COLUMBUS, GA

Columbus, Georgia, the second-most populous city in Georgia, is located near the western edge of the state. The climate in Columbus is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers, and cool to cold winters. The city also gets plenty of precipitation year-round, and experiences the occasional bout of severe weather in the forms of ice storms, thunderstorms, and hurricane aftermath. These conditions can all wreak havoc on your foundation. If you live in the Columbus, Georgia area, it is important to check your foundation regularly for signs of a problem. If you do see an issue, come to My Foundation Repairs right away.

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Some of the most common causes of foundation problems in the Columbus, Georgia area include:

  • Hydrostatic Pressure: Due to the heavy rains in Georgia, the ground may absorb excess water, causing the hydrostatic pressure in the soil to increase. This pressure pushes on the foundation, causing foundation shifting and cracking.
  • Erosion: Extreme amounts of rain may also cause erosion, which is the process that washes away soil around your foundation to form voids and gaps. These voids cannot support the foundation, and it will settle as a result.
  • Poor Soil Compaction: In order for the foundation to remain stable, the soil underneath must be properly packed when the foundation is laid. If this is not the case, the soil will settle unevenly over time, taking the foundation down with it.
  • Shifting Soil: Soil movement can be the result of many different factors – soil shrinkage, poor compaction, erosion, sinkholes, etc. This shifting soil can cause the foundation above to shift and even crack.

COMMON FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

Foundation shifting is a serious foundation issue that may occur in your Columbus, GA home. This movement of the foundation is usually caused by shifting soil, or a buildup of pressure in the soil around the foundation. Sinking and settling foundations, caused by excess moisture and shifting soil, is another common foundation problem that can result in major structural issues in your home. All of these foundation problems may cause foundation cracks to form, opening the door for water issues and pest infestation. To protect your home, examine it for the following signs of foundation failure:

  • Floor cracks
  • Sloped or uneven floors
  • Wall cracks
  • Bowing or leaning walls
  • Ceiling cracks
  • Sticking windows or doors
  • Foundation cracks
  • Leaning chimney
  • Settling or sinking foundations
  • Wet basement
  • Water in yard

SOLUTIONS FOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN COLUMBUS, GEORGIA

To pull shifting foundations back into place and straighten bowing and leaning foundation walls, consider installing plate anchors. These devices utilize an anchor in the yard adjacent to the affected wall, and a rod and plate system that connect the anchor to the foundation and can be tightened to pull the foundation wall back into position gradually. Another option is helical tiebacks, which are like large screws, installed horizontally to provide lateral pressure that counteracts foundation shifting.

Sinking and settling foundations can be repaired by installing helical piers or steel push piers. Both types of piers anchor deep into the ground under the home to support the weight of the structure while lifting the foundation. The main difference between the piers is that helical piers are screwed into the ground, while steel piers are driven in.

My Foundation Repairs can also provide you with several waterproofing options and systems to keep your home dry. Contact us today to get in touch with a professional contractor in the Columbus, Georgia area.

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