Foundation issues can make your dream home a problem house. Cracks on your wall, doors sticking, and floors being uneven indicate you need to repair your foundation. Learning how to repair your foundation gives you the insight to make informed decisions when you encounter structural issues.
This guide breaks down the most common repair methods, expected timelines, and cost factors so you can approach foundation repairs with confidence.
Common Foundation Repair Methods
You may elevate sunken concrete slabs to their original position with a cement mix. Slabjacking is effective for driveways, walkways, and basement floors when they become sunken over time.
Small holes are drilled first in the cracked concrete slab. A specialized pump forces the grout mixture through the holes to fill voids and lift the concrete. It takes one or two days to complete most slabjacking projects, and the prices typically vary between $500 and $1,500 for ordinary residential requirements.
When the soil begins to settle and impacts the foundation of your home, piering is a permanent fix. There are two types: steel push piers and concrete piers.
Steel push piers are driven deep into stable ground beneath your foundation with hydraulic pressure. The piers support your home’s weight and prevent it from sinking further. Installation takes anywhere from three to five days and between $1,000 and $3,000 per pier, depending on how far down they must drive and the soil type.
Compacted piles and concrete piers function in the same manner, but utilize pre-fabricated concrete components. They are cheaper for light structures, but every pier will still range from $800 to $2,500.
Foundation cracks require different approaches based on their size and cause. Small, non-structural cracks can often be sealed with epoxy injections, which cost $300 to $800 per crack and typically take a few hours to complete.
Surface repairs are done for minor surface cosmetic cracks that don’t penetrate the whole structure. Foundation repair companies in OKC will clean the crack and apply unique sealers or patching compounds. Most surface repairs take a day to complete and cost between $200 and $500.
Things That Influence Repair Expenses
Several things determine how much elementary work is required. Damage plays a significant role – minor settling requires less work compared to massive structural shifts. Location is also significant because labor and soil conditions differ in various places.
The site itself also impacts the cost. Piers with features such as landscaping, decks, or other structures are more difficult and take longer to pass through. The soil also impacts the installation of the pier because rocky or clay soil takes longer than sandy soil to install.
The age and type of your house determine how difficult the repairs will be. Old houses may require more alterations to the structure, whereas new houses tend to make the repair process smoother.
Expected Repair Time
It typically takes a day or less to repair small cracks and surface issues. Slabjacking projects typically take one to two days to complete, including setup time, drying time, etc.
Piering installations take longer, usually three to five days depending on the number of piers needed and soil conditions. Complex repairs involving multiple methods may extend to two weeks, especially if permits or structural modifications are required.
Weather may delay outdoor work, such as rain or extremely hot or cold temperatures. This impacts the time required for concrete and epoxy materials to harden.
Starting the Repair of the Foundations
Foundation repair may seem difficult, but understanding how it works will enable you to make better decisions for your house. Each solution has a particular function, ranging from temporary fixes for cracks to full structural fixes.
Get quotes from licensed contractors and have them explain how they would perform the job. A reputable contractor will consider your particular situation and recommend the best repair plan that your budget and time can handle.
