Which Foundation Repair Method is the Best?

Which Foundation Repair Method is the Best?

The Ultimate Guide to Foundation Repair in 47708: Which Method Actually Works?

Are you a homeowner in the Evansville, Indiana area who is constantly dealing with visible drywall cracks, sticking doors or windows, or slanting floors? If so, you need to have a Foundation Repair inspection by Affordable Concrete Solutions. As you begin to research the different foundation repair options available to you, the information about peirs, mudjacking, polyjacking, and carbon fiber can be overwhelming. 

Before long, you will come to the deciding question: Which foundation repair method is best for my home? Unfortunately, there is no simple one-size-fits-all answer since there are many variables. The answer will be determined by the specific soil composition and the unique structural condition of your home. We have outlined each of the most common types of foundation repair to familiarize you with your options as you decide on the best course of action for your home. 

Piering Foundation Repair

  • Concrete piers are a traditional method of Foundation Repair that has been used for decades. This option requires excavating holes around your home and pouring or driving concrete piers to stabilize your home’s foundation. This method is best for homes that are built on shallow bedrock. Piering is a very cost-effective method to repair your foundation since the materials are readily available. The drawback to concrete piering is that it requires extensive excavation. The process is messy and can damage existing landscaping. 
  • Steel Push Piers use heavy-duty steel tubes that are driven deep into the ground and use the building’s weight to settle into the load-bearing bedrock. This is a great option for larger residential properties or commercial buildings. The steel piers bypass soil layers that are prone to settling. As you can imagine, steel push piers can be expensive due to the cost of the steel and the equipment required to install. 
  • Helical Piers resemble large screws that literally screw into the ground using a torque motor. Helical piers prevent your home from sinking or lifting, but if your soil has hidden boulders or debris, they can be difficult to install. 

 

Floor Levelers Foundation Repair

  • Mudjacking is a traditional method of Foundation Repair where a slurry of concrete, sand, and mud is injected under the slab. This method is common in garages and basements in the Evansville area. 
  • Polyjacking is a more modern method of Foundation Repair that uses an expandable polyurethane foam that hardens when injected beneath your home’s slab. 

Which method is better mudjacking or polyjacking? A general rule is that polyjacking is the better option. The polyurethane foam is lightweight, waterproof, and cures within a few minutes. The light weight of the foam does not add any additional weight to the soil, which is already sinking. 

Carbon Fiber Straps

One of the best options for bowing walls is the installation of carbon fiber straps. The Evansville area has a high concentration of heavy clay soil, which will expand when wet. This adds hydrostatic pressure on the basement walls. Enough expansion can cause the walls to bow inward. This Foundation Repair method is great for bowing walls and horizontal cracks in basement walls. Carbon fiber straps are virtually undetectable once they are painted over. These straps are extremely strong, and they will not stretch over time.

Which Foundation Repair Method is Right for my Home?

Since each home’s design is different, there are several factors that will determine which method is best for your home. 

  • Soil Composition: Evansville sits on a mix of loess and alluvial deposits. These soil types are constantly expanding and contracting, making steel piers a great repair option when compared to concrete piers that may settle. 
  • Budget vs. Longevity: Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home can determine the Foundation Repair method that is right for you. If you are planning on living in your home for the foreseeable future, invest in steel piers. The investment will be worth the cost. If you are looking to sell your home in the near future, polyjacking or concrete piers might be a cost-effective alternative. 
  • Source of the Problem: If your foundation issue has been caused by a plumbing emergency like broken pipes, damaged gutters, or a change in drainage, you must repair the water issue before you invest money in repairing your foundation. If water is the root of the cause of your Foundation Repair 47708 issue, we highly recommend a drainage evaluation before proceeding with the foundation repair. 

Foundation Repair in 47708: Investing in Your Home’s Structural Integrity

Now that you have the information about the different types of Foundation Repair, you can begin to make decisions for what is right for your home. The Affordable Concrete Solutions foundation repair experts can inspect your home and provide an honest recommendation based on your soil, budget, and the cause of your foundation issue. Our team is experts in Foundation Repair and will not just sell you a product; they will diagnose why your dirt is moving and provide a solution that keeps your home level for a lifetime. Give us a call today at 270-635-3324!