detected as uneven or bouncy floors in your house. If you notice bouncy floor sections while walking and notice slopes forming on the floors, it can be a sign of foundation damage. This damage generally happens because of damage to the structural floor beams in your foundation. 

3. Cracks in Exterior and Interior Walls

Cracks in the walls may not always be because of foundation issues, but there are some possibilities for it. Signs such as horizontal or diagonal cracks and bowing or crumbling of interior walls may suggest there could be damage to the foundation. It can happen because of plumbing leaks in the foundation.

4. Cabinets Sticking Out of the Walls

As the floors and walls start losing level, the effect can appear in the cabinets attached to the walls. The problem with the cabinets might not be easily noticeable, but they may appear displaced by a little bit or may appear to be sticking out of the walls.  

5. Smell of Mold

Cracks in foundations can cause water leaks. The water leaks then increase the humidity in the foundation, which becomes a perfect condition for mold formation. If you detect the smell of mold in your house, it could be that of the mold in the foundation. Checking the basement for signs of mold can be a strong indicator if the foundation has mold issues.

6. Ground Sinking Around the House

You can try walking around the outer edges of your house. As you walk around the house, observe the level of the ground. If you notice any portion of the ground near the edges of the house sinking, this can be because of a damaged foundation. Such damage can happen because of drainage problems or water leakage in the foundation.

7. Cracks in Tile Floors

One of the best indicators of foundation damage is cracks in tiles on the floors. The sagging of floors or walls because of foundation weakening can crack the floor tiles. If this happens in your house, there is a high possibility that the cracks are due to a problem in the foundation. 

8. Warped Siding

Another probable indicator of foundation damage is warping on the sidings of your house. The warped siding will have gaps between the joints of the sidings. If the foundation of your house is unevenly shifting, it may cause the siding to warp or break. 

Foundation Repair Methods 

The foundation problems of your house are completely fixable. Whether the foundation issues are due to water leakage, soil erosion, sinkhole formation, or improper construction, there are methods to fix them all. The below-mentioned foundation repair methods will shed light on the most common solutions used widely in revamping damaged foundations.

1. Slab Jacking

The best way to tackle foundation damage due to soil erosion is slab jacking, which brings the structure back to its original level. Slab jacking is performed by drilling a hole into the foundation slab and shooting the concrete mixture or polyurethane foam into the eroded section. Besides the foundation, this fix is also used for leveling sidewalks and driveways. 

2. Cracks Sealing  

The cracks in the foundation can often be fixed by minor repair methods such as crack sealing. This method helps you seal the cracks, preventing the cracks from expanding further. It is a simple process that is done by injecting foam or sealant into the cracks. The crack sealing method is also used for the newly built foundations to prevent water infiltration.

3. Shimming

Shimming is used as a remedy for foundation damages as a result of eroding or shifting soil. The purpose of this foundation repair method is to secure the gaps formed between the structure of the building and its foundation with steel shims. Once the gaps are filled using steel shims, the foundation regains its stability. 

4. Helical Piers

If the foundation is compromised because of unstable soil, helical piers can act as a long-term solution for it. This method uses helical-shaped steel posts that are drilled into the ground until they reach compact soil good enough to support the foundation load. The helical piers drilled into the foundation act as incredible support components for the structure.

5. Steel Piers

Steel piers are one of the best foundation repair methods with long-lasting stabilization of the foundation. It utilizes galvanized posts made of steel, which are drilled into the ground underneath the foundation. After proper installation of these piers in your foundation, they should be able to provide sufficient support to the entire structure.

6. Concrete Piers

The concrete piers method falls under a low-cost solution for your foundation damage. It is often used for sagging foundations due to soil problems. Concrete piers involve hole-digging beneath the foundation, which is later filled with concrete mixture. The injected concrete is allowed to cure before it is attached to the home. 

7. Concrete Piles

The concrete piles method is the process of installing pre-cured concrete blocks under the foundation. The blocks may vary in size, from a few inches thick to a few feet thick, depending upon the requirement of the foundation. This method can sometimes be used as an alternative to steel piers but mainly relies on the necessity of your foundation.

How Much Does the Foundation Repair Cost?

As per the recent data, the cost requirement for repairing the foundation damages of your house may range from $2,500 to $8,500 on average. Depending upon the severity of the damage, the cost may start approximately from $200 for minimal repair to $52,000 for complex repair work. Most importantly, the actual cost of foundation repair is determined by various aspects, including labor, material, type of damage, and repair method.

Cost of Repairing Foundation by Type of Damage

Understanding the type of damage in your foundation can help you navigate through the cost range more effectively. Here is a general cost estimation for various types of foundation damages:

Type of Foundation Damages

Average Cost Estimation

Foundation cracks

$35 to $1,000

Bowing walls 

$4,300 to $13,000

Sinking foundation

$5,300 to $17,000

Foundation leakage

$2,000 to $7,300

Cost by Type of Foundation Repair

Different types of foundation damage require different types of repair methods. Each method utilizes different repair processes, hence affecting the repair cost. You can check out the table below to analyze the cost of fixing your foundation. 

