Foundation leveling, or house leveling, is a process that involves raising or lowering portions of a foundation to restore the levelness of a structure. Usually, this is an important step of any foundation repair, in addition to addressing the underlying foundation issues first. Otherwise, the foundation leveling procedure will be for naught. Unleveled foundations are prone to serious issues from uneven distribution of weight. Cracks can develop on walls and exterior siding which severely weaken the building’s integrity. The methods and techniques employed in foundation leveling are dependent on the foundation type and the extent of the foundation damage.

Slab foundations are made from a single pour of cement and cover the entire area of the intended structure base, usually 6” thick in the center and up to 24” around the edge. The outer thickness supports the exterior walls and protects the entire slab where it is vulnerable, while the center does not need to be as thick because it does not support as much weight. Slab foundations are often used in warmer climates like San Antonio’s because there is no need for a frost protected foundation. Additionally, they can be made quickly and inexpensively. Unfortunately, slab foundations are very susceptible to the expansive clay soil found in San Antonio. Coupled with the variability of seasonal temperatures, there is a chance that any slab foundation home can become damaged over time. Usually, slab foundation repair involves digging around the exterior of the building and putting piers or pilings in place.

Pier and beam foundations are made from concrete or steel piers that are driven deep into the ground. Girder beams, often made of wood, are then laid across the piers to form a solid foundation. Unfortunately, the crawl space is also susceptible to moisture related issues which affect the wooden elements of the home. Mildew and mold can cause damage to the underside of the structure and create a decaying odor in the home. An essential part of pier and beam foundation repair is foundation leveling. Foundation leveling a pier and beam foundation can be achieved by integrating pilings under piers for strength or the addition of piers to areas where the foundation is sagging. Braces can also be implemented to further support these areas. Soil stabilization might also be necessary to complete a pier and beam foundation repair in addition to pier and beam foundation leveling, as San Antonio is known for its clay soil.

Many issues can lead to trouble with a foundation, most of which are related to the moisture content of the soil and are usually attributed to an abnormal amount of seasonal rain. This is where effective drainage systems become absolutely important. Failure to direct rainwater away from the structure will inevitably lead to foundation issues including cracks and warping. It is important to make sure the foundation repair company addresses drainage issues before performing foundation or house leveling. This might be as simple as a routine gutter cleaning or installing a new drainage system. Once drainage systems are installed and soil conditions are stabilized, foundation leveling in San Antonio will usually solve any issues that were caused by an uneven foundation. This includes sloping floors, sticking doors, gaps in windows, etc. 

Like ours, most reputable San Antonio foundation leveling companies will provide a fast evaluation. Total Foundation Repair San Antonio has the experience and skills necessary to assess your foundation health, and offer house and foundation leveling. Our engineers can pinpoint needs specific to your foundation and direct the install technicians appropriately. And as a customer service oriented business, your satisfaction is our top priority.