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If you know much about the foundation of your home, you’ve probably read about foundational soil and how to protect it from becoming too dry or too moist. It’s for this exact problem that soil stabilization injection techniques were invented, to both repair and protect your home’s foundation. But terms like “soil stabilization injection techniques” can be quite a mouthful and overwhelming without the right context. What exactly is soil stabilization? Why does it matter for your home’s foundation?
Soil expansion occurs when the foundational soil becomes too moist. When it retains moisture, it swells and expands — much like too-dry soil can contract and shrink. Soil expansion can cause foundation upheaval, as the expanded soil pushes on the foundation and lifts it. This can lead to issues with your door and window frames, causing stuck windows and doors. It might lead to cracks in the floor or the walls or cause window cracks. If left unattended, soil expansion can cause costly and time-consuming damage to your home.
Soil stabilization involves soil treatment designed to keep the soil from expanding or contracting, thus protecting your home’s foundation. It is administered through soil stabilization injection techniques to alter the soil on a molecular level. The use of this technique not only stabilizes your soil, but your foundation itself, keeping it from settling or being upheaved, and protecting the structure of your home from the damage that can follow as a result.
The main benefit of soil stabilization is its very purpose: protecting the very foundation of your home. However, there are other benefits that come as a result of that.
Not every home will require soil stabilization, but it’s especially beneficial in areas with expansive clay soil, frequent droughts, or inconsistent moisture levels. If your home shows signs of foundation movement—such as uneven floors, cracks in drywall, or sticking doors—it’s worth considering an inspection to determine whether unstable soil is the root cause.
Additionally, newer homes aren’t immune. Even if your house is recently built, poor site preparation or natural soil conditions can still cause shifting. Soil stabilization is a proactive measure, ideal not just for repairing damage but for preventing future problems before they start.
The upfront investment in soil stabilization often pays for itself over time. Not only does it extend the life of your foundation and structure, but it also enhances resale value. Buyers are more confident in purchasing a home with a solid, stabilized foundation. Plus, you’ll avoid the extensive repair costs that come from ignoring soil-related issues.
Soil stabilizer has to be installed with precise and minimally invasive machinery in order to be effective without destroying your yard. In some cases — especially residential cases — this is done with a handheld tool. In larger projects, such as roads, a vehicle moves into place and lowers the injection pipe into the treatment site. The soil is injected around the perimeter and the injection typically ranges between 7 and 10 feet. The soil stabilizer is non-toxic, water-soluble, and quickly absorbed into the soil.
There are a variety of soil stabilizers available, but they can vary in quality. Using the wrong soil stabilizer or soil stabilization injection techniques can harm your foundation in a few different ways. Here are a few things to watch out for:
If your soil stabilizer is not a proven effective solution, the results could be counterproductive to the problem you have. Here are a few soil stabilizers that are ineffective at best and harmful at worst.
At Childers Brothers, Inc., we use EcSS 3000TM (or Environmental Soil Stabilizer) because it’s the only scientifically proven soil stabilizer. It’s not just used on residential homes: it’s been used by the D/FW International Airport, the US Forest Service, Texas Department of Transportation, North Texas Tollway Authority, JPI Construction, and so much more. EcSS 3000TM attacks aluminum atoms in the soil to permanently keep it from expanding and contracting, so it won’t wash off or wear down.
Most residential soil stabilization projects are completed in a day or two, depending on property size and soil condition.
No. The injection process is designed to be minimally invasive, often performed with handheld tools that preserve your yard and garden.
When using a permanent solution like EcSS 3000TM, the effects are long-lasting and don’t require reapplication.
Yes. EcSS 3000TM is non-toxic, water-soluble, and safe for residential use.
Spring and fall are optimal, as extreme dry or wet conditions can affect the injection process.
Interested in soil stabilization to protect your home’s foundation? Contact Childers Brothers today for more information or a free estimate.