How Is Foundation Repair Done?

A foundation is the base of a building. It bears the weight of all stories above it and provides stability to keep everything in place. A cracked or bowed foundation can cause severe structural problems for your home.

When your foundation starts to fail, you need to act fast. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage your home will sustain. But how is foundation repair done?

There are a few different ways that foundation repair can be accomplished. This will depend on the severity of the damage and the type of foundation you have.
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This article will explain the step-by-step foundation repair process to know what to expect.

Are Foundation Cracks Serious?

The answer is: it depends. Some cracks are nothing to worry about, while others could indicate a severe problem.

Here are a few things you need to take into account when assessing a foundation crack:

• How wide is the crack? If it’s wider than a quarter-inch, this is cause for concern.
• How long is the crack? If it’s longer than a few feet, this could be a problem.
• ​Is the crack vertical, horizontal, or diagonal? Vertical cracks are usually not as serious as horizontal or diagonal cracks.
• Does the crack appear to be getting worse? If so, this is a sign that you need to take action.
• ​What is the crack’s pattern? If you see a “stair-step” pattern, this is cause for concern. This indicates that the problem is getting worse.

Are there any other cracks in the foundation? If so, this could be a sign of a serious problem. See these DIY tips to recognize the type of cracks you are seeing.

​If you’re not sure whether or not a foundation crack is serious, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and call a foundation repair expert. They will be able to assess the situation and advise you on the best course of action.

The 5-step Foundation Repair Method of Most Contractors

Foundation repair is a multi-step process. The methods used will depend on the situation. However, there are some general steps that all contractors will take when repairing a foundation. These steps are as follows:

Preparation 

Every work needs a proper foundation. This is also the case with foundation repair. The first step is to prepare the area for work. This includes removing any landscaping features, such as shrubs or trees that might get in the way.
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It’s also important to remove any objects in the way of the foundation repairs, such as patio furniture. Once the area is clear, the contractor will be able to get to work.

Assessment 

The next step is to assess the damage. The contractor will closely look at the foundation and identify any problem areas. They will also determine what caused the damage in the first place. This is important as it will help to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.
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Once the assessment is complete, the contractor will be able to develop a repair plan.

Digging Holes

Around the perimeter of the foundation, the contractor will dig holes. These holes need to be at least two feet deep. The purpose of these holes is to provide access to the damage to be repaired.
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It’s important to note that this step can be messy and disruptive. There might be some noise and vibration as well. However, it’s important to bear with the contractor, as this step is necessary for the repair process.

Lifting the Foundation 

Once the holes have been dug, the next step is to lift the foundation. But before this, steel piers or concrete piers or pilings need to be placed in the holes. These will provide support for the foundation while it’s being lifted.

The piers or pilings will be connected to a hydraulic jacks. This system is used to lift the foundation back into place. It’s important to note that this step needs to be done slowly and carefully to avoid further damage.

IMPORTANT: The contractor will need to monitor the lifting process closely. This is to ensure that the foundation is lifted evenly. If not, this could lead to further damage.

Covering the Holes

Once the foundation is back in place, the contractor will fill in the holes. This is to help restore the landscaping to its original state.

It’s important to note that the holes might not be filled in. This is because the foundation contractor might need to come back and check on the repair in the future.
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It’s also worth noting that the repair process might not be completed in just one day. In some cases, it might take several days or even weeks.

Cleaning Up

The last step is to clean up the area. This includes removing any debris that’s left over from the repair process. The foundation repair contractor will also make sure that all of the tools and equipment are put away.
Once the area is clean, the repair process will be completed.

Keep an Eye on Your Foundation

Even after the repair is complete, it’s important to keep an eye on your foundation. This ensures that the problem doesn’t happen again in the future.

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Conclusion

House foundation repair is a multi-step process. The foundation repair methods used will depend on the situation. However, there are some general steps that a foundation company will take when repairing a foundation. These steps are as follows:

Preparation, assessment, digging holes, lifting the foundation, covering the holes, and cleaning up.
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Now that you know how foundation repair is done, you can be sure to get the help you need if your concrete foundation or any other type of foundation ever needs repairs. In case you are located in Richmond, Virginia, we can help.

Author

​David is the lead content editor at RVA Paving Pros, a service for Richmond VA residents. In his spare time, David likes to travel, read about business and visit the finest italian restaurants in town!