A sagging or sinking foundation is often the first sign of structural damage. Cracks in walls or floors and doors or windows that won’t close are other warning signs.

Proper inspections are key to identifying and addressing potential problems. Addressing drainage issues and soil stability can also prevent future foundation damage. Visit Website to learn more.

Underpinning is the process of stabilizing and strengthening a foundation by increasing its depth and/or width. This is most commonly needed when the original foundation footings have become weakened or damaged due to soil settlement. This can happen when the soil underneath a building is no longer suitable for the foundation it was built on – often after an earthquake or flood. It can also occur when a building is adding another story, which requires deeper foundational footings to support the increased load-bearing capacity.

Essentially, underpinning involves digging holes and pouring new concrete underneath the existing foundation footings in order to extend their bearing capacities. This is a very important step in foundation repair, especially when soil conditions are poor and can change rapidly. The best and most accurate way to determine whether underpinning is necessary for your home is to have one of our trained structural engineers visit and perform a foundation inspection.

While there are many methods for repairing foundation problems, underpinning is considered the most long term and durable solution. Other methods such as mudjacking or the use of polyurethane material in a pump truck (slabjacking) are quick fixes and not suitable for long term foundation repair.

The main reason for foundation damage and settling is that the soil beneath the foundation has changed, resulting in the structure moving and becoming unstable. This can be due to changes in the clay content of the soil, large trees nearby, damage caused by plumbing left unrepaired or an earthquake.

Differential settlement is a common problem and underpinning is the most reliable method of correcting it. However, if the issue is slab heave or if the movement of the footings is due to a change in soil moisture conditions, then piers are more appropriate.

Foundation piers come in two types – helical and push piers. Helical piers are like giant screws that twist into the ground, while push piers have a hydraulic pump that drives them into the earth. Both are very effective at lifting a foundation but should be installed by a licensed and experienced professional, particularly in the Dallas area where the clay soil can swell.

Concrete Piers

Whether it’s a crack in the wall or that subtle (but unmistakable) floor slant, foundation problems aren’t exactly “homeowner fun.” Luckily, pier installation is a relatively quick and non-invasive way to stabilize the structure. It’s the ideal solution for many homes and commercial buildings in need of support due to soil conditions that cause shifting or sinking.

Unlike traditional foundation repair methods that require extensive excavation and concrete curing, piers are installed quickly with minimal site disturbance. This allows them to be used in a wide range of applications, from residential home repairs to new construction and infrastructure projects. The type of pier used depends on the soil condition and the structural load of the building.

Concrete piers are made of precast concrete cylinders hydraulically pressed into the ground. This method is a cost-effective option and can be used for most types of foundations, though it may not be as effective for expansive clay soils or in earthquake zones.

Steel piers are the big hitters of foundation repair, offering better performance in expansive and shifting soils. They’re also a more cost-effective option than concrete, with the added benefit of longevity and reduced risk of future movement.

There are several different types of steel piers available, including bell-bottom and segmented piers. Bell-bottom piers have a flared base to increase the load-bearing surface area, making them a good choice for expansive clay soils and seismic areas. Segmented piers are similar to pressed concrete piers, but use individual concrete sections stacked on top of each other.

No matter what kind of pier is selected, it’s important that a qualified and experienced professional performs the installation. This will ensure that the piers are placed at an appropriate depth to reach stable soil, and that they’re installed correctly so that they can support the desired load.

The difference between concrete and steel piers isn’t always black or white, so a combination of muscle and smarts may be needed to determine which solution is best for your property. It all comes down to the nature of your foundation problem, the soil type, and your budget.

Steel Piers

When it comes to repairing foundation damage, property owners face a variety of options for support structures. Concrete piers and steel piers are two common solutions. However, steel piers offer a unique set of benefits that distinguish them from other alternatives. These include enhanced structural strength, stability and cost-effectiveness. In addition, these piers can be adapted for different soil conditions. Choosing the right solution for your home requires consulting with a professional.

A steel pier is a support structure made of steel rods encased in concrete. It serves as a bridge, transferring the weight of your home to the more stable soil or bedrock below. This makes them a perfect solution for expansive clay soils, like those found in Arlington and Fort Worth, as they bypass the shifting surface layers that may otherwise cause issues.

These piers are also an excellent choice for areas with high water tables. In these situations, professionals can use soil injections or ground improvement methods to stabilize the underlying soil, ensuring your piers have a solid base. The helical design of these piers also offers the advantage of being able to be installed in narrow spaces.

If you’re considering a steel pier for your home, it’s important to work with a professional that offers a long warranty. This will ensure that your repair is completed correctly, minimizing the risk of future structural problems. In addition, it’s a good idea to consult with several professionals before making your final decision. Be sure to compare quotes and consider factors such as experience, reputation and warranties.

Compared to their competitors, steel piers are considered a standout option for both residential and commercial foundation repair. This is due to their durability, longevity and minimal environmental impact. They’re also highly resistant to environmental factors such as moisture and soil erosion, which can affect other foundation materials. In addition, they’re often galvanized or otherwise treated to resist corrosion, enhancing their longevity even further. Ultimately, they’re the ideal solution for any homeowner looking to improve their property’s foundation.

Tieback Anchors

Tieback anchors are used to support foundation walls that have been bowed due to excessive force exerted from the ground. This pressure can come from expansive soil, hydrostatic pressure from water that accumulates behind the wall, or a combination of both. Helical tieback anchors help to reduce this pressure and stabilize the bowing wall. They are typically installed from inside your basement, requiring minimal excavation.

This system is a design professional’s and homeowner’s alternative to completely removing and rebuilding your bowed or leaning foundation walls. These systems are commonly found in walkout basements, garages, raised ranches and split-level homes. The primary reason for the need is that these types of structures are often built with foundation walls that are not completely surrounded by dirt on the exterior, which leaves the walls exposed to forces that would not have been present if the wall were fully buried.

These systems consist of hot dipped galvanized vertical rods that are drilled into the soil adjacent to your foundation walls. The rods are then connected to a concrete deadman that is anchored in the ground beneath the wall. The rods transfer the lateral earth pressures to the deadman, reducing the stress that is being transferred to your foundation walls. This type of system can be installed with hand-held equipment, mini-excavators, skid steers or backhoes.

Carbon fiber straps are another solution to consider if you have a bowing or leaning basement wall. These straps are made from a highly durable fabric material called carbon fiber. They are anchored in the ground using hundreds of epoxy rivets and then connected to a steel beam that is attached to your foundation wall. This system helps to stabilize the wall and prevent it from shifting or moving in the future.

Wall plate anchors are another type of system that can be used for retaining wall stabilization and hillside stabilization. These are systems that consist of a steel plate buried in the ground and then connected to the wall via steel rods or cables. The plate anchors are designed to resist the force that causes a wall to move or shift, such as hydrostatic pressure and frost heave. The plates are a cost-effective and efficient way to help stabilize your basement walls.