Foundation Repair Equipment for Houses

Regardless of how well a house may be constructed, its integrity depends on its foundation. The foundation supports the considerable weight of the structure itself, spreading it out over the soil beneath to prevent unequal settling or lateral movement, as well as providing a level and stable bed for the building. When there is a failure in the foundation, specialized foundation repair equipment is needed to deal with the problem.

Identifying the Need for Foundation Repair
It is important to deal with foundation problems as soon as they are detected. The sooner failing foundations are fixed, the less damage will occur. Homeowners might notice these early warning signs of a foundation in difficulty:
• Standing water or flooding in the basement
• Step shaped cracks between concrete blocks
• Horizontal cracks in concrete blocks
• Cracks in the basement floor
• Vertical cracks in walls
• Doors which become hard to close or open
• Drywall nail pops in basement drywall
• Chimney cracks
• Basement windows that become difficult to open

Other signs that the foundation is settling include a roof that starts to sag, sink holes around the structure, or heaving concrete pads around the building.

Addressing the Problem
Fixing foundation problems in a house can be a complex task, costing between a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on how severe the damage is and what repairs are required. Being able to assess the cause of the problem and determining and undertaking what must be done to fix the problem is beyond the abilities of most homeowners. The most cost-effective approach is to engage a licensed foundation repair company. They have the manpower, experience and foundation repair equipment needed to deal with any problem.

Specialized Foundation Repair Equipment Needed 
The two most common methods of repairing sunken concrete are referred to as slabjacking, and hydraulic jacking or piering. The cause of the problem will determine which method is used.    

Slabjacking is typically used to repair smaller slabs of concrete which are starting to sink. In a slabjacking repair, grout is pumped underneath a beam or slab to develop a lifting force which will return the concrete slab to its original position. The grout solidifies and provides a sufficient base for the original concrete slab. Basic equipment needed for a slabjacking repair includes:
• A rock drill to drill strategically placed holes in the slab
• A grout mixer with at least a 7-cubic foot capacity and a 10 HP motor for heavy usage
• A grout pump capable of delivering grout at a minimum 60 gpm up to 100 psi
• Flexible hoses to deliver the grout

When hydraulic jacking or piering is the method of repair, steel posts are driven into unstable soil beneath the foundation, and then hydraulic jacks are used to stabilize or raise the foundation. Visit this link to learn more. The repair might need:
• Push piers which are driven into the ground with a hydraulic ram
• Helical piers which are screwed into the ground with a hydraulic torque motor
• Connection of the pier to the existing foundation
• Hydraulic jacking of the foundation to the original elevation

Although many factors determine the most appropriate approach for fixing a house foundation, it is always essential to use the right equipment. Add the knowledge and experience of a professional. The result will be a solid foundation that will last many years.