Articles - Foundation
What Is a Slab-On-Grade Foundation?
A slab-on-grade foundation—also known as a floating slab foundation—is a structural engineering practice in which the concrete slab that will serve as the foundation for a building or other structure is formed from a mold that is set into the ground. The concrete is then poured directly into the mold, leaving no space between the ground and the structure. This ...
Can You Jack Up a House to Fix the Foundation?
Are you considering jacking up your house to try to fix foundation problems or to prop up a sagging floor? Remember that scene from The Wizard of Oz? The one where the witch’s legs are sticking out from underneath the house? Is that the fate you want to suffer? All kidding aside, jacking up your house — or for that ...
What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?
As water builds up in the ground, it exerts pressure on the soil structures, which in turn push against adjacent objects such as home foundations. This force is known as hydrostatic pressure and it is often problematic for homeowners because if the pressure is strong enough, it can cause foundation walls to crack, bow, or even collapse. Water weighs about ...
Is Pressure Grouting Permanent?
Foundation problems usually manifest themselves through a set of common symptoms: uneven or sunken floors, sticking doors or windows caused by uneven frames, and cracks that bisect walls and foundations. While initially only irritating and unsightly, these symptoms can develop into safety hazards or cause other issues, like water damage or insect infestations, to cascade. Pressure grouting, also known as ...
Does Foundation Repair Add Value to a Home?
Discovering foundation damage in a house can cause any homeowner’s stomach to drop. Unlike more superficial problems, foundation damage can negatively impact a home’s structure, resulting in a host of issues that can affect everything from roofing to windows. However, foundation damage doesn’t usually lend itself to an easy fix, which leaves homeowners in a dilemma. Will investing in foundation ...
Carbon Fiber Support vs. Poly Lift System
When researching repair techniques for damaged foundations, many homeowners feel overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of options. Understanding different approaches to foundation repair can help homeowners decide which method best suits their situation. When considering two popular options ─ carbon fiber support vs. poly lift system ─ it’s important to understand how each technique addresses specific types of problems. Carbon ...
How Long Does it Take to Repair a Foundation?
There are a number of different ways to repair a foundation, depending on the extent of the damage and the condition of the soil structures that the home sits atop. Generally speaking, most residential foundation repair projects can be completed in as little as two to three days. However, there are some variables which may cause a job to take ...
What Is a Mid-Span Support Post?
A mid-span support post, also known as a crawlspace stabilizer, is a mechanism used to support sagging floor joists. As the foundation of a building settles, the concrete support columns in the basement or crawlspace often sink a little bit. Even if it’s only an inch or so, this is enough for the floor joists that they support to also ...
Can You Repair Foundation Cracks Yourself?
Your foundation literally supports the weight of your entire home, so it’s important to make sure it is structurally sound. Many home foundations develop cracks over time, and this is often nothing to worry about — it’s just a result of a natural process called settling. However, just because the cracks in your foundation aren’t indicative of a serious problem, ...
What is a Poly Lift System?
A poly lift system is a method of foundation repair in which polyurethane foam is injected into the ground beneath a foundation to raise it back up to a level position. In recent years, poly lift systems have become more popular because they are relatively cost-effective and can be performed more quickly than other methods of foundation repair such as ...
