There are very few things that will make a homeowner more nervous than a loose foundation. Foundation repair is not an easy thing to undertake. One of the most important aspects of any foundation repair is an accurate diagnosis of the problem. It's very important to get this right. There are several different types of problems that could cause your home to settle or sink unevenly into the ground. These can include things like inadequate support around a house, settling soil, and the foundation itself, groundwater, or even poor building practices during original construction.
Identifying the Foundation Problems
Before you can fix a home's concrete foundation, you need to know what's causing the problem. Foundation problems can be caused by several different factors, including:
- Foundation cracks and movement
- Water damage
- Dry rot and mold growth
- Water intrusion into homes
- The use of poor building materials
These are some foundation issues that you will need to identify before they can be fixed.
DIY Foundation Repair
A foundation problem could be as simple as a crack in the concrete or as complex as movement that has caused damage to walls, floors, and ceilings. For some of the minor problems, there are DIY solutions that you might want to try. These can be sealants to repair leaks or special fillers to repair cracks. If the problem is more than a crack or a leak, you might want to call for professional help with repairs.
Repairing Foundation Cracks and Leaks
If you have a crack in your foundation or if there is water leakage near your home's exterior walls, there are several ways that you can repair these issues. The first thing that you should do is contact a professional who can provide an evaluation of the problem and come up with a solution. You should ask them about any possible solutions that they offer and how long it would take to complete the job once they begin working on it.
Foundation Piering
Foundation piering is the process of strengthening a home's foundation by inserting metal piers into the ground. The piers are usually made of steel or plastic and are installed in holes that are drilled into the soil.
The purpose of foundation piering is to stabilize your home's foundation and prevent it from sinking or shifting. This will help prevent cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as other structural damage that could be caused by shifting foundations.
Having a solid foundation is vital for any home, and foundation repair can be a complicated and involved process.
