How to Fix Foundation Settlement

How to Fix Foundation Settlement - Learn from Long Island's Leading Foundation Contractor

Looking for advice on how to fix foundation settlement? Good news! You’re in the perfect place for that. Piers and Piles is a leading foundation settlement contractor in the Long Island, NY, area, and we’ve worked with foundation settle issues nearly every day for the past 20 years. If you don’t know already, foundation settlement occurs when the soil beneath a building’s foundation shifts, causing the structure to sink or become uneven. This can lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. At Piers and Piles, we specialize in advanced foundation support systems, ground improvement techniques, and structural stabilization services. 

 

 

With over 20 years of experience, we serve property owners, contractors, and developers in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. In this blog, we’ll cover the causes and signs of foundation settlement, various methods to fix it, and the benefits of professional foundation repair. 

 

 

If You’re in Long Island, Brooklyn, or Queens, NY, Contact Us for a Free Assessment to Ensure the Stability of Your Property Now.

What Causes Foundation Settlement?

Foundation settlement often occurs due to changes in the soil beneath your structure. Understanding the causes of foundation settlement is crucial to preventing damage and ensuring long-term stability. Here are the most common reasons for foundation settlement:
 
  • Poor Soil Compaction: Loose or improperly compacted soil settles over time, creating voids that can cause the foundation to shift or sink.
  • Soil Erosion: Water runoff or poor drainage systems can wash away the soil supporting your foundation, leaving it unstable.
  • Expansive Soils: Clay-heavy soils expand when wet and contract when dry, leading to movement that destabilizes the foundation.
  • Tree Roots: Trees and large shrubs close to the foundation absorb moisture, causing the surrounding soil to shrink and lose support.
  • Poor Drainage: Excess water from heavy rainfall or leaking systems saturates the soil, weakening its load-bearing capacity and resulting in settlement.

 

Recognizing and addressing these causes early can prevent serious structural issues. If you’re experiencing foundation settlement, contact us at Piers and Piles for a free assessment and expert solutions tailored to your property.

Signs of Foundation Settlement

Ok, if you want to know how to fix foundation settlement, the first step is knowing what to look for. Recognizing the signs of foundation settlement early can prevent further damage to your property. Common signs include cracks in walls, floors, or the foundation itself. These cracks often appear around windows and doors or in the corners of rooms.

 

 

Uneven or sloping floors are another indicator, as well as doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly. Gaps around window frames and doors can also signal foundation issues. Early detection of these signs is essential to address the problem before it worsens and leads to more extensive and costly repairs.

 

 

Learn more about the signs of foundation settlement in our blog, “Signs of Foundation Settlement.”

Most Effective 5 Foundation Settlement Solutions

There are several effective methods to fix foundation settlement, each suited to different types of foundation issues.

 

  • Soil Stabilization: Techniques to stabilize the soil and prevent further settlement include chemical grouting and soil nailing. These methods improve the soil’s load-bearing capacity and reduce movement.
  • Underpinning: This involves extending the foundation to a more stable soil layer. Methods like mass concrete underpinning, beam and base underpinning, and mini-piled underpinning are commonly used.
  • Helical Piers: These are steel shafts with helical plates that are screwed into the ground. They provide support by transferring the load to more stable soil layers. Helical piers are quick to install and cause minimal disruption.
  • Push Piers: These are hydraulically driven steel piers that are pushed into the ground until they reach a stable soil layer. They are effective for lifting and stabilizing settled foundations.
  • Slab Jacking: This method involves injecting a grout mixture beneath the foundation to lift and level the slab. It is commonly used for concrete slab foundations and can quickly restore the foundation’s stability.

By understanding these methods, homeowners can make informed decisions about the best approach to fix their foundation settlement issues.

Process

How to Fix Foundation Settlement - Step-by-Step Process

Fixing foundation settlement requires a systematic approach to ensure long-term stability. Here’s how the process works in four key steps:

 

 

 

01

Inspection

Our experts begin by thoroughly inspecting your property to determine the extent of settlement and identifying the underlying causes.

Soil Testing

Based on the findings, we choose the most effective method, such as underpinning, helical piers, push piers, slab jacking, or soil stabilization.

02

Implementing Repairs

Our team uses specialized equipment to carry out the chosen solution, restoring the foundation’s stability.

03

Verification and Testing

After repairs, we verify the results through rigorous testing to ensure your foundation meets safety and structural standards.

04

Piers and Piles

Long Island's Foundation Repair and Support Specialists

At Piers and Piles, we offer a range of specialized foundation support services to ensure the stability and longevity of your property.

 

 

For Expert Foundation Support Services, Contact Us Today for a Free Assessment.

 

Expert Foundation Repair & Support

Comprehensive solutions to address and fix foundation issues.

Ground Improvement Techniques

Techniques to enhance soil stability and prevent settlement.

Precision Helical Pier Installation

Efficient installation of helical piers for stable foundation support.

Soil Testing and Pile Load Testing

Accurate testing to assess soil conditions and load-bearing capacity.

Preventing Future Foundation Settlement

Preventing future foundation settlement involves regular maintenance and addressing potential issues early. Proper drainage and water management are crucial to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation, which can lead to soil erosion and settlement. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address minor issues before they become major problems. Planting trees and shrubs away from the foundation and ensuring proper grading, can also help prevent soil erosion. Addressing minor issues promptly can save you from costly repairs and ensure the long-term stability of your property.

Benefits of Choosing Piers and Piles for Professional Foundation Repair

Even once you know how to fix foundation settlement, it’s important to understand the benefits of calling on a reliable and experienced contractor. Choosing a contractor like Piers and Piles for your foundation settlement repair in Long Island ensures that the job is done correctly and safely. Our experienced foundation repair experts bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose and address foundation issues.  

 

 

Here are some reasons to choose us for your Long Island foundation settlement repair project:

 

  • Expertise and Experience 
  • Safety and Compliance 
  • Long-Term Solutions 
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • 30-Year Warranty

By choosing Piers and Piles, you can trust that your foundation repair will be handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

How to Fix Foundation Settlement: Final Thoughts

We hope this blog has helped you understand how to fix foundation settlement. Remember, addressing foundation settlement promptly can save you from costly repairs and ensure the stability of your property. By recognizing the signs of foundation settlement early and choosing professional repair methods, you can protect your investment and maintain the structural integrity of your home.

 

Contact Us for Expert Foundation Repair!



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