Foundations can have many problems when it comes to settling and sinking a foundation. For business owners and company’s this is a huge problem and should be addressed immediately. Overall, foundation problems should be taken care of as soon as they are found to prevent further damage and harder issues to repair. If you notice any cracks, bowed walls, or warped areas within your company’s building then you could have foundation problems that need to be checked out by professionals. Commercial buildings can be repaired if the foundation is sinking.
Let’s look into some information business owners need to know about their foundation sinking and the need for commercial foundation repair. To learn more about commercial foundations, visit us at betterfoundationrepaircorpuschristi.com.
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Sinking Foundation vs. Settling Foundation
There is a difference between sinking foundations and settling foundations. Foundations that are settling are normal and should not be a cause for concern. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to differentiate the two. So what’s the difference between sinking and settling foundations? Essentially there isn’t much difference and that’s why it is a concern to some business owners and homeowners. If you notice large cracks or bowing walls and warped floors that are very noticeable then you may have a sinking foundation.
Settling foundations are normal but they can have the same warning signs as a sinking foundation which makes it hard to figure out which it is. Over time business structures tend to settle into the soil and foundation below. This is not typically an issue for minor cracks or issues, but when bowing walls and large cracks start to pop up, this is when there is cause for concern. Sinking foundations tend to have more problems as well as increasing problems. If you are unsure if your business foundation is sinking or settling then you can contact a professional foundation repair company to come to do an inspection on your commercial foundation.
Warning Signs To Look Out For
There are warning signs that business owners should look out for when it comes to foundations sinking. Sinking foundations typically all start with some sort of warning sign and will eventually get worse as time goes on if it is not repaired. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for in your commercial building. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time for commercial foundation repair.
Cracks- Cracks in the foundation are some of the most common types of foundation issues that may pop up first. Cracks are not always a cause for concern because sometimes it’s just the paint cracking due to settling, however, cracks that are wider than ⅛ inch should be evaluated by a professional. Cracks are a sure sign that there is movement within your walls or floors (wherever the crack is) and it needs to be stabilized before it gets worse.
Doors/Windows- Doors and windows might start sticking or not closing properly at all due to movement within your foundation. When your foundation moves it could cause the openings to the doors and windows to warp shape as well which makes it to where the door or window does not fit properly into the opening. Sometimes sticking is normal because of paint or little settling but if most of them are doing it or if it is excessive, then you should have it checked out.
Warped Floors- Floors should be flat and not feel bubbly at all. If you find that your floors are starting to bubble up or if the floor itself seems slanted then you should get it checked out. Floor movement is a sure sign of foundation issues that could turn out to be worse than you’d hope.
Bowed Walls- Bowed walls are another sure sign that things are moving around within your foundation. When things start to move it can put pressure on walls and push them which makes the walls poke out causing a bowed effect.
How Can A Sinking Commercial Foundation Be Repaired?
Fortunately, sinking foundations can be repaired. The process will be different for every commercial building depending on the soil below, the issue that needs to be fixed, and just how bad the damages are. There are a couple of methods that a commercial foundation repair company can choose from to repair your foundation issues. These methods are specifically for sinking foundations. There are methods to help fill cracks or smaller foundation issues, but typically a sinking foundation needs a more permanent and stable solution.
Piers- Piers are a common way to fix a sinking foundation. Foundations that are sinking can cause cracks in the walls, flooring, bowed walls, and warped floors. Piers are usually drilled or screwed into the ground to help support the foundation and push it up to the desired height. These piers are more of an invasive but permanent fix to foundation issues. Piers are more of a better option for commercial buildings because they will last longer and the company will benefit more from a long-lasting solution. Piers come in a lot of different types such as steel piers and hydraulic piers. Depending on the soil, foundation damage, and type of building is how commercial foundation repair companies will choose which one they use.
Slabjacking- Slabjacking is a similar situation as the piers but instead of using piers, it uses a grout mixture that is put under the foundation to uplift it and get it back to the desired height. This is a somewhat less invasive method to fix a foundation but it is still long-term.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Sinking Foundation?
The cost to fix a sinking foundation can vary by a lot depending on what method is used and how bad the damage to the foundation is. Typically you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to repair a sinking foundation. For hydraulic piers, you may spend up to $15,000 but for mudjacking, it could be only about $1,500 to repair it. These Are estimates and the cost will vary per foundation company and based upon the inspection of your foundation. It’s important to remember that regardless of the pricing that foundation problems should always be fixed as soon as possible. If you can have mudjacking done to permanently repair your foundation sinking issues then it is best to go ahead and fix the issues. If you leave the foundation to continue sinking then you may be left with no choice but to install expensive piears because the foundation has sunk too much.
Call a Commercial Foundation Repair Company
Companies that have a sinking foundation should call a commercial foundation repair company as soon as possible. If there are any signs of a sinking foundation then it is beneficial to get it checked out as soon as you can to avoid extra damage that is not necessary and can be costly. Foundation damage is something to be aware of especially as a commercial building. Businesses should keep up with their foundation inspections and repairs to ensure that there is no chance of needing expensive and time-consuming repairs. Call your local commercial foundation repair company today if you see any signs of a sinking foundation.
