According to This Old House, the average weight of a home in the U.S. is 50 tons, which is supported by a seven-and-a-half-ton foundation. That's a big difference, and if something goes wrong with the foundation, it can cause big problems. Things like water damage or adding a new structure on top of the foundation can offset the balance between the home and the foundation and cause significant damage. Let's take a look at the way that foundation repair contractors tackle these issues.

Why Is Your Foundation So Critical?

Before we discuss the "how", it's important to explain the "why". The foundation is a strong structure that needs to support every frame, wall, ceiling, floor, appliance, person, and component of your home. Any problem in the foundation can lead to a chain reaction of failures that can end in catastrophic results. Signs that your foundation has a problem include:

• Cracks in the foundation
• Cracks in the walls
• Warped door and window frames (the window and doors "stick")
• Signs of water damage/pooling water in your basement or yard
• Sloped floors or stairs

If you notice these issues, it's time to call a foundation repair company. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get a plan together to save your home. If you neglect the issue, you can end up with walls, floors, and ceilings giving way. The risk isn't worth the wait.

Planning Foundation Repairs

If you know you need foundation repairs, the first step is to plan. You need to work with structural engineers, soil engineers, and foundation repair contractors to put the plan together. Different soil will expand and contract when water gets into it and the foundation will need to be repaired with this in mind. If the home has drainage issues, you will need to get your yard graded properly, good downspouts installed, and additional drainage systems installed, like a French drain. Structural engineers and foundation repair contractors will identify the spots where the foundation is damaged and how to best repair it. It may sound involved, but having a comprehensive team will prevent the problem from recurring or getting worse.

Foundation Repair Solutions

When it comes to implementing an actual solution, it depends on the severity of the damage. Some solutions include:

• Filling Cracks and Voids - If you have cracks and voids in your foundation due to shifting, it may only be necessary to fill the cracks and voids with adhesive. The adhesive binds the concrete back together and gives it the support it needs. In more severe cases, metals like carbon fiber and steel will be used to bridge the crack and hold it together. Think of the way surgeons put nails and screws into a severe fracture.
• Wall Stabilization - Wall stabilization is used for foundation walls that are bowing out. They may be under too much pressure from a new addition or weakened from water damage. In any case, foundation repair contractors will install beams to put reverse pressure on the walls. Over time, the walls can straighten back out. Think of the way braces and wiring push and pull on teeth to get them in the right position.
• Shotcrete Repair - Shotcrete repair is a method used to essentially add an extra layer of concrete to your foundation. Concrete is pneumatically projected at the wall through a hose. It fills in cracks and adds more strength to the foundation. It's like going to the gym and seeing your muscles grow, but much faster.
• Underpinning - Underpinning involves strengthening the footing of your foundation. The footings are concrete and brick pads, almost like pillars, that sit underneath the foundation and spread the weight across the soil. Essentially, underpinning increases the breadth and depth of your foundation by adding more footings or support to existing footings.

There are additional methods of foundation repair and improvements, such as earthquake retrofittings that contractors can install to protect your home from natural tectonic movement. The method chosen for your home's foundation will depend on the state of the building, foundation, and soil. Rest assured, foundation repair contractors will know what to do to get the job done.

If you to improve your foundation, turn to the experts at Foundations First Northwest. Call today or request a free estimate online to see what we can do for you!