Settlement Repair

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Settlement Repair

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Introduction

Over time, your home’s foundation may settle unevenly, leading to structural issues. This is often due to the unique soil composition, freeze-thaw cycles, and water accumulation in Ottawa. Our settlement repair services focus on:

  • You are stabilizing your foundation to prevent further settling.
  • They are preventing damage caused by soil movement.
  • She addressed visible issues such as cracks, sinking floors, and gaps.
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Why Foundations Settle

Foundations settle due to several factors. Common causes include:

  • Poor Soil Compaction:
    • Construction Oversight: Inadequately compacted soil during construction can shift or compress over time, weakening foundation support.
    • Uneven Weight Distribution: Improper load-bearing soil can lead to uneven settling.
  • Water Damage and Erosion:
    • Heavy Rains and Snowmelt: Excess water washes away supporting soil, leading to foundation sinking.
    • Poor drainage systems: Water pools around the foundation need proper drainage, exacerbating erosion.
  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles:
    • Soil Expansion: During winter, the soil freezes and expands, putting pressure on the foundation.
    • Soil Contraction: When the soil thaws in spring, it contracts, leaving gaps that lead to foundation settlement.
  • Soil Composition:
    • Expansive Clay Soils: Ottawa’s soil is often rich in clay, which expands when wet and shrinks when dry, causing soil movement that affects foundation stability.

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They underpinned our basement in summer 2017. They finished ahead of schedule and did a great job!
– Adam M.

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Signs of Foundation Settlement

It’s crucial to recognize the early warning signs of foundation settlement before significant issues develop:

  • Cracks in Walls:
    • Vertical Cracks: Often caused by uneven settling.
    • Diagonal Cracks: May indicate foundation movement or shifting.
    • Stair-Step Cracks: These cracks signal differential settlement in brick or block walls.
  • Sinking or Sloping Floors:
    • Uneven Flooring: Floors that are not level can indicate shifting support beams or settling in certain foundation areas.
    • Sagging Floors: Floors that dip or sag are signs of significant foundation movement.
  • Stuck Windows and Doors:
    • Difficulty Opening or Closing: Foundation movement causes the frame to become misaligned, making it hard to operate windows or doors.
  • Gaps Between Walls and Ceilings/Floors:
    • Separation at Edges: Gaps where walls meet floors or ceilings suggest movement in the foundation.
  • Chimney or Porch Separation:
    • Tilting Chimney: A chimney that leans or separates from the house may indicate uneven foundation settlement.
    • Porch Movement: A porch pulling away from the house shows signs of foundation shifting.

 

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Our Settlement Repair Process

Our process uses advanced techniques to stabilize your foundation and prevent further settling:

Inspection

Detailed Assessment: We inspect the entire foundation to identify areas of concern and the extent of settlement.

Soil Testing: Evaluating the soil’s moisture retention, composition, and compaction around your home.

Foundation Stabilization

Helical Piers: These are screwed into the ground to reach stable soil layers, lifting and stabilizing the foundation.

Push Piers: Driven deep into the ground, push piers to help transfer the structure’s weight to more stable soil or bedrock.

Soil Compaction:

Compaction Grouting: Injecting grout into weak soil to increase its density and load-bearing capacity, minimizing further settlement.

Crack Repair

Foundation Crack Sealing: Sealing foundation cracks to prevent water infiltration and further settlement damage.

Epoxy or Polyurethane Injection: Injecting materials into cracks to restore the foundation’s structural integrity.

Waterproofing

Drainage Solutions: Installing French drains or sump pumps to manage water and prevent erosion.

Waterproof Membranes: Applying a waterproof barrier to prevent future water infiltration.

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Why Choose Us for Settlement Repairs?

Homeowners choose us for settlement repair due to our:

  • Local Expertise:
    • Years of experience dealing with Ottawa’s soil conditions and climate-related settlement issues.
  • Advanced Technology:
    • Using helical piers, push piers, and compaction grouting to provide effective, long-term foundation stabilization.
  • Comprehensive Service:
    • We handle everything from soil analysis and stabilization to waterproofing, ensuring a complete solution for your foundation settlement needs.
  • Guaranteed Results:
    • All our work is backed by warranties, ensuring the long-term stability of your foundation.

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Preventing Future Foundation Settlement

Preventative steps can help reduce the risk of future foundation settlement:

  • Improve Drainage:
    • Grading: Ensure your yard slopes away from your foundation to prevent water pooling.
    • Gutters and Downspouts: Keep gutters clean and downspouts extended to direct water away from your foundation.
  • Monitor Soil Conditions:
    • Inspect Soil for Erosion: Regularly check for soil erosion or poor drainage signs.
    • Expansive Soil Management: Consider soil treatments if your property sits on expansive clay soil.
  • Regular Foundation Inspections:
    • Annual Checks: Schedule regular inspections to catch early signs of settlement or shifting.
    • Moisture Monitoring: Monitor moisture levels around the foundation to prevent water damage and soil erosion.

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