THREE foundation settlement solutions that don't work

The cause for foundation settlement IS moisture and soil. There are typically three solutions that people jump to that honestly are not the right solution. This article will inform you about the solutions that aren’t the right option.

Solution #1 Total Foundation replacement

What is this?

In this process first the soil is excavated from around the foundation walls. Next, the slab floor and foundation walls are replaced. And the foundation is rebuilt and the soil is replaced.

Why this doesn’t work?

This solution is expensive, disruptive, and the real problem is not fixed. All that you did was rebuild your foundation in the same soil that gave you the problem.

Solution #2 Concrete underpinning

What is this?

Once again, soil is excavated from around the foundation, then larger concrete footings are poured underneath the footings already there. And soil is backfilled.

Why this doesn’t work?

The problem with this solution is that concrete underpinning usually does not extend past the active wedge or active zone. When this solution remains a problem, it becomes much more expensive to fix because all the added concrete will need to be removed.

Solution #3 Concrete piers

What is this?

Blunt concrete cylinders are put into the soil on top of one another and are held together by a wire. Then, shims are placed on top of the uppermost cylinder, and soil is backfilled.

Why this doesn’t work?

There are three problems with this solution. The blunt concrete cylinders are wide in diameter making it hard to push them deep into the ground, past the problem soil. Also, there is nothing guiding the pier, so they’re not installed straight. Lastly, concrete may be strong material, but it can break under pressure