The foundation of a house is arguably the most important element of the construction. It is responsible for supporting the entire weight of the house, and therefore a strong foundation will ensure that there is no settlement or shifting of the house. However, sometimes you may need to repair your foundation because it has cracked. You may also need to repair your foundation if it is in an area with a lot of moisture and water or if your house is not level due to soil conditions. If you are looking into Kansas City foundation piering, this article is for you. We will talk about the 8 housing foundation repair methods and their suitability for different foundation problems.
- Sealant and Masonry Patches
Sealant is used to fill the cracks in your foundation, and mortar is used to patch the cracks. These materials are ideal for small foundation cracks. They are also easy to apply on a day-to-day basis and are more affordable than other foundation repair methods. However, they are not ideal for large cracks.
- Mudjacking and Polyjacking
Mudjacking is ideal for large foundation and slab cracks because it can hold a large load. It is done by drilling holes into the foundation and injecting grout into the holes. The grout expands when it comes into contact with water and fills the cracks. This is a cost-efficient way to fix foundation cracks and lift the foundation. The major benefit of this method is that you can fix the foundation without removing any of the foundation materials. However, to use mudjacking, you will need to remove the grass from the area around the foundation.
Polyjacking is a kind of mudjacking that only involves injecting polyurethane foam into the foundation crack. Polyurethane foam does not expand upon contact with water, and therefore it does not require the use of water. This is advantageous because water can damage the foundation further.
- Concrete Leveling
Concrete leveling uses foundation leveling cement to fill in the low spots and then uses thicker cement to raise the foundation. This is an ideal method for large cracks and areas with extensive settling. The only downside to this method is that it is expensive and time-consuming.
- Piers and Pilings
In areas with a lot of moisture, you may need to raise your foundation to protect it from soil settlement. One of the best ways to do this is to install foundation piers or pilings. These structures will strengthen your foundation and offer additional support. However, these structures are expensive to install and will require a lot of excavation, which means that they are time-consuming.
- Shearwalls
Shearwalls are structures that add support to load-bearing walls. They are made of steel and are ideal for areas with a lot of moisture. They are strong, and cost-effective, making them an ideal foundation repair method for large cracks and areas that have settled.
- Helical Piers
Helical piers are columns of steel that are installed into the ground. They are ideal for areas with a lot of moisture, and they can be installed without excavating. They are also strong and can support large loads. However, the downsides of helical piers are that they are expensive and require a lot of maintenance.
- Shoring
Shoring is a foundation repair method that is used when you need to repair your foundation in an area where you need to keep your foundation in place, but there is not enough space to remove the foundation. These structures are easy to install and remove. However, they are not ideal for areas with a lot of moisture.
- Total Foundation Replacement
If you have a settlement that is too large for a concrete leveling method, your best bet may be to replace the foundation. This is the most expensive foundation repair method on our list, but it does give you the most benefits. It is a more permanent solution than the other methods, and it is also the most durable. This foundation repair method will give you a strong and durable foundation.
Repairing your foundation can be expensive, but it is necessary for the structural integrity of your house. The best foundation repair method is the one that suits your needs and is most suited to your budget. If you are unsure which repair method is right for you, it is best to consult with a professional foundation repair company.
