Several ways to fix a broken foundation, which one is right for you?

  One of the most common issues a homeowner with a basement will face is cracks in the walls. Even if you never have water (see DryZone.com if you do) you may still notice cracks in your block walls. Sometimes these cracks develop over a long time; sometimes they pop up seemingly overnight. Either way, there is nothing positive about cracks in your basement walls.

  There are several ways to fix basement wall cracks. The only way to determine which method is going to work is to call a professional foundation expert at DryZone for a free inspection. Once the inspector determines the proper solution, he will sit down with you and explain things.

Choosing a foundation repair solution…

Wall Anchors

   GeoLock Wall Anchors are great for supporting a basement wall with a bowing problem. Basically, if your wall looks like its bubbling in then these wall anchors are a great solution. We use the hard ground outside the home to help support the failing wall. We install a long rod in between two heavy reinforced steel plates. The system creates something like a child’s dental braces, we slowly tighten the anchors until we are satisfied that the wall is supported properly. What you are left with is a basement wall that isn’t in danger of caving in any more.

Helical and Push Piers

  If you have more of a “sinking” or “settling” problem in your basement or crawlspace, you might need Helical Piers or Push Piers. These two systems are similar in the way that baseball is similar to softball. Both piers use a heavy bracket to attach to the bottom of the foundation wall, both are installed underground, and both are used to strengthen and sometimes lift a settling foundation. Other than those few things, the piers are different in many ways. Just as Baseball uses overhand pitches and wood bats as opposed to the underhand pitch and metal bats of softball, the helical and push pier systems differ. A Push Pier system is primarily used on heavier structures because the weight of the structure helps to push the pier down. Helical piers are basically giant screws that are driven down mechanically. Either one is a great solution given the proper application. Around DryZone you will probably hear that the guys prefer helicals just because they get to use the big machines, sort of brings out the inner child in them.

Choose wisely

  There are other foundation repairs products, these three are just some of the more popular ones. DryZone has been installing these solutions and many others for several years. We are the only true foundation contractor in the area. We take pride in our people and products, nothing is left to chance. One thing to remember is that it takes a long time to go from good to bad but a short time to go from bad to worse. Just because that crack has been there for 20 years, doesn’t mean its going to be there for another 20. The wall might not last that long.

DryZone proudly serves the entire Delmarva Peninsula including Royal Oak, Trappe, Bishopville, Eden, and Girdletree.