A home’s functionality depends on its foundation. When it sinks or settles, doors and windows don’t close properly, cracks widen and let in moisture and pests.

There are a few different ways to fix a sinking or settled foundation, but each requires professional help to get lasting results. Read on to learn more about the best methods for Plano Foundation Repair.
Many homeowners know that foundation repair is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and comfort of their homes. However, it’s important to understand that not all methods of repairing a foundation are appropriate for all soil conditions and home types. This makes it particularly important to identify early warning signs that your foundation may be in need of repair. These include cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, sloping or uneven floors, and bowed basement walls.
While minor interior hairline wall cracks might be a result of normal settling, more significant zigzag cracks, cracks that run along floors and ceilings, and protruding sections of brick or concrete indicate a serious problem with the house’s foundation. If you see these problems, contact a professional for immediate inspection and repair.
A damp crawl space is another common sign of foundation issues. This moisture can lead to musty odors, mold growth, sagging floor joists, and uneven floorboards. It can also cause wood rot and attract insects such as termites, which can then infest the rest of the home. If left unchecked, a damp crawl space can damage the foundation and create costly structural problems for the entire house.
It is possible to get a foundation repaired with little or no disruption to your home’s interior and exterior. However, depending on the method used, the process can be noisy and might require contractors to remove plants, stones, furniture, and other items from the area around your foundation. This might interfere with your access to these areas, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Once the professionals have removed any obstructions to their work areas, they’ll begin assessing your foundation for signs of heaving and settlement. They’ll check the grade of your soil and might need to remove any landscaping that is too close to your foundation to allow for proper drainage. This is necessary so that water drains away from your house rather than toward it. This will help to prevent the heaving of your foundation and reduce the likelihood that it will sink further down in the future.
Underpinning the Foundation
If your foundation is in need of underpinning, a professional can help. Underpinning strengthens existing foundations by transferring the building’s load to deeper layers of soil or bedrock. This helps to stabilize the structure and prevent future sinking and damage. It can also improve the longevity of your foundation. This is a more cost-effective and long-lasting solution than tearing down and rebuilding a foundation from scratch.
Poor construction, soil erosion, earthquakes, flooding and unforeseen changes in the ground beneath your home can all cause foundation problems that may require underpinning. A professional inspection can pinpoint the problem and recommend the best underpinning method for your situation.
Once a repair plan is established, professionals can dig holes around the perimeter of your home where supports are needed. These supports might be steel pilings or concrete piers. The pier method involves drilling into the ground and pushing cylindrical sections of precast concrete or steel into the ground until they reach stable soil. This is a less expensive option than the bell-bottom pier method, which is rebar-reinforced for additional strength and requires a longer time to install.
Slabjacking is another technique that can be used when a home needs underpinning support. It addresses issues caused by soil settlement and can raise sunken concrete slabs back to their original elevation. A professional can inject a grout mixture underneath your concrete slab to raise it back up. This is a much faster and less disruptive technique than underpinning and is often preferred over replacing your concrete slab completely.
Regardless of which type of support is needed, your foundation should be checked regularly for any signs of movement. Wall cracks, sticking doors and windows and floor gaps are all common symptoms of foundation problems. These may seem like minor annoyances at first but can lead to serious structural damage if left unaddressed.
During your foundation repair, it’s important to choose a contractor that has experience and expertise in the local climate and soil conditions. A trusted contractor with a long history of service can offer effective solutions and provide peace of mind that your foundation will be repaired correctly and safely.
Concrete Piers
Piers are an effective solution for many different types of foundation issues. They transfer the load of a building to more stable soil layers or bedrock, counteract pressure against the foundation, and minimize differential settlement. When properly assessed, installed by a qualified professional, and well maintained, concrete piers can help ensure a long-lasting foundation repair.
While there are various ways to support a structure’s foundation, the most common type of pier is a precast concrete cylinder. These piers are drilled into the ground and pressed or screwed into place by a hydraulic machine. They are often used in residential repairs, but can be effective in commercial applications as well. The key to a successful installation is identifying the appropriate soil type and depth. A qualified engineer can determine the best pier type for each situation and recommend an effective foundation repair plan.
When properly maintained, a concrete pier can last for decades, making it an excellent investment in a property’s longevity and value. In addition, concrete piers can be designed to address specific soil conditions and loads, ensuring a foundation solution that is optimally effective.
A poured concrete foundation may be more cost-effective than a pier system, but it can require extensive excavation to install. It also requires a long time for the concrete to cure, which can be problematic in some areas. Poured concrete piers are better suited to a variety of soil conditions and tend to be more durable than helical or push piers.
Besides foundation piers, crawl space waterproofing can help protect your foundation from moisture problems. By lining the floors and walls of your crawl space with an impermeable vapor barrier, you can keep damaging moisture from reaching the piers and causing damage. This service will also keep water and debris from accumulating under the home, reducing the risk of future foundation problems.
Steel Piers
Piers help stabilize and re-elevate the foundation of your home or business to relieve stress on the concrete and counteract soil pressure. They also minimize differential settlement, which can lead to cracking or tilting. When paired with proper assessment, professional installation, and regular maintenance, steel piers can help protect and preserve your building for years to come.
These robust structural supports are the cornerstone of modern foundation repair, and they’re frequently recommended for a wide variety of residential and commercial properties. They can help resolve even the most serious structural problems, including shifting soil, buckling slabs, and severe settlement.
There are many different types of piers, but steel piers are considered the premiere choice for settling and lifting structures. They’re constructed from high-strength steel, making them durable enough to withstand significant loads and environmental stresses. They’re also designed to go deeper than other piers, which makes them resistant to movement of the ground underneath your structure.
In addition to their strength and durability, steel piers are also versatile. They can be used to support a range of structures, from residential homes to large office buildings and industrial facilities. The key is to choose a reputable foundation specialist who can assess your needs and recommend the right type of pier for your situation.
When determining which foundation specialist to use, look for an experienced and qualified team that offers a combination of experience, expertise, and cost-effectiveness. Ask for quotes and compare the different options available. Make sure the quote includes all of the services, materials, and equipment that are required for your project. Also, ask about the warranty and aftercare services offered by each company.
When choosing a foundation repair professional, make sure they’re licensed and insured. This will give you peace of mind that your foundation repairs are being done by a certified and reliable professional. Lastly, ask about the quality of the products and workmanship used by each professional. A reputable professional will stand by their work and offer a fair and competitive warranty for their work. They should also be able to provide references and testimonials from past customers.