Foundation Repair Greensboro NC is essential to maintaining the functionality of your home. A failing foundation can cause a wide range of issues in your home, from doors and windows that don’t open or close to uneven floors.

To address sinking and settling, contractors use steel piers or concrete pilings (also called pressed piles). They drill holes beneath the foundation and insert them in stable soil.

In some cases, foundation cracks are minor and easy to repair with a little DIY work. Other cracks, however, are more serious and require professional attention. Generally, any crack wider than 1/4 inch is cause for concern and should be repaired immediately. The following signs are an indication that it’s time to call a professional for a foundation inspection:

Hairline Cracks

Hairline cracks are small fissures that appear in concrete walls and are typically cosmetic. They often appear as the concrete is curing and are a normal part of the process. Hairline cracks can be filled with concrete patching materials, which will repair the crack and restore the appearance of the wall.

Seasonal Cycles

When soil expands during winter and contracts during summer, it can put pressure on the foundation of a home, causing cracks. In addition, water infiltrating the foundation during freeze-thaw cycles can also contribute to cracking. Keeping an eye on the condition of your foundation throughout the year can help you catch any issues early and prevent them from becoming worse.

Stair-Step Cracks

Often found in brick or block foundations, stair-step cracks form in a zigzag pattern and are caused by shifting or movement of the foundation. They are more serious than horizontal cracks and should be repaired quickly to avoid further damage.

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks are a sign that there is more serious structural damage to the foundation. They may be caused by changes in soil moisture levels and can lead to the sinking of the foundation or even the collapse of the entire structure. If you notice diagonal cracks, contact a professional right away for immediate foundation repair.

When a home’s foundation is sinking or settling, the first step in repairing it is installing support, which is called underpinning. This is usually done along the perimeter of the home, though supports might be needed under the center of the house as well. Two common types of underpinning in Central Texas are piers and pilings. Piers are installed by digging and drilling into the ground, then pouring concrete to add support to the foundation. Pilings are metal rods that are driven into the ground to add support to the foundation.

Underpinning

When the foundation of a structure has become unstable, underpinning can make it stronger by extending its depth and breadth. This reinforces the foundation’s inherent support and helps it withstand future settlement or other structural problems.

This can be needed due to a number of reasons, including the property’s soil properties not being adequately understood during its original construction, damage caused by trees or animals nearby, large gaps appearing around doors and windows, or even a natural disaster such as an earthquake. Underpinning can also be the best option when signs of structural instability start to appear – these include leaning walls or floors that are visibly uneven, cracks that get wider over time and doors that are hard to open and close.

Structural instability can be quite serious and can impact the entire structure, making it unsafe to live in. The repair costs will typically be much higher than for moderate settlement and may require underpinning or helical piers to strengthen the foundation.

It’s important to choose a contractor with plenty of experience in foundation repair. Those with extensive experience will have a deeper understanding of local weather conditions and soil types, so they’ll be better equipped to offer a solution that will last. Look for contractors with licensing and insurance – these will help protect you from liability issues in case anything goes wrong during the project.

Another good idea is to read books, blogs and online resources about foundation repair – this can demystify the process for you and provide a wealth of helpful tips and advice. Many of these resources are written by professionals who have years of experience in the field, so they’ll be able to explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. You can also learn a lot from talking with others who have undergone foundation repair work and sharing your own experiences with them.

Structural Repairs

Structural repairs are required when damage affects the overall integrity of a building. These typically involve work to foundations, walls, beams and framing. They may be required due to poor construction practice, water ingress and damage, or as a result of natural settling or soil movement. Fortunately, there are proven structural repair methods that can halt damage and stabilise structures without the need for costly excavations.

The best way to identify whether your building requires structural repairs is to have a professional inspection conducted. This allows a qualified engineer to assess the severity of the damage and determine the best course of action. In most cases, structural repairs will require a custom solution that takes into account factors like the age of the building, construction materials, design and layout. Our strong lineage in construction equips us with the skills and knowledge to approach structural repair projects with the elevated attention to detail they require.

Often, structural issues are spotted when windows and doors begin to crack or stick. This is an early warning sign that the building is shifting, which can lead to serious problems if left unchecked. The longer you wait, the worse the issue becomes, and it will be much more expensive to fix. There are several methods available for stabilizing and repairing shifts in foundations, including underpinning, strapping and piling.

Bowing walls are another common indication of structural movement. They can occur when excessive pressure on a wall results in soil expansion that puts too much stress on the structure. If left unchecked, this can lead to severe foundation damage or even collapse. Stabilization of bowed walls is essential to prevent further damage. Experts will evaluate the bowing walls, measure and inspect for underlying causes before determining the most effective method of stabilization. This can include carbon fiber straps or steel I-beams.

Sagging floors are another significant indication that a home or commercial property needs structural repairs. These can be caused by a variety of reasons, from the addition of heavy items to sagging floor joists that have been impacted by termite or water damage. Sagging floors require support to restore their structural integrity and ensure the safety of anyone living or working within the building.

Sealing

The goal of a foundation repair is to restore the structural integrity of your home and return it to its original elevation. It is also necessary to address issues that may have developed due to soil movement. For example, extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or prolonged drought can affect the soil. This can cause it to shift, causing the house to either lift or sink down. This puts additional stress on the foundation, which can lead to cracks and other problems.

Sealing the foundation is another vital part of any repair project. It can protect the home from moisture and pests. It can also prevent the deterioration of concrete and help extend the life of the house. A well-done sealing job can even make the property more valuable.

Before a foundation can be sealed, the surface of the concrete must be cleaned. This typically involves power washing to remove dirt and other debris. After the cleaning, a concrete surface treatment can be applied. Voids and honeycombs must be filled with grout or concrete and form-tie holes, as well as small cracks, must be sealed. The waterproof membranes can then be applied to the foundation walls and footings.

When a foundation is damaged, it’s important to get repairs done quickly. The longer the issue goes unresolved, the more damage can occur to the structure. It’s also important to have the right contractor complete the work.

While some people choose to do a DIY foundation repair, it’s always better to hire a professional. A trained, experienced contractor can find and treat the root cause of the problem and ensure that the repair work is lasting.

In addition to repairing and protecting the foundation, a professional can also install an interior drainage system. This will keep water away from the foundation and prevent it from leaking into the basement. It can also reduce the need for a sump pump.