Any and all modern buildings in the United States and elsewhere are built upon foundations of various types, whether a large school or library or a modest house in the suburbs. And in the case of houses in particular, foundations come in several popular models, each with different attributes. Foundation repair experts can be called upon in the case of foundation issues or foundation repair, and a foundation repair company may not be far away. A homeowner may search “foundation repair company near me Dallas TX” or “good foundation repair company Boston MA” to find some repair crews if their foundation is having problems. what are the common foundation types, and what might necessitate a visit from a foundation repair company?
Common Foundation Models
Stone slab foundations are simple but effective, and are popular in Texas homes younger than 50 years or so. These slab foundations are simply that: a slab of concrete in the ground, and though they lack some features of other foundation models, they are solid and popular among many homeowners.
Crawlspaces are another common foundation model, and they elevate the home 18″ off the ground to create a crawlspace underneath (hence the name). Homeowners and repair experts alike may crawl into this space for inspections and repair at their convenience. On top of that, such foundations create an open space where flood waters may pass under the elevated home, protecting it from water intrusions.
Another common model is the pillar and beam foundation, which is a crawlspace supported with wood and concrete pillars that go a few feet into the ground. This foundation type is cost friendly and proves popular among homeowners, but earthquakes may badly damage it. During construction, a certified geologist on staff will be consulted to ensure that no local fault lines will threaten this foundation type.
The fourth major foundation type is the basement, and these basements are popular for adding a lot of square footage to a property. That added space can be used for storage or as a living space, and basement foundations are known for resisting fire and earthquakes. However, flooding water may be an issue, since such foundations are deep and have a lot of open room. A foundation repair company may be called upon to help seal up those leaks.
Hiring a Foundation Repair Company
If a homeowner’s crawlspace or basement is damaged, the homeowner may look up local foundation repair companies in their area online or by reference. Good foundation companies will have their own website, where they may outline what sort of work they can do, complete with helpful videos and photos. A homeowner may also look up customer reviews of each local foundation company to get an idea of how well they work. Once a company is chosen and hired, the foundation may be repaired or sealed against water leaks.
Crawlspaces offer room for repair experts to find and fix problems in the foundation, and a basement of course has ample room for workers. What might go wrong with these basements? Very old basements, such as those built in the early 1900s, were made of limestone brick and mortar, and they are known for bulging inwards over time. Heavy, rain-soaked soil may push these walls inwards over time, and bulging brick walls tend to crack and leak water. These brick walls can’t be pushed back into place, but contractors may construct concrete walls that can contain these bulging old walls and prevent further water intrusions.
Meanwhile, a basement may be suffering from water intrusions during heavy rains and floods, so workers from a good foundation repair company can seal any water ingresses and make the basement flood proof. In addition, plumbers may be hired to install a sump pump at the basement’s lowest point, along with channels that can redirect standing water to that pump. Sump pumps may then draw up water and remove it from the house. And of course, plumbers can fix or replace leaking pipes on the basement ceiling. Standing water is a hazard to address at once, since it can damage any stored items or furniture in the home and also erode the concrete floor and walls over time. Excess water’s moisture can also foster unwanted mold growth in the home.