Is foundation repair with piers possible and do those fixes last? These are fair questions from any homeowner. After all, underpinning and other foundation repair often runs several thousand dollars. In turn, you want to know that your investment is worth it for your home!
In short, foundation repair with piers is typically very stable and reliable and lasts for decades. However, to ensure you make the right choice for your home, consider some added details about this process. Then, contact a foundation repair contractor near you. They can perform an inspection and note the best repair method for your property.
To better decide if foundation repair with piers is right for your property, it helps to understand the process! Typically, a contractor performs underpinning with the following steps:
This process varies slightly for concrete slab foundations, as they don’t have walls or sides to which the pins attach. Instead, a contractor will dig tall columns under the foundation. Next, the contractor fills those with concrete while raising the foundation in place.
Those concrete piers then dry and cure and stay in position. As with pins or piers, they provide support for the foundation over the years.
The short answer is yes, foundation piers or pins are an excellent choice for any home. First, their solid materials aren’t likely to crack or sink, ensuring they last for decades. Second, those piers provide added support for a foundation, as said. In turn, your home isn’t likely to settle or sink after underpinning.
Also, note that a foundation contractor also lifts or “jacks up” a house during the underpinning process. In some cases, they might use a slab jacking process with underpinning. This process injects thick slurries under the home. These slurries expand as they dry, also lifting a home and keeping it supported.
Moreover, piers and pins stay in position even when surrounded by shifting soil. This also helps to keep a foundation strong, resisting cracks and other damage. In conclusion, foundation piers, pins, and concrete cylinders are typically an excellent investment for any home!
There is no “best” foundation repair method, as recommended fixes depend on your home’s foundation design and damage extent. Check out some common repair methods that your contractor might recommend:
A home sitting on a faulty foundation isn’t likely to collapse outright. However, this doesn’t mean you can ignore cracks and other issues! There are many reasons to invest in foundation repair no matter its cost:
Foundation damage can affect your home’s resale value, as said. In some cases, you might not even sell a home with a damaged foundation! Mortgage lenders don’t like to sign off on loans for homes that don’t pass inspection. In turn, a buyer might not even qualify for a loan needed to purchase your home.
On the other hand, a repaired foundation might not affect resale. Piers and pins last for decades, as said. A homebuyer might expect a repaired foundation to remain in good condition for the lifetime of ownership.
Moreover, preventative measures such as waterproofing can also prevent foundation damage. Waterproof membranes keep out damaging moisture and ensure a foundation stays dry. Investing in this service can then increase home value and bring in more buyers when you’re ready to sell. A home appraiser can offer more information about how foundation issues affect a home’s value.
Generally speaking, you can expect concrete piers to last 75 years or more. However, poor drainage and shifting soil can put pressure on those piers, shortening their lifespan. Also, poor-quality installation can allow them to settle and crack over time. Contractors should avoid this by using adequate rebar and letting the concrete cure properly.
Steel pins and piers are also durable and last for 50 to 75 years. Replacing piers in crawl spaces with new steel pins is also an excellent choice for durable fixes. Proper drainage along your property also provides added protection against premature damage. Your foundation repair contractor can provide more advice on how to protect underpinning over the years.
As with foundation fixes, there is no “best” foundation type for a house. Instead, a property owner or potential homebuyer might consider how contractors create various foundations, and their pros and cons. Also, never hesitate to ask a foundation repair contractor for added advice about different foundation materials.
Poured concrete is the longest-lasting foundation for a house. Concrete lasts for decades and is durable enough to hold up a home’s weight. Also, a concrete installer can pour the material in any fashion, so they can tailor a foundation’s design to suit any home’s size or design plan. In turn, homebuyers or those looking to construct a home might consider a basement or slab.
However, note that a full basement is typically the most expensive foundation option. Basements require lots of concrete for their construction and added labor for installation. However, homes with basements often have higher values than those without! This is because basements provide added square footage, making a home more desirable to buyers.
Also, note that a contractor might suggest a pier and beam foundation for sloped ground or areas prone to flooding. Building piers to individual sizes allows for a level foundation even if the ground isn’t flat. Raising a home onto piers also protects it against flood damage. Crawl spaces also offer that added space for storage and for accessing the home’s underside, as said.
Never overlook the need for foundation repair on your property. Without a full inspection, how do you know it’s time to call a contractor? Note a few signs of foundation damage you might notice around your property:
Also, remember to schedule regular foundation inspections. These can alert you to developing damage so you can address it quickly.
Total Foundation Repair San Antonio is happy to help answer the question, is foundation repair with piers possible? Hopefully we’ve provided some useful information for homeowners! Also, don’t hesitate to check out our blog for more useful tips. You can also call our foundation repair contractors if you’re in the area and need expert services.