Building Settlement & Building Heave

     Foundation Settlement and Foundation Heave many times are thought to be the same thing. Although they are related. Foundation settlement is one of the leading causes of building damage in the world.  The causes are due mostly to moisture changes in the bearing soils.  If left unchecked, damage could exceed practical repair abilities.

     Signs of foundation movement include cracks in walls and floors, doors and windows out of square, and sloping floors.  For a more in depth explanation click on www.foundationrepairnetwork.com.

     Many of the same symptoms of foundation settlement are also symptoms of the opposite problem---- floor or edge heave. Most structures that are experiencing foundation movement end up being diagnosed as a heave. This is counter intuitive to most peoples initial thought when the first experience the problem primarily because the phenomenon is less understood. The solutions to this problem are less well known and the technologies are less developed, some of these solutions are proprietary process which we have developed as a response to our clients needs. Many times the most cost effective solution is to simply stop water from intruding under the house by fixing leaky plumbing, installing rain gutters and improving the grading and drainage to move as much water away from the house a possible.

     Before a cost effective repair plan can be designed, a thorough analysis of the foundation needs must be performed, usually a manometer survey is the most effective approach. 

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    Once an analysis has be done, an efficient, cost effective solution can be planned that is backed up and justified by the supporting data.  Solutions can include hydraulic piers, helical piers, pressure grouting or mud jacking.  For your benefit it is best to use the right tool for the right job with out trying to make round pegs fit in square holes.