A foundation underpinning system is used to add additional support to a home that is found to be sinking. When installed properly it will prevent further vertical settlement. Homes sink typically due to soil conditions. In the Midwest, clay soils are most common. Clay soil expands when it rains and shrinks when it is dry. Extreme wet periods followed by extended drought conditions can cause a home to sink. Changes could take years to notice, but over time you may see cracks in walls, unlevel floors, doors and windows that stick and are hard to open.
Why would I need foundation Underpinning?
If it has been determined that your home is sinking, then a foundation underpinning system can be a great solution. There are two common types of steel underpinning systems used in the industry. One is referred to as a Helical Pier (a large, approximately 10-inch diameter screw) while the other is called a Resistance Pier (approximately 3‑inch diameter pipe).
What is a Helical Pier in foundation repair?
A Helical Pier is a large steel screw approximately 10-inches in diameter that is screwed into the earth in strategic locations (approximately 6‑feet apart). Large holes are dug next to the foundation in order to install these piers. Once the piers are driven, a steel bracket is placed under the footing (the widened concrete base the foundation wall sits on) and attached to the pier.
What is a Resistance Pier in foundation repair?
A Resistance Pier is an approximately 3‑inch diameter steel pipe that is pushed into the earth, using a hydraulic cylinder (special equipment used to create force to push the piers) to a depth where soils can support the weight of the building. It is not uncommon to drive Resistance Piers 50-feet or more into the ground. These piers are typically placed approximately 6‑feet apart and require that we dig large holes in order to install them next to the footing.
What is the best way to fix a sinking foundation in the Midwest?
In the Midwest, Resistance Piers are most commonly used to stabilize / lift a home that is found to be sinking. Because of the occasional subzero temperatures, we have a 36-inch frost line (depth the ground can typically freeze to) with 42-inch deep footings. The deeper the concrete footings the more the building weighs which creates an ideal condition to use Resistance Piers. Resistance Piers rely on the weight of the building to push the piers to the proper depth, which averages 55-feet into the ground. Other parts of the country, with shallow foundations and light frame structures, would be better suited for a Helical Pier because it screws into the ground and does not rely on the weight of the building.
Can foundation problems be permanently repaired?
Yes, most sinking foundation problems can be permanently repaired if the entire problem is addressed. The first step to ensuring a permanent fix is to identify what caused the building to sink in the first place. While foundation contractors can quickly design and quote a proper piering system, few take the time to determine the root cause of the problem and address it in their repair plan. This total solution ensures a permanent repair.
What can I do to keep my house from sinking?
Improving water management around your home is the most important thing you can do to reduce the chance of your home sinking. Increasing the size of the gutter and downspout system along with semi-annual gutter cleaning is the first big step. Extending the downspouts and sump pump discharge 10 to 15-feet from your foundation ensures the water has less impact on the soil beneath the home. Re-pitching pavement to further divert water away is also beneficial.
Why Choose U.S. Waterproofing?
Total peace of mind. We start with a free in-home consultation where one of our highly trained Structural Advisors will provide you with a proper diagnosis, detailed repair plan, and cost of repair.
We know home improvement projects can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to your home’s foundation. To lessen your stress, we assign a Field Supervisor to visit your home and review the project with you in depth. Your Field Supervisor can answer all your questions prior to scheduling the work.
Our Piering Systems come with a worry free 30-year transferrable warranty (for residential homeowners). Since 1957, U.S Waterproofing has been committed to unmatched customer service and getting the job done right the first time. We stand by our work and have over 500,000 satisfied customers to our name. Schedule your free consultation online today!