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If you see damage, learn how foundation piers make concrete slab foundations level. The process of installing piers can take one or more days and will help to preserve your concrete slab. It’s important that your foundation be upright and even.
How Do Foundation Piers Make Concrete Slab Foundations Level?
They make them even by providing a strong support upon which the foundation can rest. Foundation piers are placed in specific areas under a house where sinking or settling has occurred. The purpose of the piers is to elevate a portion of a structure and make the foundation even again. In many cases, complete leveling is not to be expected, depending upon the severity of the foundation damage.
Foundation repair contractors install the piers by pressing them deep in the ground, then lifting the house and setting it on top of the piers. A house may be lifted 1”, 4” or even more. A house that has in really bad shape will require more piers than a home with moderate damage. Just imagine lifting one side of a house 6-8”, which is sometimes required.
Depending on where the problem is, a contractor may install interior piers or exterior piers. The placement of interior piers involves pulling back the flooring to break the concrete slab and create an approximately 2′ X 2′ hole. Exterior pilings are placed along the perimeter of the house and don’t disrupt activities inside the house.
It’s important to keep in mind that foundation piers are used beneath slabs because they’re sturdy enough to support the load bearing weight of a house. They can be installed deep in soil and remain stable for years and years. While there are various types of piers, concrete pilings and steel piers are the kinds most commonly installed.
Why Concrete Slab Foundations Become Uneven:
The main reasons they become un-level are soil movement and weather. Over time volatile dirt and temperatures can take a heavy toll on a concrete slab. Tree roots can also be the source of many problems, as can poorly compacted soils. Another thing to be aware of is too much water around or under your foundation. If that’s an issue, have a drainage system installed.
In the event your concrete slab is uneven or sinking, call a qualified foundation repair contractor. Fixing your foundation right way will help maintain your property value, and save you from larger, more costly repairs in the end.
