Erickson Foundation Solutions
How Soil Conditions Affect Your Home’s Foundation
What causes foundation failure? Well, it’s all about the dirt. Homes are generally surrounded by backfill, as the more compact native soils are removed to make room for the foundation. Unfortunately, this process can weaken the soil around the foundation and eventually lead to problems.
The Impact of Drought on Your Home's Foundation
As spring rains transition to the hot, dry spells of summer, soils dry up and shrink. Prolonged dry periods create voids in the soil, causing foundations to settle. Then, after the drought, the rain tends to return. This water will now have a much easier path towards your foundation walls. Here, it will either find a way inside, leading to a wet basement, or apply pressure to the wall, causing it to bow or lean.
Signs of Foundation Failure
Foundations tend to shift slowly, so you may not notice it just by looking at your home. However, here are some of the symptoms to look for:
- Sticking windows and doors
- Sagging floors
- Bowing foundation walls
- Drywall cracks
- Cracks in the concrete
- Separating chimneys
- Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls
Why You Shouldn't Ignore It
Ignoring foundation issues can lead to catastrophic failure. Problems worsen over time, making repairs more costly as time passes. Modern solutions can permanently fix settling foundations, but it's essential to have your home inspected by a reputable, specialized company.
Our Repair Process
1. Home Inspection
Scheduling is easy, and our System Design Specialists always conduct a thorough home inspection. During this free assessment, the specialist documents all symptoms of foundation failure and takes measurements to devise the most effective and durable solution.
2. Recommending a Solution
The specialist presents their findings to the homeowner and discusses the optimal solution, taking into account the homeowner’s objectives. In most cases, we will provide a detailed, same-day estimate.
3. Repairs Made
Foundation Piers:
- Helical piers are driven into stable, load-bearing soil and securely connected to the foundation's footing. This process not only stabilizes a sinking foundation but can also lift it back to its original position.
Foundation Wall Repair:
- PowerBraces are adjustable steel I-beams that are secured to the joists above the wall with steel brackets, stabilizing and even straightening inward-leaning walls
- GeoLock Wall Anchors extend from your wall out into stable, hard-packed native soil. These anchors brace the foundation wall, preventing further movement
- Our patented StableLock system is a cement auxiliary wall, engineered to stabilize deteriorating fieldstone and block walls, ensuring structural integrity and preventing further degradation.
Support Posts:
- SmartJacks are adjustable steel posts that permanently stabilize, lift, and restore sagging floors and joists.
4. Warranty/Additional Services
Our foundation repair solutions are all fully warrantied. We also offer the Erickson Care Club, providing annual inspections to benchmark and monitor changes.
Additionally, as the rainy season approaches, your basement may be vulnerable to leaks and flooding. Our waterproofing solutions ensure your basement remains permanently dry. We specialize in perimeter drainage systems, efficient sump pumps, high-performance dehumidifiers, and more!
With the right solutions, you can ensure your home remains safe and stable, providing peace of mind regardless of the weather conditions outside. Contact our Erickson Foundation Solutions team today to schedule your free inspection.