Know The Basics About House Leveling

Sticking doors and creaking floors may be indications that your home’s foundation has problems. Those problems could range from a damaged slab to one that is sagging or structurally weak. While the foundation is just a concrete base, it also plays an important role in the building’s envelope. Along with that, it provides support for all of the structural elements and protects those within the home. If you are dealing with a damaged foundation slab or need other major renovations performed on your home, it is essential to understand the basics of house leveling.  Consider the following services provided by foundation contractors:

• The Installation of House Leveling Supports
  One of the basic services that foundation contractors provide is the installation of metal or concrete supports. The foundation design of every property is unique, so a contractor will examine the structure to come up with the simplest and most effective plan possible. When repairing the slab, supports may be driven into the ground to help support the weight of the building. Additionally, supports may be installed in a crawl space at ground level or under the home using other methods. The focus of any house-leveling project is the support of the structure’s weight.
• The Replacement of Rotten Wood
  Wooden joists may be used to support some of your home’s weight across the foundation. Failure of those joists can result in the structure placing uneven stress on the foundation. The slab may disintegrate as the weight of the house exerts downward pressure. The foundation contractor will have to replace the decayed wood wherever possible as a means of balancing the building’s weight. The slab will be repaired to strengthen the supports as much as possible.
• Jacking and Shimming
  While the leveling strategies will differ depending on the structure, jacking and is an effective solution for many homes. This strategy involves raising a part of the slab and inserting strong shims in certain locations. This is done in much the same way that you would level a refrigerator or dishwasher. By using shims, it is possible to make the area that the home rests on level. Prior to deciding on a particular repair solution, a foundation contractor must carefully evaluate the home. Shimming may only be temporarily effective in locations here the ground tends to shift due to poor soil quality.
• Reduce the Potential for Shifting
  Leveling a house will not be a permanent solution unless the house is properly maintained. Once the slab has been repaired, care should be taken to keep standing water and components of the irrigation system away from the home. When the ground under the home becomes saturated, this will make it more likely to shift and can cause the house to become structurally unstable.

No matter where a home is located, its foundation can decay given enough time. As soon as a homeowner notices strange cracking or other issues with the structure, they should contact a professional to inspect the site. Discovering foundation problems early on can keep the cost of leveling the house low by limiting the extent of the damage.

Given that your foundation is such an integral part of your home, you cannot afford to let just any company work on it. ESGO has experience dealing with different types of foundation problems and house leveling. Contact us immediately to learn what we can do for you!