The basement is the lowest part of your home – but what happens if something’s wrong with your foundation? Foundation repair is an important process that can keep your home from suffering a catastrophic collapse. In today’s blog, we’ll take a closer look at the two most common types of basement foundation repair that your contractor might use to get your home back to a normal, safe condition.
When Does Damage Require Repair?
Not all cracks that appear in your home are serious risks. Smaller, hairline fractures can be the result of shrinkage–these are often not signs of structural damage and can be filled in. Cracks in brick or concrete walls, though, can pose a serious risk to the stability of your home. Additionally, larger cracks in concrete floors often indicate soil damage. Damage to the soil can lead to a sinking foundation, which leads to a sinking home.
When in doubt, contact a contractor immediately to have your foundation inspected. In the event that significant damage is found, a certified professional will likely use jackslabbing or piering to get the job done.
Foundation Repair Type #1: Jackslabbing
The first method of foundation repair that they might undertake is jackslabbing. In jackslabbing, a foundation repair professional will inject concrete and other materials below the existing slab. Once the materials reach the correct levels, the sunken slab will be fortified and the damage repaired. Jackslabbing involves professional-grade equipment and can be strategically, quickly, and safely completed by a qualified contractor.
Foundation Repair Type #2: Piering
The second method of repair that might be considered is called piering. Piering is used to return your foundation to its original condition. Pieces of galvanized steel pipe are forced into the ground level around your home. A hydraulic jack is used to lift the piers up, raising your foundation back into place at the same time. Of the two methods, piering is the more expensive and time-consuming, due to the need for heavy-duty equipment to do the major work.
HS Waterproofing: Your Repair Partners
Now that you’ve learned a bit about what goes into the two main types of foundation repair, you are ready to take the next step towards fixing a cracked foundation or a sinking home – before it’s too late. The professionals at HS Waterproofing have been improving homes throughout New Jersey for over 20 years. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Contact us today!