House Leveling in Seguin, Texas
The level of a house should be as close to its original condition as possible (within the limits of construction). This can be accomplished by repairing the foundations of the house.
Structural problems occur when a house sinks. If it sinks at several places or at one end, this is especially true. In most cases, a house leveling will correct the problem, but it is also necessary to address the source of the problem to prevent it from happening again.
Sagging floors, sinking homes, and structural damage can result from a number of factors, such as foundation erosion, structural damage, unstable soil conditions, and underfloor plumbing leaks. Prior to beginning house leveling, these issues must be dealt with to ensure a more permanent solution.
Foundation Settling – The Root of Uneven Floors
What causes heaving or settlement of foundations? Generally, water and soil are to blame. Together, these factors can lead to cracks in walls and foundation movement, including settling. Whether the foundation is a slab foundation, pier and beam foundation, or a basement foundation, it may move. The foundation of a house may shift and crack if it heaves or settles excessively. This problem can be solved by leveling.
In addition to leveling the house, the problems that caused the foundation shifts must be addressed. Clay soil causes foundation shifts. As the clay soil absorbs water, the foundation rises. As the soil dries out, shrinks, and settles, the foundation moves downward. Excessive water under the foundation is often caused by inadequate drainage on the exterior.
Additionally, water from plumbing leaks or excessive watering of flowerbeds can seep under the slab foundation, saturating the soil. A poorly graded driveway, walk, or patio can oversaturate foundation soil as well.
House Leveling – Slab Foundation Homes
It is possible to level homes with slab foundations using a variety of methods. Excavating the exterior of the house, installing helical pilings, bell bottom pilings, steel pilings, concrete pilings, mudjacking, and filling in cracks underneath the foundation with a chemical compound are some of the procedures.
House Leveling – Crawl Space Foundation Homes
There are a few successful methods for leveling a crawl space foundation. Installing pilings underneath existing piers can provide additional stability, using rods or braces to strengthen damaged support stations and fix sagging floors, stabilizing the soil underneath the foundation with a chemical mixture, or combining all these methods.
The Impact of Soil Problems
When the soil becomes too dry, it shifts as well. The roots of large trees can extend beneath the foundation. Up to 100 gallons of water can be absorbed by these roots every day. When the soil dries out, it shrinks. Shrinkage contributes to differential settlement. A differential movement occurs when one part of a foundation moves while another does not. A stair-shaped crack in your foundation may be caused by differential movement. This can be prevented by leveling your foundation.
If you do not have the machinery and experience necessary to level the house, try not to attempt this yourself. If you want to make sure that your mobile home is properly leveled so that you can continue living in one, then seek out the services of a professional leveler. Call us today at 830-217-8902, for professional leveling and tunneling services.