When your home needs foundation repair in Springfield, IL, it’s vital that you schedule this work as soon as possible. The longer you ignore foundation cracks, chips, spalling, and other foundation issues, the more extensive and costly that damage becomes, and the higher the risk of secondary damage inside and outside the home. This secondary damage includes wall and ceiling cracks, buckled floors, roof cracks, damaged plumbing fixtures, and doors and windows that don’t operate as they should.

A foundation repair contractor is the best choice for advising you on the right foundation repair method for your home, but it’s still helpful to know a bit more about your options and when they’re needed. You can then also know more about what to expect throughout the process and how long that foundation repair in Springfield should last!

Patching and Minor Foundation Repair in Springfield IL

At the first sign of cracks and chips, it’s time to schedule patching and other minor foundation repair for a Springfield IL home. Epoxy sealers and fillers are designed to expand inside a crack and then harden and adhere to the materials around them, blocking moisture and preventing that crack from expanding.

Professional patching is an excellent choice for avoiding more extensive foundation damage down the road, but note that the materials degrade over time. You might need to refill those cracks every 5 to 10 years, to ensure the epoxy is in good condition and still filling the cracks as it should. Added waterproofing can extend the life of those fillers and help avoid further foundation damage.

Shimming, for Pier and Beam Foundation Repair in Springfield IL

A shim is a tapered wedge, pounded between two structural pieces to provide added support against weight and cracking. Shims are used in a variety of places around a home; for example, you might pound shims between floorboards and the floor joists, to add support to the flooring and prevent sagging and squeaking.

Shimming is a good way to provide support for pier and beam foundations. If the beams begin to sag and weaken, placing shims between those beams and the piers under them can prevent added breakage. Your foundation repair contractor might then also make additional repairs, such as patching cracks or waterproofing the crawlspace, or might recommend adding a dehumidifier, to keep the space dry.

What Is Underpinning and When Is It Needed?

Underpinning or pier insertion is needed for severely damaged foundations, and to provide support to a foundation if you’ll be adding weight to a house. Underpinning means inserting a steel pin into the ground, next to or even directly under the foundation. The pin is then attached to the foundation concrete, helping keep it in place and closing up cracks and other damage.

Pier insertion is excellent for properties with shifting soil, as the pin will help keep the foundation in place even when the soil is not stable and strong. Underpinning is also a good choice for structures that have settled or sunk along one side, providing support for the foundation where it’s needed.

What Is House Leveling and When Is It Needed?

House leveling, also called slab jacking or mud jacking, is often used along with underpinning or other foundation repair methods. House leveling is needed if your home has settled, shifted, and then sunk along one side or the other.

During the house leveling process, a specialty slurry is injected underneath the sunken or damaged foundation. This slurry dries and expands slightly, lifting the structure back to a level and even position and keeping it stable and secure.

House leveling not only corrects foundation damage but can also close up cracks along interior and exterior walls and ceilings, making repairs to these surfaces easier and more permanent. Slab jacking is also used for properties with shifting soil, as this helps keep the structure secure over the years.

Basement Foundation Repair in Springfield IL

When basement walls weaken, they might begin to bow inward. This signals that it’s time for immediate fixes, as those walls can crack and even collapse, risking injury to anyone in the vicinity and exposing your home to the elements.

Most foundation repair contractors will suggest carbon fiber straps for bowing basement walls. These straps are placed along the walls and then fastened and tightened in place. The straps will help return the walls to a level position while also providing strength and support.

Basement waterproofing is also an excellent choice for preventing foundation damage and otherwise unnecessary foundation repair in Springfield IL. Waterproof coatings protect against damage, or your home might need a dehumidifier or sump pump installation. Not only will waterproofing help protect against foundation damage but it’s also vital if you plan on finishing the space or use it for storage, as excess moisture can mean damaged building materials and mold growth!