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If you’ve been living at your home for more than a few years, it’s likely its foundation has started to settle. You may notice this when your building appears to be tilting at an angle.
When these things happen, you must be quick and fix the issue through house leveling. Of course, the house leveling process depends on different factors, including the foundation type you have, how severe the damage is, and more.
What is house leveling? Learn about the process here, as well as what the most common foundation issues are and how you can fix them by calling a professional.
Uncover the essentials of house leveling in our latest blog video! https://t.co/6PysxQKdoi Learn what it entails and why it's crucial for your home's stability. #HouseLeveling #HomeImprovement #SanAntonio pic.twitter.com/DT1uCNmuCO
— Quality Foundation Repair San Antonio (@qfrsanantonio) February 7, 2024
What Does House Leveling Consist Of?
House leveling consists of lifting your building to its original state (or at least close to it). In most cases, an effective foundation repair will keep your house from collapsing.
The key to a great foundation repair is to identify structural damage before it’s too late. If you notice any signs of foundation sinking, it may be time to call an expert.
You will get a different house leveling process depending on the foundation you have:
Pier and Beam Foundations
Pier and beam foundations come with steel or concrete pilings, which are installed underneath your home at strategic points. These pilings will support your home and transfer the weight of the building’s structure to the ground.
If you have a pier and beam foundation, an expert would level your home by fortifying your piers with concrete pilings. They may also use special equipment to stabilize the girders and joists beneath the structure, such as hydraulic jacks.
What if your supporting beams are too damaged to get fixed? You may need to get them replaced.
Slab Foundations
Slab foundations are more common, although they’re more prone to damage. This foundation is made of concrete slabs. Depending on the case, you may get pre-manufactured slabs, or a professional may pour a concrete mixture over a certain area.
Depending on the case, you can level your house through any of the following methods:
- Slab Jacking
- Foam Jacking
Slab/foam jacking involves lifting one side of a concrete slab from below by injecting a strong material like polymer resin, polyurethane foam injection, or cement mixture. This helps the slab rise back to its original position while closing any gaps that were around.
The main difference between both methods is that slab jacking is more affordable but less resistant, whereas foam jacking provides better and longer-lasting results in exchange for a higher price.
When Do You Need House Leveling Services?
It may be hard to tell when you need house leveling services on your own. Sometimes, the “tilting” of your house may not be too obvious, so you’ll have to look for other alternatives.
The best way to identify foundation issues is to call a professional. Whether you have a pier and beam or slab foundation, they can identify common problems with it and act fast to solve them.
Answering the question above, you need foundation repair services as soon as you notice an issue with your house structure. The longer you wait to fix the problem, the worse the problem will become.
What Causes Foundation Settling?
There are a few reasons why your foundation started to settle. Most of the time, it’s because of too much moisture in your soil. This may happen when your house is built on top of expansive soil.
When expansive soil gets wet, it will expand. On the other hand, when it dries, it will shrink. This process will eventually cause your foundation to settle, which is why it’s so important to have a great drainage system and take preventive measures to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Of course, if your home’s foundation wasn’t done correctly from the beginning, it will start showing settling signs sooner than later.
Another common problem may involve tree roots. If you have trees nearby, some of their roots may be near your soil, which can cause them to drink its moisture. This can create “voids” under your foundation, which will lead to uneven floors.
If you experience a natural disaster, you may want to call a professional after it. Many foundation problems come after events like earthquakes and floods.
How do you notice structural problems, though? Here are a few signs to keep in mind besides the “tilting view” we mentioned before:
- Sagging floors
- Cracks in your walls, ceilings, or chimneys
- Door frames that pull away from the wall
- Windows that don’t latch correctly (or won’t latch at all)
Waiting to fix the issue can cause further damage to your property, so make sure to call a professional to take care of everything before it’s too late.
How Much Does House Leveling Cost?
The cost to level your house depends on several factors. You can expect to pay from $3,500 to $4,600 for your project, in most cases.
Foundation replacements are much more expensive than repairs, so keep that in mind before making a decision.
What Influences House Leveling Costs?
Let’s review all the costs associated with your house leveling project:
- Materials: You’ll need different materials depending on the foundation you have. These include steel piers, slab/foam jacking materials, etc. The more materials you need, the more expensive the project will be.
- Licensing/Inspection Fees: Sometimes, you may have to pay extra fees to ensure the project complies with your local building codes.
- Labor: The more complicated the project is, the more it will cost. This will vary depending on how accessible your home’s foundation is and how severe the damage was.
- Extras: Some companies consider different factors to calculate your quote, such as your location, the size of your home, extra structural repairs, and landscaping.
Should You Hire a Professional to Fix Your Home’s Foundation?
Yes. House leveling isn’t a DIY project by any means.
Trying to do anything yourself will likely lead to further foundation sinking, which will increase the risk of your property collapsing.
By hiring a professional, on the other hand, you ensure you don’t have to worry about your home getting more damaged. These experts can quickly address the problem and take your house back to its original shape.
Bottom Line
A foundation repair is crucial to protect your home from collapsing. Even if you notice small signs of a sinking foundation, call an expert so that they can assess the damage right away.
At QFR San Antonio, we have a dedicated and skilled team specializing in foundation repairs. We’re committed to keeping the structural integrity of your home in check, ensuring you and your family are safe all year long.
If you want to address your structural issues with a professional, give us a call!
FAQs
How Much Does It Cost to Level a Small House?
Usually, small houses are more affordable to fix than bigger ones. You may expect to pay as little as $3,500 for your project, but remember the cost can go up depending on how complex it is.
Is It Worth Leveling a House?
Of course! Leveling your house ensures you deal with any potential issues like foundation cracks and holes, sticking windows and doors, and more. If done correctly, you’ll protect your foundation and extend its lifespan, which results in more safety for you and your family.
What Is the Best Way to Level a House?
It depends on the type of foundation. Those with slab foundations may want the foam jacking method if they want the best results.
If you have a pier and beam foundation, however, the best method will be to replace the pilings under the concrete beams.
How Long Does It Take to Level a House?
It can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of your property and how severe the damage was.