Steve Explains All Types Of Foundation Repairs
Our Trusted Saskatoon foundation team at K & S Contracting specializes in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan, but we also offer general contracting services to Saskatoon and surrounding area. In our latest article we share the different types of foundation repairs.
Types Of Foundation Repairs
Long horizontal cracks, leaning walls, and water coming into your basement are signs that your home’s foundation requires repair. Though repairing a home’s foundation is costly, it is always a good idea to address the issue as soon as possible. There are different types of foundation repair methods to choose from which are explained below.
Steel Piers
For stabilizing or repairing a damaged foundation, steel piers would be the recommended method from structural engineers. For reinforcing homes that have begun to slope or settle at an uneven angle, steel piers are most effective. As steel is such a long-lasting material, it is ideal for holding up heavy structures such as homes.
Concrete Piers
Similar to steel piers, concrete piers offer long-lasting structural support for the home. Since soil pressure is often the cause of horizontal foundation cracks, concrete piers are custom-built according to home’s soil and the depth of the foundation. Generally, concrete piers are best for mild climates,
Generally speaking, concrete piers are the best option for mild climates. Concrete piers require a lot of manual labour such as digging, drilling, and dirt removal, making the cost of concrete foundations expensive.
Helical Piers
Helical piers utilize steel containing helix-shaped designs known as helices. Helical piers allow beams to be driven deep in the soil, and thus are useful for tricky areas. Though helical piers offer the same benefits steel, they are a newer method, are often over-marketed, and will not necessarily perform better or worse than other methods.
High-Density Polyurethane Foam
For emergency foundation issues, high-density polyurethane foam is the best option. High-density polyurethane foam is often used to raise highways and residential concrete, or for foundation repairs that are time-sensitive as it is widely available and rises quickly.
There are more than 10 types of high-density polyurethane foam used for different purposes. For example, RR501 is good for stabilization while FS201 is best for areas of high-moisture (maintaining consistent moisture levels can prevent foundation issues) or water exposure.
Segmented Piers
Segmented piers are a foundation repair method whereby smaller tubes of concrete are pressed into the soil underneath the home’s foundation. Cost-wise, segmented piers are advantageous and could save you thousands.
Spot Piers
Spot piers are a great foundation repair method for areas such as outdoor porches and patios. Spot piers stabilize the vulnerable and damaged foundation areas and are installed by hand-digging and inserting the concrete into the ground.
Foundation engineers always recommend planting trees farther away from the home. This is because one tree has the potential to absorb up to 150 gallons of water per day, which messes with the soil and consequently the foundation of the home. Trees with invasive root systems such as elms, willow trees, and silver maples should be completely avoided.
Masonry Patches & Sealants
For homes that rest on a concrete foundation, masonry patches and sealants can reinforce problem areas. Vinyl concrete patch products with strong adhesive properties and drying times of under 24 hours are ideal. Vinyl concrete patch products are solid and reinforce concrete foundations with vinyl resin and cement which are solid and sturdy.
Slab Jacking
Slab jacking is a common foundation repair method particularly if the concrete is sinking. Also referred to as “mud jacking”, slab jacking is a process whereby a professional drills strategic holes in the foundation, and then uses hoses to inject a grout or foam mixture underneath the foundation. This helps the foundation rise within a couple of hours, and is an alternative to replacing the concrete.
Slab jacking can have a home’s foundation repaired far sooner compared to a brand new concrete foundation install, and is a comparatively cheaper option as well.
This article covered different types of foundation repairs. No matter the repair method used, it is crucial for foundation repairs to be dealt with as soon as possible. If the foundation of your home requires repair, always get an expert involved as foundation repairs are costly and often complicated.
K & S Contracting are Saskatoon’s Trusted Contractor for Foundations and foundation repairs.
“We will get you back on solid ground!”
At K & S Contracting we specialize in foundation repair for homeowners across Saskatchewan, but we also offer contracting services to Saskatoon and surrounding area including:
- Foundations for RTM, Residential and Light Commercial
- Roofing, Re-Roofs and Shingles
- Decks, Fences & Landscaping
- Basement renovations
- Custom Builds
- Exteriors
- All Insurance work