Understanding foundation damage
Of all the structural damages, foundation damage is the costliest one. A weak concrete, unsettled home base, and a few cracked surfaces can cost you an arm and a leg. While you might procrastinate on other common Lakeland home restorations, delaying a weak foundation is not good. It expands the damage and adds to the expenses. So, whether you’re a prospective home buyer or the owner, you must fix foundation issues as soon as possible. Note that not all foundation problems are subtle. While you can quickly identify sagging floors or wet crawl space, you might not be able to spot more complex issues. For instance, humidity and a strange smell are also linked to structural problems. However, at this point, only Foundation Repair professionals can identify the problem, its root cause, and the precise methods needed to fix the underlying issue. Our network of foundation repair professionals aim to help you with current or potential structural damages before they get to you. Our dedicated team of skilled workers takes an instant to spot the foundation issues and offer ideal solutions accordingly. Regardless of your problem’s severity, our team bring to you ease by providing quick but reliable fixes that give a solid foundation to your home for years to come.
About Our Network
Are you searching for a reliable home Foundation Repair Lakeland company? Our network of foundation repair professionals take pride in having a history of successful repair cases. While many Foundation Repair companies in Lakeland offer relevant services, not all have the reputation of making their projects successful. Our network of foundation repair professionals resolve all your complex or simple home foundation problems like pros with our qualified, skilled, and dedicated Foundation Repair contractors in Lakeland, Florida. Our teams’ products offer a lifetime warranty, so once you utilize our services whether it be structural foundation assessment, sewer line repair, house leveling, house lifting, or landscape drainage, you won’t run into structural issues anytime soon.
Why Choose Our Network?
Warranty
A warranty is certainly not a document to be overlooked; it is not an ordinary piece of paper. Instead, it speaks about a company’s credibility. It is a red flag if any repair firm doesn’t offer one. Perhaps you cannot pick a company that can’t back its work. At Swan City Foundation Repair Co, we provide warranty for our work. This eases your burden and ensures that our performance will keep your home safe and sound.
Experience
A Foundation Repair contractor in Lakeland, Florida might know about their work, but if they lack experience in the relevant field, you cannot trust them. How long a company has been in the business and how many clients they’ve served mark its reliability. Having served numerous customers across the city, we’re known for our experience, skill, and hard work. Our work makes our customers happy, but what satisfies them is our years of experience and their project’s success.
Transparent prices
Among many others, one primary reason that earned us respect and credibility is our transparent prices. We do not state false prices at the beginning of projects and come up with unexpected, surprising costs at the end of the services. Many customers who’ve had experience with other Foundation Repair companies in Lakeland, Florida complained that companies do not discuss prices beforehand. This comes up with a significant issue. The customers end up paying a hefty amount at the end of the project. However, our team inspect your home, determine the severity of the structural damage, and discuss the nitty-gritty of the project. This includes the time the project will take to complete, the equipment our network will use, and the costs.
Signs Your Home’s Foundation Needs Repair
A strong and stable foundation is crucial for the longevity and safety of your home. However, over time, foundations can succumb to various factors, leading to structural damage that requires prompt attention. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s imperative to seek professional foundation repair services:
Settling and Sinking
Uneven settling or sinking of a foundation is often evident in the form of cracks in walls, floors, or driveways. These cracks indicate a loss of support beneath the foundation, causing it to sag or sink. Ignoring such signs can lead to further structural instability and potential collapse.
Bowing or Buckling Walls
Significant lateral pressure exerted on foundation walls can cause them to bow or buckle inward. This is often caused by excessive moisture buildup in the soil surrounding the foundation, which weakens the walls and compromises their structural integrity.
Sticking or Jamming Doors and Windows
Difficulty opening or closing doors and windows can be a symptom of a shifting foundation. Uneven settlement can cause door and window frames to become misaligned, creating friction that prevents them from operating smoothly.
Sloping Floors
Visibly sloping floors are a clear indication of foundation problems. As the foundation settles or sinks, the weight of the structure above it can cause floors to tilt or sag, posing a tripping hazard and compromising the level of the home.
Cracked or Damaged Brickwork
Cracks in brickwork, particularly near doors or windows, can be a sign of foundation movement or settlement. These cracks allow moisture to penetrate the walls, further weakening the structure and potentially leading to more severe damage.
