Mt. Juliet Foundation Repair

Early detection of foundation problems is crucial to prevent them from worsening over time and becoming more costly to repair. You should be aware of the common red flags that may signal an issue that requires professional attention.

Reach out to our Mt. Juliet foundation repair professionals right away if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Cracks in your walls, floors, or ceiling. As a foundation settles or shifts, it can cause stress on the walls and floors above it, leading to cracks. These cracks may appear as hairline fissures at first but can widen over time if nothing is done. Horizontal cracks in basement walls, stair-step cracks around exterior corners, and vertical cracks that run up and down walls can all also indicate serious foundation issues that require immediate action.
• Doors and windows that stick or do not close properly. The frame of a house or building can become misaligned as its foundation shifts or settles, making it more challenging than it should be to open and close doors and windows. 
• Uneven or sloping floors. When a foundation shifts, it may no longer provide even support to the structure above it, creating floors that may be uneven or sloping in certain areas.
• Leaning chimney. Foundation settlement can in some cases be so significant that a home’s chimney can start to separate from the rest of the structure, resulting in dangerous leaning that may eventually result in collapse if left ignored. 

Foundation Repair Methods

At USS, we leverage a wide range of dependable, cutting-edge tools and techniques to repair foundation issues of all kinds. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and we always tailor our approach to your unique situation. After inspecting your property and getting a complete understanding of the problem, we will explain why we are recommending a particular approach and review what our proposed solution will entail.

Foundation repair methods we may consider include:

• Installing piers or helical anchors. Piers are typically made of steel or concrete and are driven deep into the ground beneath the foundation until they reach stable soil. Helical anchors, on the other hand, are screw-like devices that are drilled into the ground and then attached to the foundation using brackets. Both methods work by transferring the weight of the foundation onto the piers or anchors, which helps lift and level the structure. This approach is often preferred when dealing with foundations that have settled due to poor soil conditions or changes in moisture levels.
• Mudjacking. Mudjacking involves injecting a mixture of water, soil, and cement into the soil beneath a sinking or settling foundation. This mixture, also known as slurry, fills any voids or gaps in the soil and raises the foundation to its original position. The process typically involves drilling small holes into the concrete slab and pumping the slurry beneath it using specialized equipment. Once the foundation has been lifted and leveled, the holes are patched with concrete to create a smooth finish. Mudjacking is often used to address issues such as uneven concrete surfaces, sunken foundations, and cracked or damaged driveways.
• Using hydraulic jacks to lift and level the foundation. This approach typically involves excavating the soil around the foundation to create space for the jacks, which are then placed beneath the foundation. Once in place, the jacks are slowly raised to lift the foundation back into its original position. The process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the structure. It is effective at restoring the structural integrity of a building with a severely damaged foundation, but it can also be more costly and time-consuming than other techniques.
• Adding steel braces or beams to reinforce the foundation. This solution typically involves installing steel structures beneath the foundation to provide additional support and stability. The braces or beams are secured to the foundation walls and anchored into the surrounding soil, creating a strong and durable framework that can withstand the weight of the structure above. While it can be more expensive than some other methods, adding steel braces or beams can in some cases be an effective way to ensure the long-term stability and safety of a building's foundation.
• Excavating and rebuilding a damaged foundation wall. If damage has progressed to the point where a portion of the foundation has become irreversibly compromised, it may be necessary to remove and rebuild it. This technique involves excavating the soil around the foundation to expose the damaged area of the wall. The wall is then carefully dismantled, and any compromised materials are removed. The excavation site is then prepared for the installation of new materials, which may include concrete blocks or poured concrete. Once the new materials are in place, the wall is rebuilt and reinforced with steel or other support structures. Excavating and rebuilding a foundation wall is never the first choice of our Mt. Juliet foundation repair experts, but it could be necessary when dealing with significant damage that cannot be addressed through simpler methods.
• Injecting epoxy or polyurethane foam into cracks in the foundation. Injecting epoxy or polyurethane foam into cracks in a damaged foundation is a common method for repairing minor to moderate structural damage. This approach involves injecting the epoxy or foam directly into the crack, filling it from the inside out and creating a seal that prevents further water damage or soil movement. The material then hardens, reinforcing the structure and providing additional support. This technique is often used when dealing with smaller cracks or as a preventative measure to stop minor issues from becoming major problems.
• Installing drainage systems to address water issues that may be damaging the foundation. Water can cause significant damage to a foundation by eroding the soil around it or causing hydrostatic pressure against the walls, leading to cracks and instability. Drainage systems work by redirecting water away from the foundation, either through surface grading or subsurface pipes.

What Will Foundation Repair Cost?

Waiting to deal with a growing foundation problem can result in a costly crisis. The sooner you address foundation issues, the less expensive the repairs are likely to be. Still, our team at USS fully recognizes that foundation repairs often represent an unexpected expense that may be difficult to financially manage. That is why we offer financing plans and never ask you to pay until the work is done. Remember, our Mt. Juliet foundation repair solutions also come with transferrable lifetime guarantees, so you can trust us to get the job done right the first time.