Type of Foundation Repair

Average Cost Estimation

Concrete slab repair

$1,200 to $4,000

Reinforced concrete jacketing

$4,300 to $13,000

Mud jacking

$7,100 to $48,000

Piering

$12,000 to $52,000

Additional Cost Contributions

Several other factors also contribute to the overall cost of foundation repair, which are listed below. Learning about these contributors will help you break down the cost requirement more effectively.

Additional Cost Contributors

Average Cost Estimation

Labor

$45 to $200 per hour

Materials

$35 to $10,000 or more

Severity of damage

$1,300 to $5,600

Foundation inspection

$300 to $3,000

Common Queries about Foundation Repair

The above section covers most of the elaborative details on how to repair the foundation of your building. However, there are more queries regarding the repair often asked by homeowners. Here, we present you some of the pressing concerns that might help you understand more about foundation damage and its repair. 

What happens if your foundation is damaged?

Foundation damage is detected when the base of your house is cracking, shifting, or sinking due to various reasons. As the entire stability of your house depends on the foundation of the building, foundation damage left unattended for a prolonged time can cause the following consequences: 

• Structural damage: It appears as cracks in walls, uneven floors, and malfunctioning doors and windows.

• Costly repair: As time passes, the severity of the foundation damages keeps on increasing, causing a rise in repair costs later on.

• Decreases the value of property: No house buyers would want to invest a large sum of money in a house with compromised stability. Foundation damages directly affect the stability and safety of the house, which in turn reduces the valuation of the property. 

• Pest infestation: When your house has cracks in its foundation, it is easier for pests to enter your house through the cracks. Additionally, the risk of water leakage can make your foundation a favourable place for pest infestation. 

• Compromised safety: The structural damages due to the weak foundation put your house at risk of collapse. 

Are foundation cracks normal?

Not all cracks in the foundation are signs of damage. Some small cracks along the foundation wall can appear as a result of the curing process. When the foundation concrete is drying out during the settlement process, there are bound to be some minor cracks, which is pretty normal. You don’t have to repair such minor cracks. But, if the cracks are noticeably larger and there are water leakages, it needs immediate repair. 

How long will the foundation repair take?

A general timeline for repairing cracks in the foundation of your building may be 2 to 3 days. But, it mainly depends on the severity of foundation damages. Also, if the repair work involves a more complicated process, repairing may require longer than 3 days. So, depending on the nature of the damage and the process involved, the repair can take anywhere between 2 days to a few weeks duration.

Can foundation problems be fixed permanently?

Yes, some foundation problems may permanently fix the issue. However, the permanence of foundation repair only applies to a few methods, while others offer short-term solutions. Some of the permanent repair solutions are:

• Steel Piers

• Concrete Piles

• Helical Piers

• Concrete Piers

Some common foundation repairing methods that offer short-term solutions are:

• Slab Jacking 

• Sealing Cracks

• Shimming

Although there are a few permanent repair methods, it cannot be said that no problem will ever appear in your foundation once it is fixed. As foundations carry on the weight of your entire house, damages are likely to happen over the years. But, one way to reduce the risk of damage and enhance the longevity of your foundation is with regular inspection and maintenance, i.e., at least twice a year. 

What type of foundation repair is best?

There are several methods for repairing your foundation damages. But, which method to use mainly depends on the type of damage. There is no one fix for all foundation problems, but some of the commonly used repair methods are:

1. Concrete piers: Offers bearing support to the foundation.

2. Concrete piles: This method works by providing friction support to the foundation. 

3. Steel piers: Used to support structure on soft or unstable ground.

4. Helical piers: Deep foundation solution that uses helices-shaped steel rods.

5. Sealing cracks: Helps repair water infiltration into the foundation.

6. Shimming: Uses shims to enhance foundation support and alignment. 

7. Slab jacking: Helps level the foundation by injecting mud through drilled holes leading under the slab.

Can water damage my foundation?

Yes, water can damage the foundation of your house. But water does not weaken the foundation overnight. The damage from water is a slow process. Initially, the water easily penetrates through small cracks in your foundation and gradually causes the cracks to weaken further. As the moisture begins to destroy the foundation over several months or years, the damage begins to appear as leaning walls or uneven floors, along with mold formation.  

Ending Note

The foundation is the essential structure of your house and must be inspected regularly. Any damage to your foundation can jeopardize the stability of the building, risking the safety of the people living in it. If you notice any signs of damage, as illustrated above, make sure to contact a professional immediately. Delaying the foundation repair not only increases the damage over time but also increases the repair costs. So, make the right move before it’s too late! 

What is Foundation Repair? (Definition, Type, Process, and Prevention)

We partnered with a home improvement company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it.

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!