What Is Chemical Soil Stabilization?
No matter what form, your foundation is only as good as the soil beneath it. But soil can expand when it takes in moisture, making it swell and push against the walls of your foundation. If you want your home to be truly sound and level, you may find that you need soil stabilization. While some homeowners might be wary of something that chemically alters a natural element, chemical soil stabilization is not only responsible but often necessary for your home.
What Is Chemical Soil Stabilization?
The truth is that over time, your soil will be affected by the elements and will likely present challenges for your foundations. Many experts believe that it’s not a question of if, but when. Chemical soil stabilization — or simply soil stabilization — is the use of chemical processes to permanently alter the atoms in the soil beneath your foundation to prevent them from expanding. It decreases the negative particles in clay soil that attract water, making soil far less likely to expand and thus more stable for your foundation.
Different Types of Soil Stabilization
Soil stabilization can be done through a variety of methods, though they each have varying effects. Some of the most popular methods include:
- Lime. Lime is used to eliminate moisture from the soil and can be done quickly. It’s also a fairly inexpensive option as far as soil stabilization goes. However, it is not very long lasting and can be a little messy.
- Cement. Soil can be mixed with cement, forming a harder surface known as soil cement. However, this can take away from the feeling of soil and can be difficult to work with should any additional foundation work be needed.
- Chemical compounds. We use EcSS 3000, a proven chemical soil stabilization method that permanently alters the soil, reducing negative particles to 1-2%. This is done through a minimally invasive procedure with no excess mess.
Benefits of Soil Stabilization
By altering your soil to help it stand up to the elements, you can protect your home from the elements, as well. Soil stabilization offers a number of benefits, including:
- Weatherproofing your foundation
- Expanding the life of your foundation
- Reducing water permeability to 1-2%
- Reduced damage to your foundation walls
- Better soil compaction
If soil is pushing against the walls of your foundation or is causing your home to settle, soil stabilization is a must, and EcSS 3000 is the best way to go. Need soil stabilization for your home? Contact Childers Brothers, Inc. today for more information or to get started with a free estimate.