There are many steps to fixing your foundation, so we want to share with you what to expect during foundation repair. It involves several well-coordinated steps, from diagnosing the problem to restoring your property after repairs. Here is a comprehensive overview of what to expect during foundation repair.
Initial Assessment
It all starts with an inspection by a foundation specialist. They identify the extent of the foundation damage. An even more important point is that they determine its underlying causes. During the inspection, professionals use a combination of methods to assess the condition of your foundation. Exterior and interior visual examinations zero in on cracks, uneven floors, and misaligned doors or windows. Contractors use advanced tools like levels, laser measurements, and ground-penetrating radar to detect subtle shifts in the foundation that are not immediately visible.
Once the structural assessment is finished, inspectors check for contributing factors. What are the contributing factors? Drainage problems, soil instability, and plumbing leaks all play a role in foundation movement. You get recommendations on how to address each of these areas. After the inspection, the specialist provides a detailed report that includes a diagnosis, outlines potential solutions, and estimates costs.
Site Preparation for Foundation Repair Construction
Before repair work can begin, workers prepare the property. Crews need safe and efficient access to the foundation. Foundation landscaping, such as shrubs, flower beds, or other plants, may need to be temporarily removed or covered to prevent damage during the repair process. Concrete patios or driveways near the site might be cut or removed.
Access
Works need access to all areas around your home. They will need to get to crawlspaces, the inside and outside of the house. Make sure these areas are free of clutter or obstructions. It will make it easier for the workers and help protect anything that can be moved out of the way.
Utilities
Be prepared to have utilities shut off. It is for everyone’s safety. Gas lines, water pipes, and electricity must be temporarily shut off. Please talk with your contractor about what they will need. Coordinate with utility companies for shut-off and turn-on times.
The Repair Process
The actual repair methods depend on the nature and severity of the foundation issues. Common techniques include piering or underpinning, crack repair, and waterproofing. Each method addresses specific problems effectively:
Piering or Underpinning
Piering stabilizes and lifts a sinking foundation by installing steel or concrete piers deep into stable soil layers. Hydraulic equipment then incrementally lifts the structure. The home stays elevated during repairs, so no additional stress is placed on the foundation. Strategically placed piers support key load-bearing sections like walls, chimneys, and porches.
Crack Repairs
Foundation cracks may lead to foundation water leaks. There are repairs you can do. Epoxy injections repair structural cracks, which bond the cracks and restore strength. Polyurethane foam seals gaps in other cracks, preventing water leaks. Carbon fiber strips reinforce larger cracks and prevent further movement.
Waterproofing
Consider recommended waterproofing measures that prevent future damage. There are exterior and interior ways to waterproof. Exterior waterproofing membranes keep moisture from the foundation walls. Interior drainage systems direct water to a sump pump. Add another level of protection with French drains. Installed them around the home’s exterior to help move surface water away from the foundation.
Post-Repair Clean-Up
After stabilizing the foundation, the repair team will restore the property. Removed landscaping during the preparation phase gets replanted, though some plants may not survive the disruption. Contractors often recommend professional landscapers for seamless restoration.
Concrete Patches
Patched access holes drilled into concrete slabs seal the file openings, but the color match may not be perfect. New concrete gets poured for extensive excavation repairs. Workers remove dirt and debris generated during the repair process.
Final Inspection
It is time for the final inspection to check that the repairs meet structural standards and are completed correctly. Most contractors provide warranties for their work.
Additional Notes
Make sure you and your contractor communicate throughout the foundation repair process. Speak up when you need clarification about anything. Your contractor handles the required permits. Double-check on it. Do not doubt yourself. It is okay to confirm that everything is done and finished properly. Don’t forget the weather. Rain, snow, ice, and extreme temperatures will cause delays. In general, stuff happens, so expect the unexpected.
Understanding what to expect during foundation repair ensures your home’s long-term health and value. Have you noticed foundation damage? Contact us for a foundation inspection.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Foundation Repair Series
What to Expect Before Foundation Repair
- 20 Signs of Foundation Damage – Easy Checklist
- When to Get a Foundation Inspection – How to Know if Your Foundation Needs Repair
- Preparation for Construction Before Foundation Repairs
What to Expect During Foundation Repair
- What to Expect During Foundation Repair – Detailed Guide
- Can You Live in a House During Foundation Repair?
- How is Foundation Repair Done – The Process from Start to Finish
What to Expect After Foundation Repair
