St. Louis Foundation Repair
This was diagnosed as spalling, or moisture behind the plaster, and not a foundation issue, but we like the photo.
Foundation Settlement
Foundation settlement occurs when a building's foundation sinks or moves downward due to changes in the underlying soil conditions. This can be caused by various factors, including soil moisture fluctuations, poorly compacted fill soil, and natural soil erosion.
Signs of foundation settlement include:
Uneven floors, cracks in walls and foundations, doors and windows that stick, and visible gaps between walls and ceilings.
If left unaddressed, foundation settlement can lead to significant structural damage, compromising the safety and integrity of the entire building.
Foundation settlement is typically addressed through the installation of push and helical piles. We provide both services and offer industry-standard lifetime warranties. Our products are among the best available in the industry, ensuring reliable and effective solutions for your foundation needs.
Wall Bow or Wall Lean
Wall bowing or leaning can be a serious structural issue that occurs when foundation walls start to curve inward or tilt.
When soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water, it expands and pushes against the wall. Other factors contributing to wall bowing include expansive soils, and frost heaving in cold climates.
Signs of wall bowing include visible curvature in the wall, cracks at the connections between internal and external walls, and gaps between internal finishes and the external wall.
The sooner an issue is identified, the better. Solutions may include installing wall anchors, steel beams, or carbon fiber strips to reinforce the wall, as well as improving drainage around the foundation to reduce hydrostatic pressure.
Watch the crack as this pier, “pushes the house back together.”
Helical and Push Piles for Foundation Repair
Helical piles or push piles offer a permanent solution to foundation settlement problems.
These steel supports are driven deep into the ground until they reach stable, load-bearing soil. Helical piles, which resemble large screws, are twisted into the ground using hydraulic machinery, while push piles are driven in using hydraulic pressure. We install both, and will make a recommendation based on the specific use case.
Once installed, these piles provide a stable base for the foundation. The foundation can then be lifted and secured to the piles, preventing further settlement and stabilizing the structure.
Stone and Concrete Foundations
Stone and concrete foundations can run into problems when water, dirt, and time take their toll. Water is a big troublemaker—it can sneak into tiny cracks in concrete or between stones, making the "glue" (mortar) weak and crumbly or causing the concrete to crack. Sometimes, bad rocks mixed into the concrete can even expand when they get wet, making the problem worse. Plus, dirt around the house pushes against the foundation when it’s wet and shrinks away when it’s dry, which can cause cracks and make walls bend or bulge.
Over time, these cracks can grow bigger, letting even more water in and making basements damp or leaky. If these problems aren’t fixed, they can weaken the foundation and cause serious damage to the house. To prevent this, it’s important to keep water away from the foundation, fix cracks early, and make sure the area around the foundation stays dry and in good shape. Taking care of small issues now can save big problems later!