Foundation repair is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity of your home or commercial structure. When foundations shift, settle, or deteriorate, they can cause significant problems throughout your entire home of building.

How can you tell if your home or commercial building has a foundation problem? Here are some telltale signs to look for.

Telltale Signs of Foundation Problems

•  Cracks in the foundation walls or floor slab. Structural weakness causes deflection resulting in cracking, especially above door frames.
• Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open and close. Settling causes out of square window casings resulting in sticking.
• Sloping or sagging floors or uneven walls. Possible structural weakness or slab settling.
• Gaps between the foundation and the siding or roof.
• Gaps between Walls and Ceilings or Floors: These gaps can grow over time, allowing pests and moisture inside.
• Water pooling around the foundation: This could be responsible for water intrusion, and also indicates a landscaping problem.
• Stairways that are crooked or out of alignment,
• Basement/Crawl Space Moisture: Puddles, mold, or a musty smell can all indicate foundation issues.
• Bowed Walls: Walls may lean or curve due to pressure from the surrounding soil.
• Sinking or Upheaval: If part of your home seems to be sinking or another part seems to be rising, this is a significant foundation concern.

The type of foundation repair that is needed will depend on the specific nature of the problem. However, some of the most common techniques include the following.

Foundation Repair Techniques

Crack repair:

Small cracks in the foundation can be repaired using a variety of methods, including epoxy injection, polyurethane injection, and hydraulic cement patching. The cost of crack repair typically ranges from $250 to $800 per crack.

Slabjacking:

Slabjacking is a process that is used to raise and level concrete slabs that have sunken or become uneven. This is done by injecting grout beneath the slab to lift it back into place. The cost of slabjacking typically ranges from $500 to $3,000.

Mudjacking:

Mudjacking is similar to slabjacking, but it is used to raise and level concrete slabs that are located on soft or unstable soil. This is done by injecting a mixture of mud and cement beneath the slab to lift it back into place. The cost of mudjacking typically ranges from $500 to $3,000.

Piering:

Piering is a more invasive foundation repair technique that is used to support and stabilize foundations that have shifted or settled significantly. This is done by installing concrete piers beneath the foundation to provide additional support. The cost of piering typically ranges from $10,000 to $30,000.

Estimated Costs and Completion Times

The cost and completion time for foundation repair will vary depending on the severity of the problem and the type of repair that is needed. However, here are some general estimates:

Crack repair: 1-2 days, $250-$800 per crack
Slabjacking: 1-2 days, $500-$3,000
Mudjacking: 1-2 days, $500-$3,000
Piering: 3-5 days, $10,000-$30,000
Techniques and Resolutions Used

Crack repair

To repair a crack in a foundation wall, the first step is to clean and widen the crack. This can be done using a wire brush or a cold chisel. Once the crack is prepared, it is filled with a repair material, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or hydraulic cement. The repair material is then allowed to cure, and the crack is sealed with a waterproof sealant.

Slabjacking

Slabjacking is a process that is used to raise and level concrete slabs that have sunken or become uneven. This is done by injecting grout beneath the slab to lift it back into place. Grout is a mixture of sand, cement, and water that is injected beneath the slab through small holes that are drilled in the concrete. The grout then expands and hardens, lifting the slab back into place.

Mudjacking

Mudjacking is similar to slabjacking, but it is used to raise and level concrete slabs that are located on soft or unstable soil. This is done by injecting a mixture of mud and cement beneath the slab to lift it back into place. The mud-jacking mixture is injected beneath the slab through small holes that are drilled into the concrete. The mud-jacking mixture then expands and hardens, lifting the slab back into place.

Piering

Piering is a more invasive foundation repair technique that is used to support and stabilize foundations that have shifted or settled significantly. This is done by installing concrete piers beneath the foundation to provide additional support. Piering can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to use hydraulic piers. Hydraulic piers are driven into the ground beneath the foundation until they reach a stable layer of soil. The piers are then connected to the foundation using steel beams or brackets.