Foundation Repair Murfreesboro TN addresses a range of structural issues, from cracks in walls to uneven floors. Unlike temporary patches and quick fixes like concrete pads and poly foam, these techniques address the root causes of the problem for lasting stability.
Cracks, sticking doors and windows, and sinking basements are all warning signs that your home’s foundation needs repair. Learn more about the most effective solutions for these common problems.
Foundation piers are one of the most affordable, effective, and durable repair options for concrete slab foundations that sink, shift out of level, or settle unevenly. They work by transferring the weight of your home to deeper, more stable soil layers or bedrock. The result is that your foundation becomes sturdier and more resilient. This is especially true if they are installed relatively early on in the process, before your concrete foundation has settled to an extent that it requires other repairs, such as crack repair and basement waterproofing.
While there are several different types of foundation piers, the two most common are concrete and steel. Both of these piers are driven into the ground beneath your foundation. Unlike push or screw piers, which are inserted into the soil, concrete foundation piers are mechanically driven into the ground until they reach the load-bearing strata. Then, they are attached to a bracket at the footing of your foundation. The weight of your home or building is then transferred to the piers, and they are able to lift your foundation back to its original position. Once this has been done, the piers can then be removed from the ground, and any voids left behind are filled with grout.
This type of repair is ideal for homes in North Texas that experience frost-heaving, a problem that occurs when clay-rich soils expand and contract during freezing temperatures. It also works well for other problems, such as sinking and settling concrete slabs. When performed by a professional, this type of repair can be quick and cost-effective. However, it’s important to select a qualified contractor that has experience and a good track record in the industry. Make sure that the contractor you choose has liability insurance and worker’s compensation, and that they are members of a reputable industry association.
Wall Anchors
Foundation wall anchors are a special repair solution for homes with bowing, cracking, or leaning basement walls. They help to stabilize basement walls and, in some cases, even straighten them out. This is made possible because anchors are able to counteract the inward pressure that causes these types of damage to begin with. They also prevent future movement, and they can be tightened to pull bowed walls back toward their original position.
Unlike steel soldier beams or carbon fiber strips, which are placed on the surface of basement walls, wall anchors must be installed at least several feet away from the basement wall to work properly. This is because the helix part of the anchor must be anchored in stable soil below the basement. This is not an issue if you have plenty of space around your home, but it can be a challenge if your basement is tight and crowded.
For wall anchor installation, we start by coring a small hole in the basement wall about 5-6’ apart. A high-strength rod is then inserted into this hole. It connects the interior basement wall plate with an exterior anchor helix that is installed in your stable, undisturbed soil, typically at a depth of 10-20’. When this system is tightened, it creates a tension system that counteracts the hydrostatic pressure being exerted on basement walls by the soil underneath.
This is an efficient, effective system that can usually be installed with minimal disruption to your property — sometimes in just one day! Before we start digging, our in-house foundation experts will inspect your home and map out where the anchors should be installed. Once the excavation is complete, we will use hydraulic jacks to lift up your home and take pressure off the affected walls.
Crawl Space Support Jacks
The crawl space in your home plays an important role in supporting the foundation. That’s why addressing issues like sagging floors is essential. When left untreated, these problems can escalate into serious structural damage and pose safety risks to your family.
Crawl space support jacks are an effective solution for leveling and stabilizing floor joists and beams that are sagging or bouncing. They are built for durability and offer long-lasting stability. When properly installed, these jacks can help restore your home’s value and provide peace of mind.
When you notice a sagging or uneven floor, it’s a good idea to contact a foundation repair contractor for an inspection. The inspector can recommend the best solution for your home. In many cases, the inspection will include crawling around in your crawl space. It’s best to have a professional perform this work since it’s dangerous without the proper equipment.
A sagging floor may be the result of the floor joists weakening. This can occur due to water, mold, wood rot and pest infestation. When this happens, the joists can no longer support the weight of the floors above them. This can cause the floors in your home to sag and lead to cracks in the walls and ceilings.
A smart jack is an advanced support system that’s designed to prevent future sinking of your floor. This system helps stabilize your floor joists and beams with a strong concrete base. When the SmartJack transfers weight down into the soil, the well-compacted crushed stone or recycled concrete base disperses and distributes the pressure to other areas of your crawl space’s substructure. This system can be adjusted in the future if needed.
Concrete Piers
Piers are one of the most common structural supports used to correct problems with concrete foundations. They’re essentially solid steel or concrete “pillars” that transfer the weight of your home to stable soil layers or bedrock. The transfer of weight relieves stress on the foundation and alleviates problems like unevenness, cracking, and settlement.
Concrete piers are affordable and versatile, making them popular for residential foundation repair in areas with shallow soil that doesn’t shift much over time. However, their vulnerability to moisture swelling can make them a less durable choice for locations with expansive clay soil. They also can’t reach as deep into the soil as steel piers, so they aren’t a great option for homes that need deeper stabilization.
To install concrete piers, contractors dig a series of holes around the perimeter of your foundation. They then fill the holes with cement, allowing the concrete to cure before they install them beneath your foundation. Once the piers are in place, they’re load-tested separately to a force greater than your home’s weight to ensure they can support it.
If you’re interested in concrete piers, find a reputable professional who can perform a free consultation and quote for your project. Ask to compare quotes and pay attention to the warranties offered on the work. A reputable contractor will stand by the quality of their work and materials, and offer a fair and competitive warranty period. For more peace of mind, opt for a professional who offers a lifetime warranty on their services.
Steel Piers
Depending on your unique foundation repair needs, the right support piers will help your home stand tall and strong. Steel piers, also known as push or resistance piers, are the most common solution for homeowners facing sinking and shifting soil conditions. When expansive clay or loose sand cause a lack of support under your foundation, these steel piers are the ideal fix. They are designed to be driven deep into the ground, reaching bedrock or stable strata that won’t shift with changes in soil moisture. They are a long-term solution that can save you from future repairs and re-level your home.
To install a foundation support pier, the soil beneath your home is excavated and measured in preparation for the construction process. Then, a hydraulic jack is used to drive the steel piers into place under your foundation footings. These piers are then loaded down with your home’s weight to lift it back into its original position and stabilize the soil underneath it. This is a relatively quick and minimally disruptive option for foundation repair, reducing construction time and saving on costly excavation and curing times.
When it comes to choosing a contractor to perform your steel pier installation, experience should be a priority. It’s crucial to find a contractor who understands local soil conditions and is familiar with the specialized equipment needed for this type of project. You’ll also want to consider your budget and if you need the flexibility of shorter-term solutions. Steel piers require more maintenance than concrete, but they offer peace of mind and reduce future costs by eliminating the need for future repairs.