Common Causes of Foundation Failure
Several factors can contribute to the deterioration and failure of home foundations. Here are some of the most common causes to be aware of:
Excessive Moisture
Water is the primary culprit responsible for foundation damage. Poor drainage around the home, leaking pipes, or prolonged periods of heavy rainfall can saturate the soil surrounding the foundation, weakening it and causing it to shift or settle.
Soil Conditions
The composition and condition of the soil beneath your home play a significant role in foundation stability. Expansive soils, which shrink and swell with changes in moisture content, can exert excessive pressure on the foundation, leading to cracking or movement.
Tree Roots
Trees and other vegetation growing too close to your home can pose a threat to the foundation. As tree roots expand, they can penetrate and damage the foundation, creating pathways for moisture and compromising its structural integrity.
Age and Deterioration
Over time, foundations can naturally deteriorate due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions and constant loads. This deterioration can manifest as cracks, crumbling, or other signs of wear that weaken the foundation and make it more susceptible to failure.
Poor Construction Practices
Inadequate construction practices during the initial building phase can severely impact the long-term stability of a foundation. Factors such as insufficient excavation depth, improper backfilling techniques, or the use of low-quality materials can lead to premature foundation failure.
Foundation Repair Methods: Restoring Structural Integrity
Choosing the appropriate foundation repair method depends on the nature and extent of the damage. Here’s an overview of some common techniques used to restore the structural integrity of failing foundations:
Foundation Piers
Foundation piers are steel or concrete columns driven deep into the ground below the existing foundation. They transfer the weight of the structure onto more stable soil layers, effectively lifting and stabilizing the foundation.
Helical Piers
Similar to foundation piers, helical piers are steel shafts with helix-shaped blades that are screwed into the soil. They provide additional support by anchoring into stable soil layers, preventing further settling or sinking.
Push Piers
Push piers are hydraulically driven steel tubes that are pushed into the ground until they reach a solid layer of soil or bedrock. They work by pushing up the existing foundation, restoring its original elevation and leveling the structure.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
This method involves injecting polyurethane foam beneath the settling foundation. The foam expands, filling voids and lifting the foundation back to its proper position. It is commonly used to stabilize sinking concrete slabs.
Concrete Piering
In cases where the existing foundation is severely damaged, concrete piering may be necessary. This involves excavating down to stable soil and constructing a new concrete foundation to support the structure.
Benefits of Professional Foundation Repair
Investing in professional foundation repair offers numerous benefits that safeguard the integrity and value of your home:
Enhanced Structural Stability
Professional foundation repair restores the structural integrity of your home, ensuring that it can withstand the weight of the structure and external forces without compromising safety or stability.
Long-Term Protection
Addressing foundation issues promptly can prevent further damage, extending the lifespan of your home and saving you from costly repairs in the future.
Increased Property Value
A well-maintained foundation adds value to your property, making it more desirable to potential buyers and increasing its resale value.
Reduced Risk of Hazards
Foundation failure can lead to hazardous situations, such as structural collapse or gas leaks. Professional repair mitigates these risks, ensuring the safety of your family and the integrity of your home.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your home’s foundation is stable and secure provides peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your living space without the worry of potential structural problems.
Choose Professional Foundation Repair Services for Lasting Results
When it comes to safeguarding the structural integrity and safety of your home, entrusting your foundation repair needs to experienced professionals is paramount. Our team of skilled technicians has the knowledge, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and resolve foundation issues effectively and efficiently.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a thorough inspection and customized repair plan. Our commitment to quality workmanship, exceptional customer service, and affordable solutions ensures that your home’s foundation will regain its strength and stability, providing you with peace of mind and a hassle-free living experience.
What causes foundation damage?
Foundation damage is not a minor problem. Your entire Lakeland home is at risk with a weak foundation. You spent thousands of dollars to purchase quality materials for your home’s foundation; what exactly can be causing this issue? Here are a few reasons your home foundation is acting up:
Our network of foundation repair professionals aren’t new to plumbing leaks. However, many Lakeland homeowners encounter problems with the mainline. A significant leak can lead to the soil surrounding your home making its way into your foundation. Unluckily, detecting a leak is not a walk in the park.
However, you might spot a structural problem, and only an expert can tell you what’s causing it – a plumbing leak might be the culprit in that case.
If you live in an area with unpredictable weather, your home might be exposed to overwatering. Lots of water in your home base expands the soil, which distresses your foundation leading to cracks.
Ensure you’re mindful of the harsh weather conditions and schedule irrigation to avoid overwatering your home. Perhaps you know the months of the year with too much rain. Make sure you’re cautious during those days.
