A Guide To Lifting Your Home’s Foundation

If you are considering lifting your home’s foundation, there are several things to know before hiring a professional foundation repair specialist to do it for you. Understanding the process, costs, benefits, and potential risks can help you make an informed decision.

Keep reading to learn why you may need to lift your home’s foundation, the steps involved, and how it is normally done.

What Is Foundation Lifting?

Foundation lifting is the process of physically lifting a part or the entire foundation to some degree. This can be done for various reasons, such as addressing structural issues, preventing further damage, or even improving drainage around the property. It is a common way to repair structural problems caused by differential settlement.

The lifting process typically involves using piers to slowly and carefully raise the foundation as much as possible without causing damage. Once the foundation is lifted, it is stabilized to ensure it remains secure.

Common Reasons For Lifting Your Home’s Foundation

Numerous indicators can suggest the need to lift your foundation. Typically, these signs point to an uneven foundation, and strategically lifting it in certain areas can often resolve such issues. Here are some warning signs to be aware of.

• Doors and windows stop working properly: This can include issues like difficulty in opening or closing, misalignment, or they may get stuck frequently.
• Cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings: These cracks can vary in size and severity, from small hairline fractures to large, visible gaps, indicating severe structural issues.
• Cracked bricks: Cracked bricks in the exterior or interior walls can signify foundation problems or shifting of the building structure.
• Sagging floors: Floors that begin to droop or have uneven surfaces can be a sign of underlying support issues or foundation shifting.
• Gaps between walls, ceilings, floors, window jams, and door frames: These gaps can be caused by the settling of the foundation, leading to misalignment and separation of the building elements.
• Gutters separating from the roof: This can be due to the shifting of the structure, poor installation, or damage from weather conditions, leading to ineffective water drainage and potential water damage.

How Does Foundation Lifting Work?

Foundation lifting may seem complex, but it can be understood by breaking it down into simpler steps. There are various methods available to lift a foundation.

Jacking And Shimming

The traditional method involves jacking up the beams where the piers are affixed. Through the use of a sophisticated measuring device, jacks are deployed to lift and level the home. Subsequently, durable steel shims, known for their resistance to degradation, are placed to fill the spaces between the piers and beams created by the jack. With everything now in its perfect place, the jacks then get removed, leaving a leveled house behind.

Adjustable Steel Push Piers

Innovation in the sector has birthed a range of new methods, such as QFR’s patented Adjust-A-Pier system. These piers are not only adjustable but can also lift a house’s foundation with high precision. The system offers a significant bonus in that you can adjust your home’s foundation in the future as needed. Once the piers are installed, you can forget about the use of jacks, shims, or any other laborious techniques of the past.

What Causes Foundations To Become Weak And Unstable?

Environmental factors and structural issues can compromise a home’s foundation stability over time. Understanding and identifying the root causes behind foundation weakness and instability is essential for devising effective repair strategies.

• Poor Soils: Expansive clay soils can swell when wet and shrink when dry, causing structural instability. Erosion can undermine foundations, while uneven compression can lead to cracks and uneven settling of buildings.
• Seismic Activity: Earthquakes can cause significant structural damage due to ground shaking, ground rupture, and soil liquefaction. Buildings in seismically active areas need to be designed to withstand these forces.
• Heavy Rainfall: Persistent heavy rainfall can lead to soil erosion, weakening the ground support for structures. Additionally, water can seep into foundations, causing water damage, mold growth, and long-term deterioration of building materials.
• Poor Construction Practices: Inadequate soil compaction, improper grading, and substandard materials can lead to uneven foundation settlement and instability.
• Tree Roots: Large trees growing near a building can have roots that extend under the foundation, causing soil displacement and uneven settling.
• Plumbing Leaks: Leaking pipes under or near a foundation can erode soil, creating voids that lead to uneven settling and potential foundation cracks.
• Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme changes in temperature can cause the soil to expand and contract, leading to shifting foundations and structural damage over time.

Benefits Of Lifting Your Home’s Foundation

Lifting your home’s foundation to stabilize it and level the house offers numerous benefits. Here are the most common benefits that homeowners look forward to.

• Structural Integrity: Ensuring robust structural integrity is vital for addressing foundation issues and preventing further damage to your home. By keeping your house stable and secure, you maintain property value and avoid costly future repairs.
• Safety: A stable foundation significantly enhances safety by eliminating hazards like uneven floors, cracked walls, and misaligned doors and windows, thereby improving the overall safety of your home.
• Increased Property Value: A well-leveled and stable foundation boosts your property’s value. Potential buyers are more attracted to a well-maintained home free from structural issues, positively impacting market value.
• Prevent Water Damage: Stabilizing your foundation can correct drainage problems, preventing water from seeping into your basement or crawl space and reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
• Energy Efficiency: A leveled foundation enhances energy efficiency, as properly fitting doors and windows reduce drafts and improve insulation. This leads to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
• Improved Lifespan: Maintaining a stable foundation extends the lifespan of your home. Regular maintenance and timely interventions prevent minor issues from becoming major structural problems, ensuring the longevity of your building.
• Peace of Mind: Finally, having a structurally sound home provides peace of mind. Knowing your foundation is secure allows you to focus on other improvements and enjoy your living space without worry.

FAQs

Is It Safe To Stay In The House While The Foundation Is Being Lifted?

In most cases, it is safe to remain in your home during the foundation lifting process. However, this can depend on the extent of the repairs needed and the methods being used. Your foundation repair contractor will provide guidance based on your specific situation.

How Long Does Foundation Repair Typically Last?

Quality foundation repair, when done correctly using professional methods, can last for the lifetime of the structure. Maintenance and proper water management around the foundation will impact the longevity of the repairs.

Are Foundation Lifting Services Guaranteed?

At Quality Foundation Repair, we offer warranties on parts and workmanship. Our slab repair services have a lifetime warranty, and our pier and beam repair services have a five-year warranty. We also offer an extendable maintenance plan for the Adjust-A-Pier system.

How Much Does Foundation Lifting Cost?

The costs associated with foundation lifting can vary widely depending on the severity of the damage, the methods used, and the region. It’s best to get a detailed estimate from one of our skilled professionals.

How Can I Tell If My Home’s Foundation Needs Repair?

Common signs of foundation problems include cracks in walls or floors, stuck doors and windows, uneven floors, and gaps around exterior doors or windows. If you notice any of these, it’s advisable to have a professional inspection.

Final Thoughts

Lifting your home’s foundation is a significant but worthwhile investment for homeowners facing structural issues or looking to level their house. By understanding the reasons, processes, and costs involved, you can make informed decisions about this important project.

Remember, a stable foundation is key to a safe and secure home. If you’re considering lifting your foundation, consult with one of our qualified professionals here at Quality Foundation Repair to assess your needs and explore the best options.