Foundation Repair Greensboro NC is a necessary step to stabilizing your home or business. While cheaper methods like poly foam and slabjacking might mask the problem, they can fail to offer lasting results.

A reliable foundation contractor will identify the areas that need support and use a variety of methods to fix them. Steel piers are effective for their corrosion resistance and ease of installation, while concrete pilings provide sturdy support through hydraulic jacks.

Foundation underpinning is a structural repair method that adds support beneath the existing foundation of a home or building. It’s usually needed when the soil underneath isn’t strong enough to hold the structure, whether due to shifting of the earth, poor initial construction, or wear and tear over time. Underpinning prevents further movement and keeps your building safe, sound, and stable.

There are several different types of underpinning methods, depending on the severity of your damage and the soil conditions. Helical pier underpinning is an excellent choice for homes and businesses, as it’s effective in all types of soil and can be installed quickly and with minimal disturbance to the site.

Chemical underpinning is another great option for foundation repair. In this method, expansive structural resin is injected under the foundation footings. The resin fills any voids, improves the soil’s bearing capacity, and then lifts the foundation, effectively underpinning the home and restoring its value.

When should I consider underpinning my foundation?

If you notice large or growing cracks on the exterior or interior of your building, it’s a good idea to contact a professional. While hairline cracks are normal, wide and expanding cracks are a sign that your foundation is sinking into the ground. Uneven floors, sagging walls, and difficulty opening or closing doors or windows can also be an indicator of foundation settling.

When you’re in need of underpinning, it’s important to find a qualified contractor. Foundation repair specialists will perform a free inspection of your property, identify any damage, and recommend the best underpinning solution for you.

Besides being an essential part of any building, underpinning prevents further damage and saves you money in the long run by strengthening your building’s foundation. It also keeps your building a safe and secure place to live or work, and protects the value of your investment. To learn more about underpinning, call Bay Area Underpinning today! We provide a full range of services for both residential and commercial properties, including free foundation inspections. Bay Area Underpinning can also offer you competitive pricing and warranties on all of our services.

Concrete Piers

Concrete piers, or foundation piers, transfer the weight of your home from above to more stable soil layers or bedrock. They’re a great solution if your home has sinking sections that are causing issues with the integrity of the building structure. These piers are constructed of concrete and may take the form of precast cylindrical shafts or, as in bridge construction, drilled caissons.

Unlike steel pilings, concrete is not prone to corrosion, making it a durable and long-lasting choice for repairing your foundation. It also has a high compressive strength and is extremely versatile. This combination makes it a popular choice for homes in Texas, which often deal with heavy rains and soil instability.

A concrete pier is placed under your foundation and then filled with concrete to support the weight of your house. Once the concrete has cured, it creates a new support point for your foundation that will hold the weight of your house without requiring further repairs or maintenance. This is a cost-effective and simple solution for fixing sinking portions of your foundation, but it can’t address more severe or extensive structural damage.

For severe and complex problems, a professional pier installation service is usually the best choice. These services have specialized equipment and knowledge of foundation repair that can be used to stabilize your foundation for the long term. They can also use advanced methods like steel piers to reach deeper soil levels and ensure your foundation is fully supported.

Some signs of a shifting foundation include visible cracks in walls and floors, doors or windows that don’t close properly, and gaps around door and window frames. These are clear indications that the foundation is in need of stabilization or repairs.

If you suspect your foundation is settling, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further damage and reduce the overall cost of repairs. There are many different solutions available, including helical and push piers, which can help lift your foundation to restore stability. These solutions can be more affordable than concrete piers, and they offer added flexibility if you have limited access to your home’s foundation.

Steel Piers

Structural steel piers are often the preferred choice for foundation repair due to their durability and effectiveness. They are a more cost-effective long-term solution than concrete piers and can effectively support your foundation for upwards of 100 years or more. They are also resistant to environmental damage, making them a better option than concrete piers in areas that have experienced soil shifts or poor drainage that can wreak havoc on concrete.

They are also a good choice for homeowners who want a less disruptive installation process than concrete underpinning. With hydraulic driving, steel piers can be installed without putting pressure on your existing foundation. This can prevent unnecessary damage and save you money on future repairs.

Unlike concrete piers that need to be driven into the soil, steel piers are inserted below the home with minimal disruption to your landscaping. The piers are then connected to the foundation with brackets and locked together using a steel cable.

The installation process of steel piers can be completed relatively quickly, so there is minimal disruption to your home and property. After the piers are in place, they will be load-tested to ensure that they can support your building. After they pass the test, the team will backfill the excavated area and restore the landscaping.

A specialized form of the steel pier is called the helical steel pier, which uses steel plates to create a screw-like shape that can penetrate deeper into the ground than push piers. This type of pier is more effective in hard-to-reach soils and can handle higher loads.

It’s important to note that whichever option you choose for your foundation repair, it’s essential to work with a certified professional. A qualified engineer or foundation specialist will assess the problem and recommend the best solution. It’s always best to invest in a quality service, as this will save you money in the long run.

Foam Jacking

Foam jacking, or poly jacking, is an advanced concrete raising technique that lifts and stabilizes sinking concrete slabs. The process involves injecting a liquid foam under the sunken slab that expands and hardens to lift it back to its original position. The procedure is less invasive and more cost-effective than foundation replacement. The polyurethane foam used in this method is also more durable and long-lasting than traditional mud jacking materials.

Slab settling and sinking often occur due to soil changes. Variable moisture levels cause the ground to expand and shrink, shifting the foundation’s position and creating air pockets called voids beneath the slab. These voids prevent the slab from lying securely on top of the earth, leading to uneven floors, misaligned door frames and windows, and other structural issues in your home or business.

Foam jacking repair contractors drill small holes in the slab and then pump a liquid polyurethane mixture into those holes through a process known as “hydraulic pressure grouting.” The material quickly fills the voids, lifting the slab back to its proper level. Technicians carefully control the injection pressure and flow with professional equipment for precise, accurate results.

The polyurethane foam used in this procedure is lightweight and puts minimal stress on the soil underneath the slab, preventing future settlement or damage. The high-density material is also strong, allowing it to support heavy loads without damaging the slab. The foam is non-toxic and water resistant, making it an ideal choice for residential or commercial foundation repairs.

The quick, efficient repair process of foam jacking makes it a viable solution for many homes and businesses. In fact, the repair costs 40% less than full concrete replacement and provides a similar return on investment in terms of property value retention. Like other foundation repair methods, foam jacking requires routine maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Maintaining the proper water levels around the foundation, preventing debris accumulation, and addressing drainage problems can help keep the repair results in place for years to come. Proper care can also reduce the need for future repairs.