Concrete foundation repair is an essential part of keeping your home secure and safe. When your home isn’t properly reinforced and protected, it can become vulnerable to radon gas, moisture infiltration, pest control problems, mold growth, and more.
Fortunately, there are many foundation repair solutions that can help you get back on your feet quickly and affordably. However, choosing the right solution for your unique needs is important to ensure long-term success and a high level of comfort in your home.
First, you should know what signs indicate that your foundation is struggling to support your home. Some common signs include cracks, buckling walls, and other structural problems. If you notice these problems, call a professional for a foundation inspection.
If your home’s foundation is cracked, it could be due to settling soil or water infiltration. The foundation’s concrete is also prone to expansion and contraction because of changes in temperature.
A foundation expert can perform an evaluation to identify the cause of your concrete foundation cracks and recommend a solution to correct it. The most effective foundation repair solution depends on a variety of factors, including your property’s location and climate.
Some foundation repair options can be short-term or temporary, while others are longer-term or permanent. The best way to find out what concrete foundation repair option is best for you is to speak with a local contractor that specializes in foundation repair.
Slab jacking, or concrete lifting and leveling, is a great and concrete foundation repair solution for uneven or sinking concrete. The process involves removing the existing concrete and then replacing it with new concrete that is level.
Before the concrete is poured, it must be pumped and mixed thoroughly. Using the wrong concrete mix ratio can weaken the concrete and make it more susceptible to cracking and sagging.
Depending on the type of crack, your concrete foundation repair expert may recommend injecting polyurethane or epoxy into the crack to prevent further damage from occurring. These products can also be used to fill the weak zone, an area outside of the main crack that’s sometimes invisible to the eye.
Penetrating concrete sealer is another popular concrete foundation repair method. This type of sealer is a highly effective, cost-effective concrete treatment that helps protect the surface of your concrete slab from moisture.
There are several types of penetrating concrete sealer to choose from, but they all work by soaking into the surface of your slab to create a protective barrier. These sealers are an easy way to protect your concrete foundation from damage and ensure that it lasts for years to come.
Frost-protected concrete is a great concrete foundation repair option for homes that are situated in areas with cold climates. This concrete foundation repair method is similar to a slab-on-grade construction, but instead of gravel, a layer of rigid, polystyrene covering is laid down before the pour.
Other concrete foundation repair solutions available for homes in Houston-Galveston include concrete piles, poured concrete piers, and steel piers. These are lower-cost alternatives to helical piers and are appropriate for homes that sit in compacted soil.