If you notice foundation cracks or other signs of a failing foundation, it’s important to get in touch with a local contractor right away.
But, not all Plano Foundation Repair methods are created equal. Read on to learn about the different options or repairing your home’s foundation.
Epoxy injections are a cost-effective repair method that can effectively seal cracks in concrete. It involves injecting a high-strength, low-viscosity epoxy resin into the crack to fill it and bond it together. This provides a strong and durable repair that is load-bearing and moisture resistant. This is a great solution for non-structural cracks, such as those less than a coin’s width, that don’t compromise the foundation’s structural integrity. In contrast, structural cracks may need to be repaired using other techniques like slab jacking or permeation grouting in conjunction with epoxy injections.
Typically, an expert will assess the crack’s depth and movement to determine whether it’s suitable for epoxy injection. They will also use professional equipment and materials that are not available in retail stores to ensure a quality repair that is long-lasting.
Preparing the Crack for Injection
Start by cleaning the crack and surrounding surface. This will prepare it for the paste-over, as well as help the epoxy adhere to sound concrete. The surface should be brushed with a wire brush to remove any dust, oil, or other debris that could prevent the epoxy from adhering to the crack. If water is seeping from the crack, it must be stopped before attempting to fill it with epoxy.
Next, install the injection ports along the crack at regular intervals. These are plastic tubes that serve as entry points for the epoxy. Use the instructions that come with the injection kit to ensure proper port placement and positioning. Once the epoxy has been injected into each port, plug it with a cap. This will keep out dirt and other debris, and also allow for more epoxy to be injected at a later time if necessary.
Mix the epoxy resin according to the product’s instructions. Once it’s ready, apply the paste-over to the crack and injection ports. This improves the adhesion of the epoxy and prevents water from entering the crack. Allow the epoxy to cure, which usually takes 24-72 hours.
Once the epoxy has cured, it’s time to address the structural issues that caused the crack to form in the first place. This is where helical piles, permeation grouting, and slab jacking become more appropriate solutions than epoxy injections alone.
Polyurethane Foam Jacking
Foam jacking uses a high-density polyurethane foam to lift sunken concrete slabs. It is a less invasive method than mudjacking. Technicians inject the foam into a hole underneath the concrete slab, and it expands to fill the voids. This helps raise the concrete slab and reduce structural damage. This technique is suitable for both residential and commercial properties, including historical structures. The minimally invasive construction process keeps repair costs low and minimizes disruption.
While some settling is normal, excessive settling causes foundation problems that can impact the entire building structure. Unstable soil conditions, underground pipe leaks, and voids under the concrete can cause sinking and sagging. If left untreated, the sagging can lead to misaligned doors and windows, uneven floors, and cracks in interior and exterior walls. Foundation lifting with polyurethane foam can help prevent the further degradation of your foundation and protect the value of your home or business.
With polyurethane foam jacking, technicians drill small holes into the concrete to inject the foam mixture. This allows them to reach hard-to-reach areas and minimizes disruption to the surrounding area. Additionally, it takes significantly less time to cure compared to the mud slurry mixture used in mudjacking. This means you can use the concrete sooner.
Polyurethane foam is also a more environmentally responsible option than mudjacking. It doesn’t retain moisture or pollute the environment, and it has a greater load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the injected foam can be tailored to your specific needs by controlling the rate of expansion and its final density. This ensures a precise and efficient solution for your concrete lifting needs.
The injection method also makes it possible to repair smaller cracks in the foundation without removing and replacing the entire slab. This is particularly useful for older homes and buildings with deteriorating concrete. The foam is also insulating, and can save you money on your energy bills. For these reasons, polyurethane foam jacking is an ideal solution for restoring your foundation and preventing further damage to the property. This method is safe for both residential and commercial structures, and it can be performed on a variety of surfaces.
Underpinning
If your home exhibits foundation problems such as drywall cracks or sinking, it may be a sign that the soil underneath is shifting. This problem, known as underpinning, can happen when the foundation was not built to withstand the current soil conditions or it may be caused by a flood, earthquake, or other natural disaster that weakened the existing foundation. Underpinning is a major repair project, but it can be accomplished using a variety of techniques that extend the depth of the existing foundation and redistribute the weight load over a wider area.
The most common method of underpinning involves driving long steel piers into the soil beneath your home. These piers transfer the weight of your home to stronger, more stable soil. This technique is effective at stopping settlement, strengthening your foundation, and increasing the value of your home.
Underpinning is also an excellent solution for a slope that has failed, or is failing. This can occur slowly, with a gradual slope failure known as creep, or suddenly, as a landslide. A professional can determine if your slope needs underpinning to stop the movement and restore the integrity of the slope.
Another type of underpinning uses helical piers that are driven into the ground in much the same way as push piers. These piers are then rotated until they reach a load-bearing stratum. These piers are very strong and can be used to stabilize a foundation in both dry and wet soils.
Differential settlement is a serious issue that can cause severe damage to a foundation. If you notice that one side of your house is sinking or uneven, have a foundation expert take a look at your home. Signs of differential settlement include stair-step drywall cracks, leaning chimneys, and doors or windows that no longer open or close correctly. The experts at Grace can help you determine if your home requires underpinning. Call us to schedule a free Home Checkup. It’s the best way to keep your home safe and sound for years to come.
Steel Piers
Steel piers are a cornerstone of modern foundation repair techniques. Typically made from either helical or push piers, these structural elements are driven deep into the ground to support and stabilize shifting or settling structures. Their strength and durability make them ideal for residential and commercial buildings. Unlike concrete-based solutions, these piers are able to reach stable soil and bedrock layers, ensuring long-term stability.
These piers are made of high-quality tubular steel, with some designs being galvanized to resist corrosion in wet environments. This process adds a protective layer of molten zinc to the surface, shielding the steel against moisture and mineral deposits. Galvanization also reduces the corrosive effects of acid rain and soil on the pier’s structural integrity. These coatings are also useful in protecting the piers from damage by insects, fungi, and other organisms.
Whether installed before construction or decades later to correct sinking foundation issues, these piers provide structural stability and long-term peace of mind for homeowners and business owners alike. Their low maintenance and long lifespan also contributes to their popularity.
In contrast to other foundation repair methods, this system features an interlocking design that makes them highly effective for stabilizing and lifting sagging structures. Each pier locks securely into the next, creating a solid, reinforced support column. As such, this technique is particularly well-suited for repairing sagging basement walls and uneven floors. Unlike concrete piers, these steel piers are designed to last for decades and even longer with routine inspections and maintenance.
The installation of steel piers is also relatively quick and simple. The work crew digs holes in the foundation at strategic locations. Then, hydraulic jacks are used to slowly and carefully raise the structure’s interior floor levels back to their original position. The field superintendent oversees this process to ensure that the lift is done in a way that does not put undue stress on the foundation.
Steel piers are an effective solution for fixing many common foundation issues. In addition to addressing sinking or shifting foundations, they can also stabilize structures that are experiencing horizontal or diagonal cracks in walls and floors. These cracks are often signs of structural movement that can worsen over time without proper support. Steel piers can also help to level sloping or uneven floors and improve the aesthetic of a building.