Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair was recently featured on Fox 43, where our very own Alex Schnell spoke with Fox 43 AM Live’s Dane Kroll about foundation settling and piering systems used to repair it. He discussed warning signs, such as cracks in foundations, and described how push pier and helical pier systems can both address the issue. Alex also shared some typical repair timelines.
As Alex explained, the first step in a foundation repair process is an initial assessment. The team at Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair will come to your property to assess the situation. Alex pointed out some of the tell-tale signs of foundation settling: if you’re having trouble closing windows or doors, you see movement in the structure or cracks in the foundation, or you can actually see the home sinking, that’s a good indication you’re prime for a visit from the team.
Once the work begins, the experts get to work stabilizing the problem area. This involves excavation as they get to the foundation at the base of the home. To give a visual idea of how the house will be supported, Alex brought one of the American-made, patented steel brackets Lamunyon uses. These 50-lbs brackets support the foundation as the piers are driven into the ground.
According to Alex, the best way to address the issue of settling is to fit a piering system. For this, you have two options: push piers or helical piers. The choice will depend on how severe the problem is, the size of the property, and the overall weight of your house. The good news? Both options are equally effective for solving your foundation settlement problem.
Push piers are hydraulically driven deep into bedrock or stable soil to permanently stabilize your home and lift the foundation back to its original position, where it can be held by the brackets. Unlike push piers, helical piers are not pushed into the ground. Instead, their shape allows them to be screwed into the ground, past unstable soil, till they reach bedrock.
Push piers are often used for heavier houses because they rely on the weight to drive the supports into stable soil. Helical piers don’t depend on the home’s weight, making them a good option for lighter structures. However, they often require heavier equipment and bigger excavations, so space can be an issue.
So, how long will you have a construction team hanging around the house? There’s no denying that foundation repairs can often be a big job, but with a crew as experienced as Lamunyon, the average repair is completed in about a week. Do you have concerns about your home? For more information, call our toll-free number to schedule a free consultation. Watch the full FOX 43 interview below.
