The ground soil in Texas is prone to expanding and shifting which contributes to cracks, splits, sloping, sinking and other foundation problems. Many people, when the foundation begins to sink or develop other problems, often assume there is nothing that can be done. However, this is not the case. A foundation can be repaired. There are a number of different ways to repair and save a foundation. One of these methods is known as concrete piling. Dallas Foundation Repair would like to go into more detail about piling and how it can help restore your foundation.
What is the Process of Concrete Piling?
Texas is rich in clay soil which is why some homes will run into a number of different foundation problems. When they do, often concrete piling is used to help repair the foundation. Concrete piling is when vertical concrete cylindrical beams are used to brace the foundation. When installing the concrete pile, a hole about two feet deep is dug adjacent to the area of the foundation that needs to be braced. A hydraulic machine is used to press the piles into the hole until it reaches solid bedrock or maximum strata is reached. At this point a concrete cap is then added over the piles. Not all piles are made of concrete cylinders, some are made of steel.
Soil & Foundation Assessment
To determine whether concrete piling is the right method to repair your foundation, the foundation and the soil condition will need to be assessed. Concrete piling is usually used when the upper layer of the soil is weakening and is no longer able to support the weight of the home or building. The weight of the building will need to be transferred to the bedrock which is why concrete piling is preferred.
End Bearing & Friction Piles
There are two major types of pile used to save a foundation from a weak top soil. One is End-Bearing Piles which is ideal when there is a strong bedrock bottom layer for the concrete beams to rest on and then support the weight of the building. The other type of piling is Friction Piles, which is similar to End-Bearing piling but the concrete piles do not reach the bottom bedrock, but instead transfers the weight of the building evenly across the soil. This method is ideal when solid bedrock is not there or is way too deep to reach.
What are the Advantages to Concrete Piles
There are a lot of benefits to using a concrete piling repair method. The concrete beams are strong and durable. The concrete beams can be installed anywhere which makes repairing the foundation so much easier. It is also the most cost effective way to repair the foundation. There is less excavation and repair work needed to repair the foundation. This helps save money on the overall cost of the foundation. Another major benefit is that concrete piling repairs are fast and effective. To avoid spending days to complete a foundation repair, concrete piling can be done in just a couple of hours. The concrete beams are pre-made and brought on site which means no curing time. Once the beams are installed, the foundation is repaired.
Slab Foundation Repair in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Arlington & Great Dallas, Texas
If you have signs of foundation problems, contact Dallas Foundation Repair. We will come and inspect your home’s foundation and provide quality repairs.
