Four Foundation Repair Myths Get Debunked

Foundation repair is oftentimes misrepresented. There are facts out there that just don't add up. In fact, the people spreading the information have inaccurate information, thus confusing others. We want to reduce the confusion and convey the truth.

Myth #1: A foundation usually cracks because of mistakes made during the construction process, like the use of poor-quality concrete or inadequate reinforcements.

Reality: It's possible for foundation cracks to occur because poor-quality concrete has been used or because the steel reinforcement hasn't been properly installed. However, even a strong, perfectly built foundation wall can crack from soil pressure or soil settlement.

It's important to keep in mind that concrete is strong in compression, but weak in tension. It can support weight from above, but it can't stretch or bend. Expansive soil that's pushing against a foundation wall can actually prevent the masonry from stretching or bending and instead, cause it to crack!

If soil settlement has left an empty void below a slab or footing, there's a good chance that the unsupported weight of the structure will cause the concrete to crack and settle into the recess. This damage can occur even when the foundation was built correctly.

Myth #2: Most cracks in concrete walls and floors can be effectively repaired with modern high-strength epoxies.

Reality: Industrial epoxies have impressive properties. They're waterproof, strong, and equally effective at sealing joints that are tight or gapped. But epoxies are far from a cure-all in terms of repairing cracked foundations.

A structural crack that has been repaired with epoxy is likely to open up again if the soil conditions that caused the crack haven't been addressed. Experienced foundation repair contractors in the Illinois area know that the first step in repairing a cracked foundation is to stabilize the soil and treat the conditions that caused the crack in the first place.

In many cases, foundation piers or anchors can be installed to connect a damaged foundation to stable soil and even lift or push damaged sections so that cracks can close.

Myth #3: A foundation made from concrete block is more likely to crack or sustain damage than one made from poured concrete.

Reality: Foundation repair contractors in IL are familiar with both concrete block and poured concrete foundations. When a concrete block foundation cracks, there's usually a stair-step crack pattern that follows along the mortar joints between each block.

Conversely, a poured concrete foundation can have cracks that extend vertically, horizontally or diagonally. When properly sized and built, a concrete block or poured concrete foundation will have more than enough strength to support the walls and floors of a home or addition.

If either type of foundation sustains damage such as cracking, bowing or settling, it's usually because of soil conditions rather than a weakness in the foundation itself.

Myth #4: Mud jacking is the best way to raise a concrete slab that has settled.

Reality: Mud jacking, also known as slab jacking, involves pumping a cement-based mortar beneath a slab that has settled. Pressure from this injected mortar eventually forces the slab to move upward, toward its original position. While this technique can be used effectively to raise a sunken slab, it's not always the best solution. For example, if the soil directly beneath the sunken slab has poor load-bearing capacity, a mud jacking repair may only be a temporary solution. Instead, an experienced foundation repair specialist may decide to drive steel piers down to stable, solid soil or bedrock at greater depth, then lift the sunken slab back to its original position using special brackets that are attached to the piers. This technique achieves a more permanent repair because the slab is now supported by stable soil with adequate load-bearing capacity.

If you are looking for a foundation repair company in Eagle Rock and the surrounding areas, look no further than Fortress Foundation Solutions!

Call us today at 1-434-473-7012 or contact us online for a free estimate!