Foundation repair is definitely not a one-size fit all process. There are several factors that can contribute to foundation problems such as soil conditions and improper drainage. Because each structure is unique, it is important to have a certified professional assess your home or building to determine the most cost-effective and permanent solution for your situation.
Oftentimes during an inspection, it may be determined that exterior foundation repair systems aren’t enough to lift or stabilize the structure’s entire foundation. Exterior piers are used for the outside of the structure and are meant to lift or raise the perimeter only. But what happens when the slab in the center of your home or building is sinking? Interior piles (often referred to as interior piers) are installed underneath your foundation slab in order to make it level with the perimeter.
The typical installation for push piers is on the outside of the foundation but, with the trend toward outdoor living space in the U.S., many homes have exterior structures that would be costly and inconvenient to repair or replace. Patios, decks, stamped concrete or paver driveways and elaborate landscaping may all be in the way of installing piers to repair a dropped foundation.
The Main Benefits of Interior Piers:
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Lift: helps push up a home’s sinking structure and foundation so that it is at ground-level again.
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Support: helps a home’s structure and foundation stay leveled once it has been raised back up.
Identifying Interior Signs of Foundation Issues
There are several identifiers from the interior of your home that you can look for to tell whether your foundation is shifting. These signs are as follows:
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Cracks in the interior wall(s) – When the foundation of your home starts shifting or settling cracks may appear in the interior wall.
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Uneven floors – When the foundation of your home is shifting or settling it can cause your floors to become unlevel.
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Windows and Doors sticking – When the foundation of your home starts shifting or settling windows and doors become unlevel.
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Floors sagging – The floors of your home may start sagging or creaking. We can give your floors more support and keep them from sagging.
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Crack in concrete slab – Concrete slabs can settle and become uneven and crack over time.
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Bowing basement walls – Soil around your home being over saturated with water can cause to much pressure for the foundation wall which can cause them to bow, crack or even eventually collapse.
Installing piers in a crawlspace is a little more difficult but a foundation repair contractor that makes use of the latest technique and equipment, such as Helicon, can accomplish it.
Homeowners with both a finished basement and significant exterior structures can be advised by the foundation repair contractor as to which installation will work best for them.
Regardless of whether the piers are placed inside or outside the foundation, installing push piers will ensure that a damaged foundation is properly and permanently repaired and stabilized. At Helicon, our foundation repair experts employ their experience along with reliable engineering data and the latest in processes and materials to ensure that our foundation repair work is permanent, cost-effective and as convenient as possible for homeowners.
