House Leveling

11/08/2024 | Pro Level Foundation Solutions, LLC | Uncategorized

Have you ever walked your usual route to the kitchen and suddenly stumbled over seemingly nothing on the floor? Maybe you’re relaxing in your living room, and out of the corner of your eye, you notice a small crack in the wall near the window.

Over time, a foundation movement can occur in a home, causing the entire structure to become uneven. This process, known as foundation settling, can lead to a variety of issues, including sloping floors, sticking doors, and cracks in walls.

House leveling is the solution to restoring the foundation to its original position and preventing further structural problems.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the house leveling process, explain why it’s essential, discuss common causes of foundation movement, and answer frequently asked questions.

🛑 Signs Your Home May Need House Leveling 🛑

Identifying the signs of foundation movement problems early on can prevent further damage to your home.

Here are some signs that your home may need house leveling:

Sloping or Uneven Floors: One of the most common signs of foundation movement is floors that slope or feel uneven as you walk across them.

Cracks in Walls and Ceilings: Horizontal or diagonal cracks in your walls or ceilings can indicate foundation movement and that it is no longer level.

Sticking Doors and Windows: If doors or windows in your home are difficult to open or close, it may be due to foundation movement.

Gaps Around Window Frames and Doors: Gaps between window frames or doors and the surrounding walls often occur with foundation movement.

Separation of the Exterior Trim: Exterior brickwork, such as chimneys pulling away from the home, can be another sign that the foundation is uneven.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to have your foundation inspected by a professional and start the leveling process as soon as possible.

🏚️ Causes of Foundation Movement 🏚️

Several factors can contribute to foundation movement in a home. Understanding these causes can help you take preventative measures to protect your home:

Soil Conditions: Expansive clay soils can cause foundation movement as the soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. This constant movement puts stress on the foundation.

Water Damage: Poor drainage or plumbing leaks can lead to soil erosion around the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly.

Improper Construction: In some cases, homes are built on improperly compacted soil, which can lead to foundation movement over time. Also, sometimes builders cut corners during the initial leveling process or while building homes that are not up to code.

Flooding or Drought Conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as flooding or droughts, can affect soil moisture levels and cause foundation movement.

By identifying the root cause of the foundation movement, homeowners can address these issues before they need professional house leveling.

Without proper maintenance and inspection, major foundation movement and issues could happen down the road. Regular foundation inspections will help maintain your home’s longevity so that you can avoid repeating the leveling process.

🤷 The House-Leveling Process: What to Expect 🤷

House leveling is a complex process involving restoring the foundation to its original state. Foundation experts will explain the leveling process before your home is leveled.

Here’s a breakdown of what homeowners can expect during the house-leveling process:

Step #1: Foundation Inspection and Assessment

A professional foundation repair contractor will begin by inspecting your home’s foundation to determine the extent of the damage.

During this inspection, they will identify the cause of the foundation movement and recommend the best method for the leveling process.

Step #2: Installation of Temporary Supports

Before the leveling process can begin, temporary supports are installed to stabilize the structure. This keeps the house secure throughout the leveling process.

Step #3: Foundation Leveling

The leveling process depends on your home’s foundation type (slab foundation or pier-and-beam foundation). There are different methods used to lift and level the foundation.

Step #4: Releveling and Adjustments

Once the foundation has been lifted and leveled, adjustments are made to ensure the structure is stable. The temporary supports are removed, and the home is evaluated to check its level and that steps were executed correctly during the leveling process.

Step #5: Final Inspection and Maintenance Recommendations

After the house leveling process is complete, a final inspection is conducted.

Homeowners are given recommendations to prevent future foundation movement, such as improving drainage around the home or addressing any issues with tree roots or soil conditions.

🛠️ Types of Foundation Repair Used in House Leveling 🛠️

Different foundation repair methods may be used in the house leveling process depending on the foundation type and the extent of damage.

Here are the most common methods:

Block and Base
Concrete Poured Piers, also referred to as Sono Tubes
Bell Bottom Piers
Hydraulically Pressed Pilings
Steel Piers

Each method has advantages. A professional will recommend the best option based on your home’s needs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About House Leveling ❓

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about house leveling.

What is house leveling?

House leveling is the process of lifting and stabilizing a home’s foundation to restore it to its original level position.

How do I know if my house needs leveling?

Signs you may need house leveling include sloping floors, cracks in the walls or ceilings, and doors or windows that stick.

Is the leveling process expensive?

The cost of house leveling depends on factors such as the extent of the damage, the method used, and the size of the home. Get a professional assessment to determine the cost for your specific situation.

How long does the leveling process take?

The process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the job and the method used.

Is house leveling a permanent solution?

House leveling, when done correctly, can be a long-lasting solution. However, the root causes of foundation movement, such as drainage or soil issues, should be addressed to prevent future problems.

💥 Let’s Level Your Home! 💥

If you’ve noticed signs that your home may need leveling, take action before the problem worsens. House leveling is critical to maintaining your home’s stability and value.

The experts at Pro Level Foundation Solutions, LLC can give your home a thorough inspection and personalized repair plan.