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How to Fix Sinking Foundation

Written By

Carmen

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Sinking foundations can cause serious structural damage to your home or other building and can lead to long-term repair costs. If not addressed promptly, the foundation may eventually sink far enough to require complete replacement – a much more expensive fix. Knowing how to fix a sinking foundation before minor problems become major ones could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

How to Fix Sinking Foundation

The primary advantage of fixing a sinking foundation is that it can prevent major structural damage to your home. When the foundation begins to sink, it can cause cracks in the walls, floors, and ceiling. As these cracks widen, they will allow moisture and pests into the home. This can create an unsafe living environment and costly repairs down the road. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to fix sinking foundation in this blog article.

What Are the Signs That Indicates Your Foundation Needs to Be Repaired? 

Before you can begin to repair a sinking foundation, it is important to be able to identify the signs that indicate your foundation needs to be repaired. The most common signs of a sinking foundation are uneven floors, cracked walls, and windows or doors that do not open properly. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to inspect your foundation to determine if a repair is necessary.

Another telltale sign of a sinking foundation is the presence of water around the perimeter of your home. This can sometimes be caused by excessive rain or poor landscaping around the house that does not allow for proper drainage. If you notice any standing water near your home, it’s important to investigate further to determine if your foundation is at risk of sinking.

Step by Step Processes for How to Fix Sinking Foundation 

Step 1: Inspect the Area

To understand the problem better, you should inspect the area around your foundation and check for signs of sinking or cracking. Identifying what caused your foundation to sink is essential in fixing it. Common causes include soil erosion, poor drainage, expansive soils, or even inadequate soil compaction during construction.

Step 2: Level the Foundation

Once you have identified what caused your foundation to sink, it’s time to begin the process of leveling it. You may decide to use various methods, such as steel piers, helical piers, slab jacking, or even structural underpinning. Depending on the foundation’s sinking severity and size, your contractor can recommend which method is best for your situation.

Time to Begin the Process of Leveling

Once you have leveled out your foundation, it’s time to repair any cracks that the sinking may have caused. This may involve injecting epoxy into the cracks or using a hydraulic cement mix, depending on the size and location of the crack.

Step 3: Add Support

Adding support to your foundation may be necessary in cases where soil erosion has caused it to sink. Adding more support, such as steel piers or helical piers, will require professional help and can often be costly.

Improving drainage around your foundation can also help avoid future sinking or cracking. This may involve adding French drains to divert water away from the foundation, installing sump pumps, or simply providing better grading and soil compaction.

Step 4: Regular Maintenance Checks

Once you have completed the necessary repairs, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance checks. This may involve checking for signs of sinking or cracking and any other potential problems that could occur due to moisture or poor drainage.

If you are still having issues with your foundation after completing all of these steps, then it may be time to seek out the help of a professional. A foundation repair specialist can estimate the cost and duration of any additional repairs that need to be done.

Step 5: Warranty

Before hiring a professional, make sure you read up on any potential warranties they offer in case something goes wrong. This will ensure that you are covered if anything goes wrong with the repairs and that you can get your money back if necessary.

In some cases, homeowners may be able to make a claim on their home insurance policy if their foundation is damaged due to a sudden event such as a flood or earthquake. If this is the case, make sure you speak to your insurance provider and find out if they will cover any of the repair costs.

Step 6: Stay on Top of Maintenance

Doing so will help ensure the longevity of your foundation and help prevent future sinking or cracking. It is also important to keep up with regular inspections, as this will allow you to identify any potential problems before they become more severe.

Identify Any Potential Problems

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully fix a sinking foundation and ensure that it remains stable for many years to come. If you have any questions or need additional help, make sure to contact a foundation repair specialist for more advice.

Tips for How to Fix Sinking Foundation

  1. Wear safety gear such as a hard hat, protective clothing, and safety glasses while working on the foundation.
  2. Ensure all tools and materials used are in good condition before beginning any repairs.
  3. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as electricity or gas lines that may be present.
  4. Inspect the area around the foundation to identify any obstructions or other factors that could cause harm during the repair process.
  5. Always use proper lifting techniques when moving heavy objects for construction purposes.
  6. Utilize ladders and platforms correctly to prevent falls or slips from occurring. 
  7. Contact a professional for help if the repair job appears to be too complicated or dangerous.

How Long Will It Take to Fix a Sinking Foundation?

The amount of time it will take to fix a sinking foundation can vary depending on the cause and severity of the issue. Generally, a sinking foundation can be repaired in about one day for minor issues or up to several months for more severe structural repairs.

Suppose you are experiencing sagging floors, cracked walls, or other signs of structural damage caused by a sinking foundation. In that case, it is important to contact a professional as soon as possible to determine the best repair solution. The most common repair method for a sunken foundation is to install helical piers or steel pier systems.

Install Helical Piers

These systems work by extending deep into the soil below your home and transferring the weight of your house onto more stable soil. This method is used for more severe sinkages, as it requires more time and effort to be completed. Once the piers are in place, a bracket or beam is attached to them, and the weight of your home is transferred into the soil below.

How Do You Prevent Your Foundation From Sinking or Heaving in the Future? 

Once your foundation has been lifted and stabilized, there are some steps you can take to prevent the same problem from happening in the future.

  • You’ll want to consider waterproofing your basement or crawl space to keep water away from the foundation walls. This could be done with a simple coat of paint or sealant on the walls or a more extensive basement waterproofing system, such as an interior drainage system.
  • You should also be proactive in monitoring the soil moisture around your home and ensuring it’s not too dry or too wet (which is more likely). To do this, you may need to install drainage systems to keep water away from the foundation walls.
  • If you have trees or shrubs planted around your home, you should ensure they’re not too close to the foundation walls, as their roots can grow and dislodge your soil and cause sinkholes if there’s enough moisture for them to grow.
  • It’s also important to periodically check the foundation’s walls for any signs of cracking or bulging, which can indicate something is wrong. If you do see any signs, contact a professional immediately, as it could indicate an issue with the foundation, and it needs to be addressed immediately.

Following these steps will help ensure your foundation remains stable and safe in the future. A sinking foundation can be a costly problem to fix, and the best way to avoid this is through preventive measures and regular maintenance.

Conclusion

There are some disadvantages to fixing a sinking foundation. One of the most common issues is the cost involved with repairs, which can be expensive if they’re not done correctly. In addition, repairing a sinking foundation may create structural problems or cause other damage if it’s not done properly.

An improperly repaired foundation can also lead to more problems down the road, such as cracked walls or uneven floors. In conclusion, fixing a sinking foundation can be done in various ways. It all depends on the severity and type of damage that your foundation has sustained. While some methods may require more DIY know-how, others might require professional help from a licensed contractor.

Require Professional Help

If you’re unsure about where to start, it’s always best to consult a professional for expert advice. I hope reading this post has helped you learn how to fix sinking foundation. Make sure the safety precautions are carried out in the order listed.

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