The 4 Main Foundation Repair Methods For The West Texas Area
Which Of These 4 Foundation Repair Methods Is Right For Your Home?
Foundation Repair In West Texas Isn’t “One Size Fits All.”
Here Are The 4 Most Common Solutions… And The Right One For YOU.
Foundation repair isn’t a watch or a baseball cap or a pair of swim trunks. There is no “one size fits all” solution. In fact, we use FOUR different foundation repair methods in the areas we serve (West Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico):
Which one is right for you depends on the A) type of foundation you have, B) the kind of soil your home is built on, and C) which way your foundation is moving.
In this article, we explore the four foundation repair methods we use at Childers. This will give you better insight into which solution is right for your home.
Foundation Repair Method #1: Helical Piers
What It Is:
Large piers that essentially “screw” into your soil to lift your foundation.
Who It’s For:
Helical piers are the go-to solution if you have a slab foundation that is SINKING.
Why It’s Better Than Competing Solutions:
Unlike other foundation-lifting solutions, helical piers rely on torque (rather than the weight of your home) to be driven into the ground. This creates less stress on your house and allows the piers to reach the proper load-bearing soil.
Helical piers are a FAR superior solution to competing solutions like concrete push piles and concrete shoring pads. Helical piers do cost a little more up front, but they virtually NEVER fail.
Foundation Repair Method #2: EcSS 3000 Soil Stabilization
What It Is:
Special treatment that prevents the soil under your home from absorbing moisture and causing swelling.
Who It’s For:
EcSS 3000 soil stabilization is for homes with a HEAVED slab foundation.
Why It’s Better Than Competing Solutions:
EcSS 3000 is unique in that it’s scientifically tested and proven to work. EcSS 3000 PERMANENTLY alters soil molecules to prevent water absorption. It’s a LONG-TERM solution, unlike lime treatment, potassium treatment, and cut-off walls.
Foundation Repair Method #3: Pier And Beam Adjustment
What It Is:
Realignment of the piers and beams in a crawl space foundation.
Who It’s For:
Pier and beam adjustment is for homeowners with a crawl space that has fallen grade beams, sunken supports, broken joists, rotted sill plates, or malfunctioning beams.
What It Involves:
This solution involves replacing malfunctioning components and adjusting piers/beams according to whether they’ve settled or heaved. Because crawl spaces aren’t as strong as concrete slab foundations, you should have your piers and beams adjusted every two to four years.
Foundation Repair Method #4: Basement Stabilization
What It Is:
Straightening and stabilizing bowed basement walls, as well as adding structural integrity to prevent bowing/buckling in the future.
Who It’s For:
This is for homes with—you guessed it—basements. It can be used for basements currently experiencing issues OR as a preventative measure on basements with no present problems.
What It Involves:
Our strategy is to strengthen, stabilize, and straighten your basement walls. We can achieve this through various methods, including H-beam installation and carbon fiber sheets. The result is ultra-tough basement walls that can withstand major soil shifts.
Which Foundation Repair Method Is Right For YOU?
To recap:
- Helical piers are for homes with concrete slab foundations that are SINKING.
- Soil stabilization is for homes with concrete slab foundations that are HEAVING.
- Pier and beam adjustment is for homes with crawl space foundations.
- Basement stabilization is for homes with basement foundations.
If you’d like to know more about any of these solutions and whether they’re right for your home, contact us today. We’ll perform a free 27-Point Inspection to pinpoint your exact problem and develop the ideal solution for your needs and budget.
We would be honored to hear from you!