Many Texas homeowners are not strangers to foundation repairs because of the extensive and soft soils in the area. As soon as you start noticing any signs of foundation problems, it’s vital to get it repaired. However, what’s the best foundation repair method to ensure you don’t experience any issues regularly?
Over the years, many foundation repair methods have been used to resolve various issues. However, in Texas specifically, various methods are implemented depending on where you’re based, your existing foundation, and other surrounding circumstances.
In further detail, let’s look at the most effective foundation repair methods in Texas.
The Best Foundation Repair Methods in Texas
When looking for an effective foundation repair method in Texas, the following are some of the best and most common:
Piers and Beams
In Texas, pier and beam foundations are popular because they protect your property against damage and other common concerns for property owners.
Since these foundations are not in contact with the ground, pier, and beam constructions may experience issues such as moist crawl spaces and damp floors. This results from the wooden piers rotting and moisture from the beams absorbing into the foundation.
Nevertheless, this won’t be an issue if your foundation is built with sturdy concrete and steel piers. We recommend installing steel piers because they’re a dependable way to stabilize a foundation that has begun to sink or shift into the unsteady ground.
These foundations are often found in properties closer to the ocean or older homes. One of the downsides of this type of foundation is that it attracts insects, rodents, and creatures. This is because this type of foundation has a damp crawl space underneath it, which provides a living space for these creatures.
Pier and beam structures are also elevated, meaning you must climb stairs to enter the property. Therefore, always take the necessary precautions to avoid slipping and falling.
Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs are solid and resilient to many types of foundation issues. However, they may still be prone to damage and require foundation repair. That’s why, to preserve your concrete slab for as long as possible, you want to hire a professional company with experience in foundation repairs.
It’s also crucial to ensure your concrete slab is repaired using tried-and-true techniques. Fortunately, the best foundation repair companies tend to specialize in concrete slabs.
Since fewer pier and beam structures exist in Texas, concrete slab repairs are more common. This is mainly because concrete slabs are significantly more resilient than most other foundation materials and will protect your house against soil erosion and harsh weather conditions.
Most factors affecting pier and beam foundations do not affect concrete slab foundations. However, you have to break the existing slab to repair it.
Concrete foundation slabs also have the benefit of being constructed considerably faster than pier and beam foundations. In contrast to concrete piers, which require time to cure, they can also be used right after installation.
To identify a concrete slab problem that requires repairs, keep an eye out for the following:
- Mildew or mold smell
- Wall and floor cracks
- Significantly higher water bills
Slab Jacking
This method is helpful in situations where you’re experiencing foundation sinking. A concrete mixture is pumped underneath the slab to force it back into place during this process. Additives such as cement and fly ash are incorporated into the mixture.
Each component is placed into the portable pump after being combined with water in a concrete mixer. Then, the technicians will identify strategic locations for boring holes into the slab, which are filled with the mixture using the portable pump.
Slab jacking with polyurethane foam is a newer variation that can address sinking foundations more quickly than regular slab jacking.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are a long-term foundation repair solution permanently attached to your house. In essence, they are steel posts that draw the pier farther into the ground when rotated by massive machinery. Furthermore, the posts have helically-shaped leading points that mimic screws.
One of the advantages of helical piers is that they don’t need to be drilled down to bedrock to support the weight of your house and the foundation. They only need to reach heavy, compact soil that can support the load.
Steel Piers
One of the most influential and long-lasting ways to support your home’s foundation is by constructing steel piers beneath it. However, this is also the most expensive option. This process involves drilling galvanized steel posts deep into the ground. The piers can be drilled as deep as is required to reach bedrock or sufficiently compacted dirt to support themselves.
Steel piers are considered permanent repairs since they can support enormous loads and function in any upper soil condition.
Sealant and Masonry Patches
Soil expansion or contraction can cause small foundation fissures. Masonry repairs or sealants can be used to address these foundation cracks. There are multiple ways to seal these gaps. The most commonly used materials to close these gaps are epoxy sealant, hydraulic cement, and polyurethane. While these cracks might not necessarily be a sign of a structural issue, they still need to be sealed to keep moisture out of the foundation.
Find the Ideal Foundation Repair Method for Your Structural Issues Today!
Suppose you want to determine the best long-term solution for your foundation problems. In that case, you should contact a reliable foundation repair company that can assess the situation and give you a recommendation based on your specific needs.
At Quality Foundation Repair Austin, our experts ensure you get a solid foundation that will last for many years and protect your property against harsh weather conditions, soil movement, foundation sinking, and more. Contact us today to get the peace of mind you deserve!
