House Leveling is a foundation repair procedure that helps stabilize and maintain the value of your home. It is often necessary to address issues caused by shifting ground soil or natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.
Foundation problems left unattended will worsen over time and devalue your property. The best way to protect your investment is by leveling your foundation as soon as you notice any signs of an uneven foundation. Discover more at foundation repair Pearland.
Signs of an Unlevel Foundation
A foundation that is unlevel can wreak havoc on the entire home, and can cause cracks in walls, sagging floors, doors or windows that stick or are difficult to open or close, and more. This type of damage is caused by differentials in the ground soil that puts pressure on the foundation and causes it to tilt or shift. The good news is that house leveling can restore the structural integrity of your home and halt the progression of any new damage.
Many homeowners do not realize that their homes are unlevel until it is too late and they have already sustained substantial damage. A reputable Rhode Island foundation repair company like Weinstein Construction will diagnose your situation and recommend the appropriate solution. There are several signs that your foundation is unlevel including:
Causes of an Unlevel Foundation
Uneven foundations cause numerous problems, from sagging floors to cracked walls. House leveling can restore the structural integrity of your home, allowing you to live in a safe and comfortable environment.
Almost all homes will settle naturally into the soil over time, but this process can be uneven. This is because different areas of the foundation will settle at a different rate. Uneven settlement can lead to a number of issues, including sagging floors, cracked or cracking walls and sticking doors and windows.
A house leveling specialist will use concrete piles to lift the home to its maximum practical level and then stabilize it permanently. This can be done with a push or helical pier system. These piers are driven into the ground until they reach soil that is stable enough to support the structure. This will correct the uneven foundation and prevent it from shifting again in the future. It will also ensure that the house stays safe and secure, and it will protect your home from further damage.
Solutions for an Unlevel Foundation
Whether the cause is due to poor drainage or changes in soil moisture levels, there are viable house leveling solutions that will restore the structural integrity of your foundation and prevent further damage to the rest of the structure. This is critical for maintaining the value of your home and protecting against potential future problems such as sticking doors and windows.
If your unlevel foundation is caused by weak bearing soils, a concrete pier system can be installed underneath the foundation to support it. The piers are drilled into the soil and twisted like a screw to penetrate deeper into stronger soil layers. Once they reach the proper layer, hydraulic jacks lift the foundation to its original position.
If you have a leaning or bowing wall, helical tieback anchors are a great solution that require less digging and minimal disruption to landscaping. This is a cost-effective method that will stabilize your foundation and prevent future issues.
Insurance Coverage for an Unlevel Foundation
While homeowners insurance can cover some foundation problems, it depends on the cause and extent of the damage. Generally speaking, the insurer will send an inspector to take a look at the home and determine if what caused the foundation damage is covered under the policy.
Keeping up with house leveling is one of the best ways to ensure the structural integrity of your home. It can also prevent additional damage that could require more invasive and costly repairs down the road.
A sagging and unleveled foundation can cause a wide range of issues, including cracks in walls, sloping floors and misaligned door frames and window frames. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and make your home more appealing to potential buyers down the road. It’s important to request a detailed quote before starting any work on your foundation. The cost can vary significantly depending on the extent of damage, type of foundation, method used and geographical location.