COMMERCIAL FOUNDATION REPAIR

One of the ways that you can prevent foundation problems from becoming extreme is by regularly examining the foundation of your business or commercial structure. As you look at the interior and exterior of the foundation and building, check for some of the following symptoms of a foundation problem:

• Foundation Cracks
• Foundation Settlement or Shifting
• Bowing or Leaning Walls
• Cracks in Floor or Wall
• Sticking Doors or Windows
• Gaps and Spaces
• Sloped or Uneven Floors
• Crumbling or Chipping Foundation
• Basement Water Problems

These are telltale signs that you are dealing with a foundation problem. This kind of structural problem is usually caused by the sinking or shifting of the foundation. This can happen for a variety of reasons. One reason foundations begin to settle is the formation of voids under the concrete. This is often the result of soil shrinkage during dry, drought-like periods or erosion after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. It happens over months or years, but can turn into a major problem before you realize it! Settling foundations can also result from poor soil compaction under the foundation at the time that the structure was built and the foundation was laid.

If the foundation of your commercial building is moving, it could be due to excess hydrostatic pressure in the soil. Hydrostatic pressure increases and pushes on the foundation as the ground absorb more water and the soil expands. This pressure can cause the foundation to shift and crack, leading to bowing or leaning walls and water entry in the basement.

The best way to fix your industrial foundation and prevent further damage is to invest in commercial foundation repair services from IWP.  We serve many industrial and municipal industries in Wichita, KS and the surrounding areas.  We use Earth Contact Products (ECP) foundation repair products to ensure a strong, reliable, and long-lasting fix. Some of the ECP foundation repair products that we use include:

1. Steel Piers: These are installed under a sinking foundation to lift the concrete and provide long-lasting support. Because they are driven deep underground to anchor into solid soil layers, they provide the foundation with the stability it needs to remain level for years to come.
2. Helical Piers: Also used for settling foundations, helical piers perform the same task that steel push piers do. The difference between the two types of piers is that helical piers are screwed into the ground, not driven in. This gives them added stability.
3. Helical Tiebacks: Though these look a lot and work a lot like helical piers, they are used to correct leaning and bowing walls and straighten shifted foundations. Helical tiebacks are screwed into the ground horizontally (instead of vertically like helical piers) and are attached to the foundation wall to pull it into position.
4. New Construction Piers: If you have a new commercial structure or are considering building one, you may want to consider investing in new construction piers. These piers support new foundations to prevent settlement before it occurs.