Foundation Leveling 

What sets us apart:

• Immediate Customized Solutions for Every Home 🏡

• High-Quality Materials for Lasting Repairs ⚒️

• Transparent Pricing Without Surprises 🏷️

• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction 🙋

• Experienced Professionals Dedicated to Excellence 👷

• We offer dependable foundation leveling without the burden of excessive costs.

• We stand behind our work with comprehensive service warranties that cover materials and labor.

Read on to learn about the common problems we address, the causes of foundation issues in Asheville, and how you can take preventive measures to protect your property.

Call 252-594-3603 for foundation leveling services. 

What Is Foundation Leveling?

Foundation leveling is the process of correcting uneven or sunken foundations to restore a home’s structural stability. This technique addresses issues caused by soil movement, poor construction practices, or natural settling over time. Common methods include:

• Hydraulic Jacking: This involves lifting the foundation to its original position using hydraulic jacks and installing permanent supports like steel or concrete piers.

• Mudjacking or Slabjacking: Filling voids beneath a foundation with a slurry of cement and sand to stabilize the structure.

• Piering or Underpinning: Installing steel piers deep into stable soil to support the foundation.

Foundation leveling ensures your home remains safe, prevents further structural damage, and helps maintain property value.

1. Cracks in Exterior Brick or Interior Drywall: Vertical or stair-step cracks in walls or masonry indicate shifting.

2. Slanted or Uneven Floors: Use a level to check if your floors slope or feel uneven when walking.

3. Misaligned Doors and Windows: Frames pulling away from walls or sticking during operation.

4. Separation of Molding: Baseboards or crown molding pulling away from walls or ceilings.

5. Foundation Cracks: Visible cracks in the foundation slab or crawl space piers.

6. Gaps Between Walls and Floors: Small gaps indicate settlement or soil movement.

Promptly addressing these signs can save your home from further damage and costly repairs.

Causes of Differential Foundation Settlement

Differential settlement occurs when one section of a foundation moves more than another, leading to structural imbalance. Common causes include:

1. Soil Composition:

• Expansive Soils: Clay soils shrink and swell with moisture changes, creating pressure on foundations.

• Loose Fill Soil: Poorly compacted fill soil can compress under weight, causing sinking.

2. Moisture Issues:

• Erosion from Poor Drainage: Water runoff can wash away supporting soil beneath the foundation.

• Drought Conditions: Dry soil contracts, creating voids under the foundation.

3. Tree Roots:

• Roots draw moisture from the soil, causing shrinkage and imbalanced settlement near the foundation.

4. Inadequate Foundation Design:

• Improper load distribution during construction can lead to weaknesses.

Understanding these causes helps homeowners take preventive measures, reducing future risks.

How Do You Know if Your House Foundation Needs Leveling?

Foundation issues can develop slowly, often going unnoticed until significant damage occurs. Watch for these common signs:

Our Foundation Leveling Services for Homes in Asheville NC

At Functional Foundations, we offer professional foundation leveling services tailored to the diverse needs of Asheville homes. Depending on your foundation type and the extent of the settlement, we employ the following proven methods to restore stability and safety:

1. Pier and Beam Leveling

Pier and beam foundations are common in older homes and require specific techniques for leveling:

• Shimming: Adjusting and replacing wooden or steel shims between piers and beams to level the foundation.

• Pier Replacement or Reinforcement: Damaged or deteriorated piers are repaired or replaced with concrete or steel supports.

• Beam Adjustment: Adding or leveling beams to provide additional structural support.

This method is ideal for homes with crawl space foundations.

2. Helical Pier Installation

Helical piers are screw-like supports driven deep into stable soil to lift and secure foundations. This method is particularly effective for:

• Foundations affected by expansive soils.

• Homes with severe differential settlement.

• Stabilizing new construction to prevent future settlement.

Helical piers offer a fast, reliable solution for leveling foundations in unstable soil conditions.

3. Concrete Underpinning

For extensive settlement or when additional load-bearing capacity is required, we use concrete underpinning:

• Excavating Beneath the Foundation: Adding reinforced concrete footings under the existing foundation creates a stable base.

• Strengthening Load Points: Redistributing the structural weight to more stable ground layers.

This method is suitable for homes with significant structural issues.

4. Spot Patching and Surface Repair

For minor leveling issues, we provide surface repairs such as:

• Filling Cracks: Sealing foundation cracks with epoxy to prevent water intrusion and further damage.

• Localized Adjustments: Small-scale lifting or stabilization for isolated areas.

These solutions are cost-effective for early-stage foundation settlement.

House Leveling for Slab Foundations

Slab foundations, common in Asheville, are prone to cracking and settling due to shifting soils. Our services include:

1. Hydraulic Piering: Installing steel piers deep into stable soil to lift and stabilize the slab.

2. Slabjacking: Injecting a cement-based mixture beneath the slab fills voids and levels the surface.

3. Soil Stabilization: Reinforcing the soil beneath the foundation to prevent future sinking.

These methods ensure the slab foundation is secure, level, and protected from future movement.

