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Foundation Repair
Making
Repairs If you think there’s a problem with your
foundation, call a professional foundation contractor.
They will be able to assess any damage and determine
the best plan for your situation. There are a variety
of ways to make foundation repairs, therefore,
different companies may propose different plans. For
example, foundation walls can be strengthened by steel
piping, concrete peers, or other materials placed in
the ground to add support. Another example of
foundation repairs is wall anchoring. This is done by
using a steel anchor or burying a steel plate,
concrete, or other material in the ground then
supports are run to the foundation to support the
basement walls. A plate will fasten a support rod to
the basement wall. Repairs to your foundation can be
done from the inside or the outside. Beams are
installed to level the house if it is not level.
Cracks in the foundation should be filled with epoxy
to stop water seepage and cement the foundation
together. A professional foundation repair contractor
may suggest using one of these methods depending on
your situation.
Obtaining
Foundation Estimates If you are building or
repairing a foundation, consult a professional
foundation contractor for an on-sight inspection and
estimate. A professional contractor should not give an
estimate until they see the problem and surrounding
ground conditions. Many of the contractors you
consider will suggest the same type of procedure while
others may offer different alternatives and costs. If
all the suggestions you receive are different, you
should probably get some additional estimates. That
way you can feel more comfortable with your decision.
Be sure to give the same information to all the
contractors so their estimates can be evaluated
equally. Compare costs on the estimates and be sure to
get quality materials and workmanship. Don’t choose a
contractor solely on price, because you get what you
pay for. For further information, contact a foundation
contractor.
Selecting a
foundation contractor Need a foundation
contractor? Be advised that some contractors will only
handle new construction while others only do repair
and some will do both. Try and find someone who
focuses on the area that fits your situation. Ask what
methods the contractor will use to correct your
problem. Avoid making a decision based on cost.
Careful consideration should be given to each of the
solutions proposed. Find a contractor with a solid
reputation and ask if they are members of a trade
organization. These organizations impose standards
which contractors agree to follow. Always verify the
contractor has insurance to avoid future problems.
Finally, ask for references and check in to them
carefully. For further information on this subject
contact a foundation contractor.
Foundation
Termanology When talking about foundations and repairs,
there may be some unfamiliar wording associated with
this type of work. To begin with, a footing is a
ribbon of concrete under the walls of the foundation.
A footing is usually twice or three times the width of
the wall and is the primary support of the foundation.
Under-penning supports the foundation from underneath
the footing which will either raise the foundation or
keep it stationary in its present position. A common
phrase in foundation work is "load bearing surface" or
"strata". This is the capacity of the material or
ground on a horizontal plain which supports the weight
of a building. When support beams under a house have
started to sag, it is called "house setting". Finally,
mud jacking is the term used when you want to raise a
patio or a driveway slab. Dirt and cement are pumped
under the patio or driveway to float the slab up to
the desired level.
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