How to Repair or Replace an Existing Foundation

The foundation of your home may not be visible, but it is one of the most important aspects of a house, as it supports the weight of everything, including family, friends and furniture. Although newer homes may have a solid foundation, older ones may require some extra tender love and care. Unfortunately, older foundations can suffer from a lack of drainage as well as adequate support from their materials.

If you’re a homeowner who finds their foundation to be inadequate, it might be time to act and take the necessary steps towards repairing. Depending on the severity of the problem, there are a few techniques to follow to fix or fully replace your existing foundation. If you're curious, read on to find information regarding what to do if your foundation is in need of fixing.

How to Repair or Replace Your Foundation: Guidelines

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How to Fix a Damaged Foundation

If your foundation is a worst-case scenario foundation, then chances are it cannot be repaired using regular maintenance methods, including the standard reinforcing and sealing techniques that professional foundation experts may offer. First, this article will look to methods of repair that may aid in keeping your foundation alive even if it’s in very bad shape. If none of these methods seem like they can help with the condition of your foundation, then we will offer ways in which to replace it all together.

Fill It In

This is one of the easiest ways to repair your home's foundation. Completely filling in a basement with sand will help to direct the pressure elsewhere, countering the lateral pressure to stop the walls of your home from moving. However, this method will not allow you to use your basement again. If this is the only storage space available in your home, you may want to consider another method of foundational repair, or build a garage and move forward with this project.

If you decide to go forward, filling in your basement can be completed easily. Insert a chute through an old window or other opening that leads into the basement, and pour sand directly into this space. Make sure to spread it out properly and smooth it out every few inches so that it creates a solid structure, offering extra support for the weight of your home. 

Pour a New Interior Wall

Generally, this will need to be completed by a professional. This method will consist of a foundation crew constructing a new interior wall in your basement as this will work to take some of the pressure off your current foundation. The new wall constructed will be a one-sided concrete form placed inside the perimeter of the basement.

Unlike filling your basement in with sand, this method will allow for continued use of the basement. Unfortunately, it is important to keep in mind that this method is expensive, as it will require an engineer who can design the new wall to resist lateral pressure from the old one. 

Pour a New Exterior Wall

This method should also be left up to a professional but can be completed by a homeowner with renovation experience. Pouring a new exterior wall will consist of digging a trench around your home's existing foundation, and pouring concrete into the trench to create the new wall. If your home is already experiencing serious foundational issues, there must be support on the old foundation when completing the trench-digging part of this project.

Further, pouring a new exterior wall will only help to prevent future pressure on old foundation walls, so if the problems with your foundation are quite severe or internal, then it may be necessary for you to fully replace your foundation.  Read on to find out how to take on this project!

How to Replace Your Foundation

Replacing your foundation is an expensive process, but it is the best method of operation if your current one is in particularly bad shape. Replacing your home's foundation will ensure the longevity of your surfaces, and further, add to the resale value of your home. The only method of foundation replacement is to move your entire home off of its existing spot.

This will have to be completed by a house-moving company, who will raise and remove your home from its current spot to access the foundation. Following this, the existing foundation will be fully removed and recycled. The area will then be excavated as well as secured and protected.

The new foundation can then be installed! Starting from scratch will allow you to choose the material that best suits your needs. After the foundation has properly set, your home can be lowered onto the new foundation. Bear in mind that this is not an instant process, and will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to complete.

The time will be heavily dependant on the weather as well as the size of your home and the work you’ll need done following the replacement of your foundation. This is a huge project and should be treated as such so consider hiring a professional to assess your foundation damage as soon as possible!