Foundation is an essential part of all construction. It plays a significant role in providing stability and strength to any home or building. While constructing any building, a precise calculation is done to determine the dimensions and type of foundation.
However, after a certain time period, the foundation may need repair. Various factors may cause deterioration of the foundation over the years. Multiple factors, such as poor soil conditions, water leakage in underground pipes, spreading of tree roots, and many other variables may cause damage to the foundation. This damage may weaken the foundation and thus cannot be ignored. Once any damage is detected, it should be a priority to get the foundation repaired as soon as possible.
Generally, it may take 3-4 days to repair the foundation damage of a house. However, the exact effort and time estimate can only be made after examining the damage. Once the damage is detected in the foundation, the following factors are considered while determining the time required for the repair.
A) The extent of the foundation damage on your slab or pier and beam foundation. The primary factor considered in determining the time required for repair is the extent of foundation damage. Whether the foundation is of a slab, pier, or beam type, it is essential to determine the extent of the damage. Repairing a Slab foundation is more time consuming as compared to piers and beam foundation.
B) The size of the foundation to be repaired. Depending on the severity of the damage, the size of the foundation to be fixed is determined. The time of repair thus depends on the size or area of foundation to be repaired.
C) The number of foundation piers that must be installedIn some cases, the repair may include the installation of piers. Therefore, the determination of total time and effort depends on the time it takes for several piers to be installed.
D) The type of piers being installed. In addition to the number of piers, one should also consider the type of piers to be installed. There are majorly two types of piers – Steel pier and Helical Pier. The installation process is different for both of them. Steel piers or push piers are installed hydraulically, whereas helical piers are mechanically screwed into the ground. Helical piers are screwed deeper than steel piers.
E) Whether you’re installing interior piers or exterior piers. In addition to the type of piers, the place of their installation also determines the time required for the foundation repair. Installing interior piers takes more time and effort as compared to exterior piers.
Does It Take Longer To Repair A Slab Foundation Or A Pier And Beam Foundation?
Yes, it is a more time consuming and expensive to install and repair a slab foundation as compared to pier or beam foundation. And, if there are some plumbing issues in the slab foundation, then it may take even longer since it becomes challenging to repair plumbing issues in slab foundations.
How to identify foundation issues?
You should start with a crawl space in order to identify these issues. You may find a musty odor and notice some foundation cracks; crawl space odor is just one of many warning signs. Excess moisture always invites mold, insects, and bugs. You should examine every area and inspect it carefully. Every layout comes with the latest social features built in. Readers can easily share posts on social networks like Facebook and Twitter and view how many people have liked a post, made comments and more.
1. A wet or leaky basement and Bugs in the basement:
Basement moisture can cause many issues, including mold growth, musty smells, uneven floors, and sagging. Finding bugs like pill bugs, centipedes, earwigs, silverfish, roaches, carpenter ants, are also some warning signs. These bugs usually enter through cracks in the foundation.
2. Sagging Floors:
Sagging and warped floors can be associated with such issues. Inadequate foundation waterproofing, humidity, and many other things can cause floor problems.
3. Cracked Walls:
Professionals can fix bowling and cracks in walls. Crooked door issues can be developing in your house when the foundation settles. Wall issues, flooring, and crooked doors may happen due to moisture issues as well.
4. Cracked Chimney:
Expanding soil and poor exterior drainage can cause the foundation to crack/settle which can result in a broken chimney.
Apart from that, standing water under your house can be the sign of foundation damage. Rainwater should be diverted away via the drainage system, gutters, and more. Foundation issues may arise due to improper drainage systems that let water collect under the house.
Improper Drainage:
Water pooling near the basement or home foundation can lead to foundation damage. It can cause leaky and damp basement and damaged/clogged gutters too.
Water Leaks:Â
Slab foundation conceals water pipes and sewer lines. The slab can deteriorate when a leak develops. Such an issue can cause a moist area on interior floors. A slab leak is hard to notice, so you need to take better care of it.
Large Trees:Â
Large Trees can also be the reason as intruding roots can put pressure on a foundation and make the situation even worse.
The damage can be of different types depending on the type of foundation and the cause of damage.
There are majorly three types of foundations:* Slab* Pier* Beam. The type of foundation to be implemented is decided based on the buildings’ architecture, soil and land conditions and various other factors.
If you are facing any foundational issues, then this is the right time to contact us. You should always try to hire certified and skilled professionals to manage such issues. When it comes to your home, it’s important to invest your money in the right company that can provide you with affordable and effective solutions for house or business foundation repair services.