Your home’s foundation is crucial and must always be in good condition. If your home suffers from a settling foundation, water sipping, growth of molds, cracks, etc., fixing the problem sooner rather than later should be prioritized.
The are many basement repair methods you can choose from to treat your basement issues, and many factors will sway the choice of your method. Some of these factors include the specific observable issues with your basement, the profile of the soil beneath your house( composition and compaction), and the nature of repair needed (major or minor).
While many home solutions and repairs can fit in DIY, basement repairs do not and will require an intervention of proper expertise. A trained professional provides the relevant tools and knowledge on what should be done after carefully assessing the problem.
Let us dive into some basement repair methods you can consider to deal with specific issues with your basement.
1. Waterproofing
Most people find researching basement waterproofing an overwhelming process. It is one of those areas you need to be more strict with expertise and avoid any DIY guidelines.
Finding an effective solution can save you time and money in the long run if you detect leaky basement walls or water coming up through the floor.
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach when waterproofing a basement. The most appropriate solution for your home will depend on factors such as the problem’s source, location, and foundation type you have. There are three common interior and exterior basement waterproofing methods you can consider.
The first one is Sealants & Epoxy Injections, widely considered band-aid fixes, but some homeowners opt for these methods when a drainage system isn’t in their budget. The second waterproofing solution is Interior Drainage which involves digging a trench along the interior borderline of the basement floor and investing in a drain and sump pump to move water out.
Waterproofing can also be done from the outside, known as Exterior Waterproofing. It involves employing polymers and membranes to coat the outside of the walls, installing a trench drain underground, or an amalgam of the two.
If you are unable to decide on the exact solution, you take the help of an expert proficient in your area. For example, if you live in Philadelphia, you can consult an expert basement repair Philadelphia.
2. Helical and Steel Piering
Basement issues can also be repaired through helical and steel piering. These are long-term and permanent solutions to reinforce the stability of your foundation. Steel piering involves driving galvanized steel posts deep into the ground below the foundation. The steel piers can go as deep as required to reach the bedrock to provide substantial support.
Helical Piering, on the other hand, is exceptional for supporting the massive weight of a home and foundation without necessarily reaching the bedrock. Helical piers twist into the ground with helically-shaped posts resembling a screw or auger, pulled deeper below the surface when turned by large machinery.
3. Concrete Piling and Piering
Concrete piling and piering are long-term basement repairs that can be a more cost-effective option for steel or helical piers. Concrete piles are cylindrical blocks of pre-cured concrete of different sizes and lengths. They are driven below the foundation into compacted soil and can be stacked to achieve maximum depth if necessary.
We can have concrete repairs with poured concrete piers besides concrete piling. This method involves digging a large hole beneath the foundation, filling it with wet concrete, and leaving it to cure before attaching it to the home.
Poured concrete piles can provide friction or bearing support. The soil type will determine if concrete piles and poured concrete piers can be a good option for reinforcing your basement.
4. Slab Jacking
Slab jacking can be employed as a temporary or a permanent basement repair. The concrete slab on which your home rests may become unleveled or show cracks resulting from many causes, including soil erosion. In such cases, slab jacking is an excellent solution.
How is it done?
Slab jacking is done by perforating holes in an existing slab and injecting a concrete slurry or dense polyurethane foam beneath the failing area. Because of its stability and simplicity, slab jacking is a household solution employed iv various cases, such as fixing sagging sidewalks, driveways, and garage floors.
It is important to note that slab jacking is typically not a heavy-duty solution and may require more than one application as soil erodes. However, it can permanently solve foundation cracks and sagging, especially if your home rests on compacted soil.
5. Shimming
Shimming as a basement repair method offers temporary solutions but can be augmented to permanence. Construction is an engaging task; some issues are noted when work is done. For instance, you can build a new home and set the foundation a ground that has not been satisfactorily compacted. There are high chances of soil shifting or eroding after the house is complete, resulting in unwanted gaps between the foundation and the entire home’s structure.
Instead of bringing the building and starting afresh, you may need to find reinforcements that can make the basement firm and strong enough. Shimming (filling the gap with steel shims) can prove an adequate intervention to render the foundation intended sturdiness. Shimming requires the work of top-tier expertise and should be done at the recommendation and with the supervision of a foundation expert or structural engineer.
Bottomline
A reliable basement is crucial to a home’s safety and comfort. If you detect some malfunction like water seepage or cracks, you need to find an expert to assess the situation and help with repairs.
Some solutions are permanent; others are temporary, or a mix of both. Finding the right solution for your specific issue will help you make yourself safe and save more money that could be used for major repairs.