Foundations that slide, swell upward, or sink downward are not uncommon; however, for the sake of safety, it is a phenomenon that warrants professional attention. Foundation leveling is necessary when a home experiences significant movement of the foundation. Whether the home is built on a slab foundation or a full basement, the leveling process can remedy the issue and prevent further structural damage. Warning signs of a shifting foundation include the following:

• Uneven or sloping floors
• Cracks in exterior or interior brick
• Displaced or cracked moldings
• Wall rotation
• Cracked or bowing walls
• Cracks in the floors
• Doors or windows that won’t close properly
• Space between the walls and ceilings or floors
• Walls separating from house

Reasons for an Unsteady Foundation

There are several issues that might contribute to an uneven foundation, many of which can be remedied. A thorough assessment conducted by a professional can determine why a property is unsettled. Upon inspection of your home, a credible foundation expert might find:

• Problematic soil conditions: Expansive clay soils can be particularly troublesome. In these cases, clay absorbs moisture from the surrounding ground and expands. This causes the foundation to swell upwards. When it dries, the foundation settles with decreased stability.
• Compromised structural integrity: Poorly installed or constructed piers or footings can affect a home’s structural integrity. This leads to sliding and unevenness and should be addressed immediately.
• Plumbing or drainage issues: Water that collects near or under the base of the house will affect the stability and integrity of the foundation. These issues may be due to poor drainage systems, landscaping that does not slope away from the house, or faulty plumbing links in the basement’s interior.
• Intrusive tree roots: Over time, tree roots can grow and stretch under the foundation, wrapping around piping. Root intrusion can crack pipes, creating pools of standing water from subsequent leakage. Conversely, invasive roots can also absorb water, drying out the surrounding soil. This leads to differential foundation movement, where surrounding soils separate due to their difference in moisture levels.

Solutions for an Unstable Solution

When an inspection results in a recommendation of foundation leveling, your professional will then determine an appropriate course of action. Their strategy will largely consider whether the foundation in question has settled upward or downward. Fortunately, there are several leveling options available:

• High pressure grouting: This involves filling open pockets in the ground with grout material. This strengthens the ground and eliminates excess water collection around the base of the foundation.
• Helical piers: These are steel shafts, similar to large screws. When placed under a home, they take on some of the foundation’s weight, relieving stress on unreliable soil.
• Resistance piers: These function in much the same way as helical piers by supporting the weight of the structure. Resistance piers are composed of bracket-like structures that are attached to a foundation’s footing. They are then driven into the ground and supported in firmer, deeper earth.
  
  

Regardless of the method used to level a foundation, experience matters. This is a process that should always be managed and completed by an experienced, knowledgeable, and qualified team. The professional team and the procedure itself may be costly. The price is worthwhile, however, when considering the fact that foundation leveling preserves a treasured investment for decades to come.

By consulting a qualified structural engineer and working with certified professionals, foundation leveling can be completed efficiently and effectively. With decades of industry experience, the team at Intech Anchoring Systems is a perfect fit for the job. Contact us today at 800-223-7015.