When You Need Commecial Foundation Repair

All modern buildings are constructed on top of concrete foundations, and any building as large as an office building or a small suburban home are built on them. During a construction project, one of the first steps is to dig up the space for the foundation and then lay down the concrete, and a good foundation will provide a solid place for the home to be built upon. It should be noted that there are in fact several different foundation types used in the United States today, and foundation failure is an unfortunate possibility. If this happens, commercial foundation repair may be done, and commercial foundation repair crews may be found in a homeowner’s local area for assistance. Geologists may also know if an area is prone to earthquakes, which make some foundation types unsafe. What might a homeowner expect when they hire foundation repair services for commercial foundation repair on their home?

The Common Models of Foundations

Based on a location’s climate or geology, or even the homeowner’s preferences, one of several different foundation types will be chosen during construction. Four particular models have proven themselves common and popular among American homeowners, each with different features. The first is the slab foundation model, which is exactly that: a solid slab of concrete upon which the house is built. Such slab foundations are typical among Texas homes younger than 50 years, and these foundations are a fine choice if the home is unlikely to face certain hazards.

Another common foundation model is the crawlspace, which is a concrete formation that elevates the home 18″ off of the ground. This, in turn, creates a low but wide open space underneath the home that a person may use to inspect or repair the foundation or plumbing underneath. Crawlspaces are not only convenient for foundation experts and plumbers, but they are also a means of protection against floods. During flooding, water may pass harmlessly underneath the house without leaking into it. Therefore, crawlspaces are a fine choice in flood-prone areas.

The third standard foundation model is the pillar and beam model, which is a crawlspace in addition to wooden and concrete pillars and beams (hence the name) built underneath for support. This model is price-friendly and is used widely, but foundation failure is a risk in some cases. These foundations are badly damaged by earthquakes since their pillars do not go very deep into the ground, so a geologist should be consulted before construction begins.

Basements are the fourth common foundation model, and these popular foundations are known for adding a lot of square footage to any home. They create entire underground rooms that may be useful for both storage and living spaces, and what is more, basements are resistant to fires and earthquakes. However, basements must contend with the threat of flooding, especially older ones made from limestone formations. For these old basements, commercial foundation repair may be needed sooner than later.

Performing Commercial Foundation Repair

A concerned homeowner may notice that their foundation is sagging or leaning, or that their basement is suffering from flooding. This homeowner may look up foundation repair experts online or get a consultation from a hardware store’s staff, and many foundation contractors may have their own website as well. These websites may have articles, videos, and images showcasing what sort of work the contractors are capable of, and a homeowner may use this reference to hire the right crew.

For a home with a crawlspace, workers may use that space to inspect the foundation and plumbing and make any needed repairs, and of course basements have ample room for a full wo0rking crew. Old limestone brick walls may be bulging inwards, and leak water from their cracks. Contractors may build concrete walls to contain those bulging limestone walls and their leaks, and contractors may also fix cracks or holes in the basement’s walls or floors elsewhere with fresh materials. Meanwhile, foundation repair professionals may also reinforce and seal a foundation against flooding water from outside to prevent leaks, and plumbers may install sump pumps that can draw up loose water in the basement. These pumps may then deposit the water outside the home to prevent it from pooling on the basement’s floor. Otherwise, erosion and mold growth may occur.