One of the things that many homeowners are faced with in the United States is foundation problems. Irrespective of the kind of foundation the home is built on, any structure can be affected by foundation movement. This may be caused by poor soil conditions, plumbing leaks under the slab, compromised structural integrity, poor drainage system, tree root intrusion, etc.

Foundation leveling is a common approach that can help to fix many of the problems that your foundation may have, whether the foundation settles downward or heaves upward.

If you’re wondering how foundation leveling is done, this article will answer your questions. For more resources, visit bloomingtonfoundationrepairservices.com. 

Does your foundation need to be leveled?

Foundation settlement is usually caused by spaces and voids in the soil underneath the home. As different parts of a foundation settle, so will the flooring of the home sink. 

When the floor sags, then gaps start to form between the walls and the floor or ceiling of the home. Also, door and window frames start to twist or move due to the pressure that’s put on windows and doors as the floors are settling. This makes it difficult for windows and doors to close or open. With time, a settled foundation can begin to develop cracks which create an entrance for water and pests into the home.

The whole essence of foundation leveling is to raise an uneven concrete slab, basement, or crawl space foundation to a stable and even level. There are many ways to go about foundation leveling and the best method will depend on a number of factors that can be determined by a professional foundation repair contractor.

How is foundation leveling done?

There are many different methods that can be used to do foundation leveling. However, the best method for a foundation will depend on a number of factors. Below are some of the most common approaches for foundation leveling: 

Underpinning

In this method, foundation piers are used to raise a sinking concrete foundation to its original level. Made of strong and durable steel, these foundation piers function like stilts underneath the foundation to lift and balance the foundation. The process starts by determining the settling areas of the foundation, after which brackets are used to attach the piers to the foundation and then installed underground. The foundation is then raised to level the slab hydraulically. 

Polyurethane injection

Polyurethane foam injection is another common approach to foundation leveling. In this method, small holes are drilled into the slab. Through these holes, a two-part urethane chemical mixture is then injected under the concrete. With the urethane injected into the concrete, it then expands into a foam. This foam is what raises the concrete and makes the entire foundation stable. This is a well-used solution, especially because the foam formed during this process can be used again immediately after injection.

In addition to being effective for leveling slab foundations, the polyurethane foam injection can also be used for driveways, patios, garage floors, and factory floors. 

Push piers

These are one of the most popular devices in the foundation repair industry that are used for underpinning. To use the push piers, they are driven deep into the ground until they reach solid layers underground. Once the push piers are anchored into the load-bearing soil, after which the foundation is raised. Generally, push piers are installed at a regular distance of six feet around the structure, or at least, the affected area. 

Helical piers

Helical piers are basically like big screws that work just like push piers, except that they are screwed to the ground. Many contractors use this approach to level slab foundations.

How much does foundation leveling cost?

How much it would cost you to level your foundation will depend on a number of factors including the problem with your foundation and how severe it is, your location, and the repair method that you opt for. The best way to have accurate figures on the cost of foundation leveling is to engage the service of a foundation repair company around you. The contractor will schedule an inspection to find out what exactly is wrong with the foundation and come up with an estimate based on what needs to be done. The inspection process may be free as most foundation repair contractors do this inspection at no cost.

According to Angie’s cost guide, the national average for fixing a faulty foundation ranges between $2010 and $7060.

Final thoughts

Leaving foundation problems unaddressed can make things worse. While foundation problems can give you a few signs, some may go undiscovered. So, it is important that you have your foundation occasionally inspected by a professional. This way, foundation issues can be discovered early and addressed immediately.

Above all, foundation leveling is not a DIY project and should be handled by reputable foundation repair contractors.”