Crawl Space Foundation Leveling

Crawl space foundations are susceptible to sagging and settlement due to aging piers or moisture-related soil movement. We specialize in:

1. Pier and Beam Repair:

• Replacing or reinforcing damaged piers to restore balance.

• New piers should be added where necessary for additional support.

2. Floor Joist Stabilization:

• Reinforcing sagging floor joists with steel or wood beams to improve structural integrity.

3. Moisture Management: We recommend solutions like improved drainage to control moisture levels around crawl spaces.

These repairs provide stability while ensuring crawl spaces remain accessible and functional.

What to Expect During Our Foundation Leveling Process

1. Comprehensive Inspection

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property. This includes:

• Visual Assessment: Checking for cracks in walls, floors, and exterior masonry.

• Foundation Measurements: Using laser levels and other tools to identify uneven areas.

• Soil Testing: Evaluating soil composition and moisture levels around the foundation.

• Structural Analysis: Inspecting beams, joists, and supports in crawl spaces or under slab foundations.

This step helps us identify the root cause of the problem and determine the most effective leveling solution.

2. Tailored Repair Plan

Based on our findings, we develop a customized plan that outlines:

• Specific Repair Methods: Whether your home needs hydraulic piering, slabjacking, or pier and beam reinforcement.

• Estimated Timeframe: How long will the project take from start to finish?

• Material Requirements: Details of the materials and equipment needed for the job.

• Cost Estimate: Transparent pricing to avoid surprises.

We explain the plan in detail, answering any questions you may have before work begins.

3. Preparation and Setup

Before leveling starts, our team prepares the site to ensure a safe and efficient process:

• Clearing the Work Area: Moving furniture or obstacles near the foundation.

• Safety Measures: Set up barriers to protect landscaping and ensure the safety of residents.

• Equipment Setup: Positioning hydraulic jacks, piers, or other tools necessary for the repair.

This step minimizes disruption and ensures the work area is secure.

4. Foundation Leveling and Repair

The leveling process varies depending on the foundation type:

• For Slab Foundations: Hydraulic jacks lift the slab while piers or grout injections stabilize the foundation.

• For Crawl Space Foundations: Damaged or sagging piers are replaced or reinforced, and beams are leveled.

• For Differential Settlement: Adjustments are made in targeted areas to ensure uniform support across the foundation.

Throughout the process, we monitor the structure to avoid overstressing or damaging it further.

5. Final Stabilization

Once the foundation is leveled, we implement measures to ensure long-term stability:

• Securing Piers and Supports: Installing permanent piers or underpinning systems.

• Filling Voids: Using grout or foam injections to fill gaps beneath the foundation.

• Soil Compaction: Stabilizing the surrounding soil to prevent future movement.

These steps ensure the foundation remains secure and level over time.

6. Post-Repair Inspection

After completing the repairs, we conduct a final inspection to verify the results:

• Structural Integrity Check: Ensuring the foundation is stable and aligned.

• Review of Repairs: Walking you through the completed work and answering any questions.

• Documentation: Provide a detailed report of the repairs, including photos and warranty information.

This step guarantees that all issues have been addressed and the foundation is secure.

7. Clean-Up and Restoration

We leave your property in excellent condition, including:

• Site Clean-Up: Removing equipment, debris, and protective barriers.

• Restoration: Ensuring landscaping and other affected areas are returned to their original state.

• Final Walkthrough: Confirming your satisfaction with the completed project.

Why You Need to Level Your Foundation

Foundation leveling is essential for:

• Preventing Structural Damage: Uneven foundations can lead to cracked walls, sagging floors, and roof misalignment.

• Maintaining Property Value: Homes with stable foundations retain their market value.

• Ensuring Safety: A secure foundation protects your family from hazards like floor collapses or wall failure.

• Minimizing Long-Term Costs: Addressing issues early prevents costly repairs in the future.

A leveled foundation protects your home’s overall health and longevity.

Tips to Prevent Differential Foundation Settlement

1. Improve Drainage Around Your Home: Install gutters, downspouts, and French drains to direct water away from the foundation.

2. Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels: Water the soil near the foundation during dry periods to prevent shrinkage.

3. Address Plumbing Leaks Promptly: Check for leaks that may saturate the soil and weaken the foundation.

4. Monitor Vegetation Near the Foundation: To minimize root intrusion, avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation.

5. Regular Inspections: Conduct yearly checks for signs of settlement and address minor issues before they worsen.

By following these tips, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of differential settlement and prolong the stability of their foundations.

Functional Foundations is dedicated to providing Asheville homeowners with expert foundation leveling services. Contact us today at 252-594-3603 to secure your home’s stability and protect your investment!

FAQs