Solid concrete foundations and pier and pole foundations can develop serious problems that need home foundation repair immediately. Foundation deficiencies can result in moisture damage-causing walls and floors to crack and crumble. Cracks can extend throughout the home and create a very unappealing appearance. Basements can also become seriously damaged due to various other causes including poor foundation drainage, soil pressure, weather conditions, and other factors.
Home foundation repair is necessary when any of these situations occur. The process involves a series of steps including removal of any deteriorating parts, filling in any holes, and replacing problematic pilings or concrete piers. Foundation Repair contractors will carefully evaluate the problem and decide the best course of action. Most repairs involve the replacement of wooden piers or concrete pilings, as this is usually the easiest and cheapest option.
The concrete crack repair can often be a complicated and lengthy process. This is because it requires dealing with extremely small cracks and gaps. To make matters worse, small cracks and gaps are often overlooked by homeowners hoping to avoid costly foundation repair costs. The best course of action is to consult a qualified foundation repair contractor who is experienced in this type of work.
In most cases, repairing smaller cracks and gaps in foundations involves the use of plastic spacers and cement pads that are placed underneath the surface of the soil. These plastic spacers and pads expand and contract as water sits on the surface and solidifies. When the water breaks apart, this expands foam that fills up the cracks and gaps and prevents further damage to the foundation.
Unfortunately, not all cases of foundation repair require the use of plastic spacers and cement pads. In some cases, more drastic measures are needed to deal with a specific issue. In such cases, a foundation repair contractor may recommend removing portions of the wall or flooring to eliminate structural issues that are causing foundation trouble. However, many homeowners prefer not to deal with such drastic solutions. Instead, they prefer to tackle small foundation problems by themselves, without the help of professionals.
As previously mentioned, drywall cracks are one of the easiest types of foundation damage to repair yourself. Although drywall cracks do not exhibit signs of moisture yet, they do so when they begin to expand. To get to these small cracks, all you need to do is apply a topical liquid sealer. Once the application is complete, you can fill in the small cracks with a polyethylene waterproofing spray. This will seal the crack and prevent further water damage.
Other foundation repair tasks commonly performed by DIYers include repairing cracked interior floors and replacing damaged plumbing pipes and drains. Many homeowners choose to replace concrete piers with high-density polyurethane foam inserts. These can be installed over existing concrete or wooden piers, providing the base for new concrete or wood flooring. A thick enough layer of high-density polyurethane foam will also prevent moisture from leaking into the basement once the floor is installed. This can help to prevent expensive mold-related issues.
Foundation repair should be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the home and prevent further soil conditions that could lead to water damage. By consulting with an experienced foundation repair contractor, you can decide how to fix your basement walls. It is important to make certain that your chosen contractor uses quality products and methods. You should also take a look at the moisture content of the surrounding soil. Unfortunately, dry areas are often the foundation of drywalled homes, which can create problems if the proper treatments are not applied. By consulting with a qualified contractor, you can determine what type of foundation repair is necessary to prevent damage and moisture problems.