The foundation of a home typically does its job invisibly, providing structural integrity to the entirety of your home from the bottom up. That is why it can be quite a shock and scare when you discover any damage to it. While you might find it logical to immediately dial up professional masonry services to replace your home’s foundation, that may not be necessary. Depending on the severity of the deterioration, the foundation may be repairable.
Before contacting professional services, you should always examine the damage first. Depending on your needs, the cost of what is necessary can vary widely, which is why you want to choose a solution most suited to your needs that will restore the structural integrity of your home. Here are a few things to consider when choosing between repairing or replacing a foundation.
Why Your Foundation Weakens
Before delving into whether you should repair or replace your foundation, it is good to understand what causes a foundation to deteriorate and any associated signs. It may be surprising to learn that the cause of a weakening and deteriorating foundation is often the ground beneath it. It typically happens when the soil beneath your home begins to compact, contract, swell, or loosen, causing the foundation to sink deeper into the earth than intended.
It can happen as part of seasonal cycles when soil shifts—like freezing and thawing cycles in the winter—or due to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and extended periods of drought. Whatever the cause, it is important to pay attention to your environment and look for signs that may tell the soil is shifting or harming the foundation that your home rests on.
Repairing Your Foundation
Unless it is experiencing a worst-case scenario, repairing your foundation is an effective and practical solution. For starters, you should have an inspection of your foundation by a professional to assess the extent of the damage. Not only can they tell you why the damage occurred, but also what techniques are available as a permanent repair that will restore your foundation to full functionality.
One example is a push pier system, where a series of single holes are dug near the weak areas of the foundation for placing piers. Once the holes are in place, excavators can begin removing soil until the piers are secure in bedrock before being fitted and adjusted accordingly. Once secure, they can fill the region and holes with soil to finish the process.
This procedure is one option for correcting foundation settlement that will restore your home’s structural integrity. Additionally, another example would be parging, which involves applying a special coat to your foundation to restore its appearance and repair any cracks or crumbling in the foundation. That is why you should consult with a professional to determine the best course of action.
Replacing Your Foundation
In most cases, foundation replacement should only be considered as a last resort, as it can be costly, destructive, and lengthy. Typically, replacement is only necessary in the case of a major natural disaster like an earthquake or severe flooding.
If necessary, homes are typically given a temporary foundation through support jacks, after which professionals can begin removing the foundation walls and floor. Once removed, a new foundation is built upon which the home can be lowered and secured in place. Just keep in mind that this is a disruptive process that costs a lot of time and money, and you will not be able to live in your home during the procedure.
Restore Your Home with Professional Services
The foundation of your home plays a vital role in upholding the structural integrity of your home, which is why you should hire professionals to address any concerns you may have. At Turnbull Masonry, we offer quality masonry services that can restore your home and repair damage to its foundation. Contact us today to begin restoring your home!
