A homeowner who has foundation issues and needs foundation repair might end up needing house leveling. House leveling is done by foundation engineers and is usually an option if your foundation has sunk or settled far enough. House leveling is something that seems quite complicated to the average homeowner, but you may still want to know what to expect if you need foundation repair such as house leveling.
There are different methods that could be used when it comes to house leveling. These depend on a few different factors like the soil that’s under your foundation and what material your foundation is made of.
What Is The Process of Leveling A House?
Leveling a home is quite the process, but professional foundation engineers are the perfect people to get the job done. First off, there are a few different methods that can be used for leveling your home. The method that is best for your foundation needs is based on the type of foundation you have and the osil under your foundation. There are three main methods that may be used to level a home.
Mudjacking/Slab Lifting – Mudjacking is a form of foundation repair that involves a grout mixture or an expandable foam to be pushed underneath the foundation. This lifts up the foundation to level out the home. This method of foundation repair is best for homes that have concrete slab foundation, however it is important to note that this is not always the best option. Though this option is cheaper and faster than other methods, it’s not necessarily the strongest option.
Push Piers- Piers are another way that homes can be leveled. Push piers are pipes or cylinders that are pushed into the ground under your foundation using the weight of your home. This method tends to work well with heavier structures since the weight of the home will be used to push down the piers.
Helical Piers- Helical piers and push piers are seminal but instead of using the weight of the home, the helical piers are actually screwed into the ground. These piers are typically made of steel and go deep into the ground until they hit solid ground. This is the most popular method because it can be used on any structure and is a strong option to go with.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A House Leveled?
The cost for leveling your home depends on a few different factors. The cost of house leveling depends on your foundation type, soil underneath your home, area in which you live, and the square footage of your home. Typically house leveling can cost between $3,500 and $9,500. On average a homeowner will pay $6,000 for house leveling.
A lot of the time the house leveling method that is used is piers or pilings. These piers are typically charged seperately and can cost from $1,000 to $3,000 each. This is quite expensive, but the results are long lasting and homeowners should be worry free for years to come. Keeping up with foundation inspections and repair can limit your need for house leveling. Catching problems before they affect many areas of your foundation is key to not needing to get house leveling, though it is common because of natural foundation settling.
Is It Worth It To Level A House?
You might be wondering if it is worth it to level your house and the answer is almost always yes. If a professional foundation repair company has told you that your house needs leveling then you should go through with it.Foundation repair companies often look for less invasive fixes if possible, however if the damage is extensive then the company will recommend house leveling. Leveling your house isn’t just for visual purposes to get rid of cracks and unevenness but it is also for your safety. Homes that require leveling have a huge risk of collapsing and having worse foundation problems. In the end if you don’t get house leveling then your foundation problems will worsen. There will be more damage and more issues that will require more complex and emergency fixes. It’s always important to get any foundation repairs that are recommended to you to avoid injury and make sure that your foundation is stable and supported properly.
What To Expect During House Leveling
House leveling is something that many foundation repair companies deal with on a daily basis. House leveling lifts your house up so that it is level in order to stabilize and support the foundation. The foundation repair company will also fix the problem that caused your foundation issues in the first place.
Piers are typically the method that a lot of foundation repair companies use. Piers are either pushed in or drilled into the soil. These are huge cylinder shaped objects that are placed under your foundation in order to offer more support and stabilization for your foundation. Your foundation repair company will fix all problems associated with your foundation problems and use the proper method to lift your house.
The Bottom Line
Overall, there are a few different methods that can be used for house leveling. House leveling methods are dependent on the soil, foundation material and how bad the damage is. All of these methods are done by professional foundation repair companies who have experience lifting and leveling houses. As a homeowner, you should call a foundation repair company to do an inspection if you notice any signs of foundation issues or if you suspect you may need house leveling just to be safe.
House leveling is a more pricey foundation fix, but it is necessary for foundations that have a lot of damage or unevenness. Keeping up with foundation inspections and keeping and eye out for signs of foundation problems could limit your need for house leveling services. Remember that if you see any signs of foundation issues such as cracks, uneven floors, bowed walls, and any other signs then you should contact a foundation repair company. Leaving a foundation unrepaired can cause extensive problems that could be dangerous for anyone living under the foundation.
