Foundation Repair - Know The Basics

Primary function of a foundation is to transfer the weight of the entire building to the soil beneath. One of the reasons that make people hire foundation repair experts is improper settlement of their basements. A house built on expansive land, compressed soil and maintained without professional assistance, are some of the factors that cause imbalanced foundation settlement. Another reason is unsuspected or undetected air pockets in the soil, present below the area of construction. This can cause cracks and fissures in the basement, and damage the entire structure with time.

Common signs which indicate that damage has been done in the basement of a building are cracked and bulging walls. There are instances when you face difficulties in opening or closing doors. The expansive soil on which a building is erected is responsible for damaging the foundation. More visible signs of improper foundation settlement are displaced molding, cracked walls, and separation of doors and windows from the walls.

There are several ways of repairing a damaged basement. Previously, people used cement, stone, sand, and wood for this purpose. They used to force these materials into the ground in order to give strength and support to their foundations. However today, the two most successful ways of foundation repair are 'Piering' and 'Slab Jacking'. Let's quickly look at these two methods separately.

Slab Jacking

The process involves adding of grout beneath the beam or slab of the basement. This generates a lifting force and restores the beam or slab to its original position. Grout is used to fill in all cracks detected in foundations. However, you have to take care about the amount of sand used to form grout. Excessive sand will damage the the quality of the mixture. And hence, the process will be a failure.
Piering

Here, steel posts or pipes are installed beneath the unstable soil. Hydraulic jacks are used to stabilize concrete beams or slabs, which are weakened due to prolonged damage. Steel pipes provide strength to the foundations, preventing further cracks on these structures.

There are many companies which can solve all your problems regarding foundation repair. To find a reliable service provider you must visit websites of various companies that offer basement repair services. Compare their rates and read through a few testimonials, before you hire anyone. Check whether your shortlisted companies have years of experience and good reputation. When it comes to foundation repair, Pennsylvania residents rely on enterprises which are licensed and have fully insured professionals working for them.

About the Author

Foundation repair Pennsylvania - Keystone Foundation Repair, Inc. is serving its cuastomers for more than 20 years with affordable services in foundation repair. Pennsylvania residents are really satisfied with these experts.