You’ll soon suffer structural damage if your home has an improper drainage system. Unfortunately, many homes do not have a proper drainage system. For instance, homes often lack gutters. Also, a few residential buildings have downspouts pointing in the wrong direction – perhaps a home’s constructor is to blame.
However, regardless of the underlying issue, water moving towards an improper site or staying in the soil surrounding your Lakeland home can make your foundation unstable.
Another unpopular reason behind structural damage is dry soil. The soil below your foundation shrinks during sweltering summers. As a result, it moves away from your home base, making the foundation unstable.
This leads to cracks in floors, walls, and ceilings. On top of that, you face trouble opening windows and doors.
Everyone pays to build their ideal home and expects constructors to follow the proper construction codes, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A few houses do not turn out the way homeowners want.
Several issues can weaken your foundation, from improper concrete to a lack of steel. Only a reputable Foundation Repair company in Lakeland, Florida company can help you at this point.
Identifying foundation related issues
Now that you know the reasons that might result in a damaged foundation, it is imperative to learn ways to spot the issue. Here’s how you can identify structural problems related to your Lakeland home foundation:
- Uneven Floors: Asymmetrical and sagging floors are one of the most prominent signs of foundation-related problems. Soil shifting or humidity due to standing water can cause flooding problems.
- Basement Insects: Did you notice bugs in your basement recently? If yes, it’s a warning sign, and you need quick repairs. Typically, pill bugs, roaches, ants, centipedes, and earwigs are attracted to moist and humid basements.
- Crooked Windows and Doors: If your home windows and doors aren’t closing smoothly like they used to, you may have a moisture problem in your crawl space or basement.
- Basement Moisture: Is your crawl space or basement wet? You might spot a damp basement floor that indicates a structural issue. However, that alone isn’t a prominent sign. Often, a musty smell in the basement also signifies hidden moisture.
- Water Underneath Your Home: If you live in an area with frequent rain spells, ensure you have a proper drainage system. Rainwater must move away from your home immediately. Otherwise, water will collect under your building, leading to foundation damage.
Types of Foundation Repair
Concrete piering
This process involves constructors placing concrete piers deep underground. However, they customize it to fit your home’s foundation depth and soil. Concrete piers give your house firm support that lasts for years to come. Concrete is largely the option for you if you live in an area with a warm climate. However, it requires extensive labor work like any other Foundation Repair method.
Steel piering
Structural engineers typically recommend installing steel piers. This gives stable support to your foundation. Steel piers can be ideal if your Lakeland home flooring is uneven due to structural issues. It lasts long and holds up even the heaviest of buildings.
Spot piering
Spot piering is suitable for specific areas – consider your porch. This doesn’t require extensive work. All it takes is digging with a hand and placing concrete. Regarding outdoor areas surrounding your home, the foundation engineers recommend growing trees farther from your house. Studies indicate that trees regularly absorb between 10 to 150 gallons of water. This seeps into your home’s foundation, causing structural problems in the long run.
Helical piering
Helical piers are most common in places with troubling soil. These piers include steel featuring helices. This allows them to go deep within the soil layers to provide a stable foundation for your home. Helical piercing offers benefits similar to steel. However, be cautious regarding the heightened prices. Because this Foundation Repair technique is relatively newer, it is often over-marketed. However, it won’t outpace other common structural repairs but performs well.
Slab jacking
If your concrete is sinking, slab jacking is the way to go. This method involves a relatively simple process. Foundation engineers drill holes underneath your foundation and inject a blend of foam or grout using tiny hoses. This method saves you money compared to installing a concrete foundation from scratch.
Segmented piers
Foundation Repair professionals use small cylindrical tubes made of concrete and press them deep within the soil below your foundation. This is one of the most cost-effective methods. Besides, it lasts longer, which is a plus.
Helical tieback anchors
These are typically used to repair leaning walls. Skilled foundation engineers attach it to the walls’ interior and strengthen them by applying force.
Polyurethane foam
High-density polyurethane foam is an excellent method for quick Foundation Repair. Besides, it comes with numerous other benefits. First, it is readily available. Second, it rises quickly. Therefore, engineers recommend it for raising residential Lakeland properties, highways, or other sensitive foundations that are prone to damage. Note that there are over nine types of high-density polyurethane foams. Which foam type the repair experts choose to use for your home depends on the severity of your foundation problem or affordability.