When is a foundation replacement necessary?

The foundation is the most important element of any building. It bears the loads from the building and transfers them to the underlying soil layers, making it crucial to construct the foundation correctly and ensure its long service life.

However, any structural component of a building is subject to various adverse effects during use, causing wear and tear and damage. Therefore, many owners wonder when a foundation replacement is necessary and whether complex repairs can be avoided.

Common Causes of Deterioration

Before repairs, it is important to understand the cause of the damage. Common causes:

1. Soil changes. During the use of a site, changes in soil properties are common, such as rising groundwater levels or poor rainwater drainage. Increased moisture often causes subsidence or tilting of the structure.

2. Increased soil stress. The ground becomes less stable due to increased loads from the building itself, the construction of an extension, or the construction of new structures. These factors often lead to deformation.

3. Deterioration of the foundation's properties. Strip foundations are commonly used for buildings. Reinforced concrete structures are susceptible to various adverse effects, including mechanical and chemical influences, which can damage them and degrade their original properties.

4. Construction of an unsuitable foundation. Construction requires complex calculations, which are easy for a non-professional to make mistakes in. Mistakes often lead to various problems down the road.

Degree of Deformation

Another important factor to keep in mind during repairs is the degree of deformation. There are four different degrees of damage:

1. Minor. These are minor defects that do not require repairs. They typically consist of peeling of the foundation facing or the appearance of tiny cracks.

2. Moderate. A more significant problem that leads to subsidence and collapse. These are characterized by the appearance of large cracks that require sealing; these cracks can widen, leading to very adverse or dangerous consequences.

3. Severe. These include defects that require immediate correction, as they can quickly lead to the collapse of the entire structure. Sometimes, owners miss the permissible time for restoration, after which it is no longer possible to restore the strip foundation or piles to their original parameters.

4. Irreparable. These are the most severe defects, making it impossible to repair the foundation. In this situation, the owner is forced to undertake the most expensive repairs.

Specifics of the measures to be taken

If significant problems are detected, repair work must be undertaken as soon as possible. To do this, call in professionals who can accurately assess the extent of the defect, determine its causes, and select appropriate technical solutions to save the building.

First, the repairmen will have to eliminate the cause of the damage. If the cause is oversaturation of the soil with moisture, then proper drainage must be ensured.

Second, a decision is made on whether to strengthen or replace the foundation. Strengthening is easier and cheaper than rebuilding; this can be done by installing supports that support some of the load. However, sometimes the only viable option is to lift the building, dismantle the old foundation, and install a new one.

Thirdly, dismantling and installation work is carried out. For this, project documentation is initially created, detailing all planned activities, and only then can the actual renovation work begin.

Residents are interested in having experienced and competent professionals working on their property. Therefore, it's important to hire companies that can confirm the professionalism of their employees and their ability to carry out important and responsible projects. If you suspect the specialists' low qualifications, it's best to avoid working with them.