The New Techniques of Foundation Repairs You Must Not Miss
In terms of building, Edmond, OKC has unique challenges to overcome. Soil moisture content is largely influenced by the weather conditions that each season brings. When it comes to the weather, some summers are wet, while others are completely dry. Pressure on a home foundation can be caused by rain expanding clay soil. Because of the loss of moisture, the soil contracts, causing the foundation to shift. Repairing cracks in the foundation is best left to a professional who specializes in this field. The following are four advanced foundation repair methods that can be used.
In addition to filling in the cracks and levelling the structure, advanced foundation repair methodologies also address the root causes.
Construction of both concrete and steel piers
Concrete piers are used to support a home's foundation at a low cost. They can be drilled or began pouring into the earth around or under a structure to combat the clay soil conditions in OKC. The piers are drilled about 10-15 feet below the foundation at a pressure of 10,000 psi. Concrete can also be poured directly into pre-made holes from around foundation to create piers. Rebar is commonly used in both poured and drilled piers, and it can take up to a week for the piers to fully set. Advanced foundation repair uses steel piers, which can be drilled much deeper into the ground. There are times when a stronger material like steel is needed because clay soil in Oklahoma is notorious for expanding and contracting frequently. These are machined into the earth like concrete piers, but they can go as deep as 60 or 70 feet.
Pilings with a helical design
In Oklahoma, helical piles, also known as screw piles, are another advanced foundation repair method. Like a metal screw through with a block of wood, they are drilled into the ground. Helical pilings have the advantage of being easier to install, which means they may be more cost-effective in the long run. Slab or Pier and Beam foundations that aren't particularly heavy are best served by the use of helical piles. It's worth considering helical pilings depending on the strength and depth of the foundation, but they should also be managed to avoid in some cases. When it comes to levelling out a house or foundation, helical pilings can be a lifesaver.
Injection of Water into the Soil
Potassium ions are used in soil injection or stabilization to change it chemically. Due to the clay soil's tendency to expand, advanced foundation repair may necessitate this method. A potassium-based chemical solution penetrates the clay and creates a more stable soil zone. Because of this, future foundation shifting and heaving is greatly reduced or eliminated. Injecting clay into the ground instead of excavating and replacing it is a more cost-effective option for construction. It is a highly effective sophisticated foundation repair strategic approach when other methods fail because it permanently reduces soil swelling.
Mudjacking
Concrete is often referred to as "mud" in the foundation repair industry. A slab foundation can be raised and repaired through the use of slab-jacking, which is the process of injecting pressure-injected concrete under the foundation. For this advanced foundation repair method, a lower-strength concrete is typically used. This strategy isn't always a good fit for OKC homes with foundation issues, but it can be useful in the right circumstances. Many advanced foundation repair methods are employed when mudjacking is not an option for a home.
Contact Ram Jack by American Leveling to get the finest foundation repair implementation.