All properly-built structures start out with nice, level foundations. However, foundations can become cracked, tilted, or otherwise be damaged over time. This can happen due to building on ground that is insufficiently solid, water undercutting the foundation, damage from strong tree roots, weather changes, and a number of other factors. Fortunately, such events don’t mean that the house or building needs to be torn down. Foundation repair can make the building level again without disturbing the rest of the structure.
Foundation leveling in Houston, TX can be done in a number of ways, so the first step a repair service like Knight Engineering will take is to send an engineer out to the location to determine the best method to use. The engineer will examine the foundation, the ground it sits on, and other important factors before making a decision. Once that’s done, it’ll be time to begin the repair work.
Methods may include pumping a sand mixture under the sinking part of the foundation to shore it up, using piles to bring it into position and stabilize it, and more. Sand can be a good fix if the ground underneath the foundation has been washed away through the years and simply needs to be replaced. Piles are usually put in when the ground is present, but isn’t stable enough to hold something that is simply sitting on top of it. If you think of piles like being giant screws that are driven very deep into the ground, you’ll have a basic understanding of why they can work in this type of earth.
While these methods are some of the ones that are used to keep a foundation level, there is often a stage that takes place beforehand. This stage involves jacking up the house enough to make it level in the first place. Sometimes, the house will be raised a bit higher in order to leave room to install the sand, piles, or both. Once the new elements are in place, the foundation is set down again. With everything set up right, the effects of foundation leveling in Houston, TX will last for years with no need for further work. Click here for more info about foundation leveling and other repairs.
