Foundation Retrofitting is a project by its very nature is a large one, and that is exactly what makes it so unique; as there is so many different ways it can be done. In essence, this involves “punching up” the foundation of your home in order to raise it, and therefore relieve any pressure on any of the lower levels of your home (e.g. basement). If you’re thinking this might be a little tough to do yourself, that’s okay, as there are contractors available who have been doing this for years with amazing results and do not require any special skills in order to do so.
Foundation Retrofitting is usually done by two main types of professionals. The first type is a home remodeling contractor; they will be the ones doing the actual foundation retrofitting, as well as doing anything else necessary to make your home as efficient as possible. The other type of contractor that handles foundation retrofitting is one that specializes in only this type of work. They will have extensive knowledge of all the different foundations that exist (i.e. basement, crawlspace, etc.)
So, what can you expect from a foundation remodel or retrofit? On average, a foundation retrofitting project should take about three hours to complete, though this can vary depending on the circumstances. Also, be prepared to pay these professionals fairly good money for their services; this is a very specialized job, and there are usually no refunds or extra charges. These professionals will also consult with you about any other concerns that you have, so it’s always a good idea to have them talk things over with you before any work is started.
The reason that this sort of foundation work is so important to you, as a homeowner, is that it helps protect your home’s structure in the long run. For instance, take a look at your home’s basement; what do you see? A concrete slab, with a layer of insulation behind it? Or, is it an earth-filled, humid environment with wood framing and shingles on the exterior?
If your home has a drywall-ceilinged wall, then you have wall cavities. These cavities will naturally expand and contract based on the weather, but they can also build up pressure, causing cracks and eventual damage. The expansion and contraction can affect your walls’ integrity; in turn, this can lead to structural damage and even eventual failure. This isn’t something you want to have to deal with! Foundation retrofitting will fix these problem areas, improving the structure of your home.
As mentioned earlier, basement walls will expand and contract; this will cause some structural movement in your foundation, as will basements with no additional insulation. Air that is trapped inside the basement will also expand and contract, due to atmospheric conditions. It’s important that you take measures to prevent moisture from building up in your basement. With a foundation built to withstand this type of environment, you can be sure that your home will remain safe and sound.
Some homes are built with soil underneath the foundation. If this soil is filled with wood chips, stones, or other materials, then it can weaken over time, making it susceptible to foundation problems. By repairing or foundation retrofitting, you can ensure that your home is able to withstand these conditions, preventing unnecessary stress and damage to your home’s foundation.
When it comes to foundation remodeling, you should always hire a professional. Trying to do the work yourself is possible; however, you may end up damaging your home as you do not have access to all of the tools and information available. In addition, your project could take longer, requiring a lot more material and labor. Hiring a professional to remodel your foundation will ensure that your home remains structurally sound for many years to come.