Have you heard of foam foundation repair? Maybe a contractor or builder mentioned this, and you’re on the search for more information. This article will clarify what exactly “foam foundation repair” is, how it works, and other foundation repair solutions.

What Is Foam Foundation Repair?

Contractors can use structural polyurethane foam (poly) as a standalone service, depending on the problem. For instance, if a water line breaks causing soil erosion, then poly could fill the void and add support to the slab or foundation.

In order for foam to be a viable option, the compressive load (the capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size), of the home has to handle it. If it can’t, then steel push piers are the better option.

Polyurethane’s Role In Foam Foundation Repair

How Does Foam Foundation Repair Work With Helical or Push Piers?

Polyurethane foam is often used in conjunction with helical or push piers. After the foundation is lifted with piers, a void is created under the slab and foundations. Polyurethane foam is injected through the slab to fill the void created to provide additional support and make sure the void is not used as a home for pests.

Other Foundation Repair Solutions

Here are some of the best foundation repair solutions offered today.

Compaction/Permeation Grouting

Compaction or permeation grouting is mainly used for sinkholes and settling foundations.

Compaction grouting is a method where fast-setting polyurethane foam is injected into loose soil. The foam expands, forming balls or columns of dense structural foam. The expansion compacts the surrounding soils and increases the load-bearing capacity.

Permeation grouting is how contractors can turn loose soil into a dense solid mass beneath a structure, under a roadway, around a leaking pipe, or near a seawall increasing strength, stiffness, and reducing permeability (the state or quality of a material or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it). This helps with soil instability in areas like coastal regions.

Polyurethane’s Role In Foam Foundation Repair

Steel Push/Helical Pier Systems

Steel push piers and helical piers are used for foundation underpinning.

The most common foundation repair product used today, steel piers, is driven down into the stable earth well below the structure to a “load-bearing strata.” What this means is that the pier is driven past soils and earth that can shift and move. The structure can sit atop the piers, and hydraulic jacks lift the structure to the correct position.

Helical piers work in a similar sense but through a different drilling method. Helical piers look like giant corkscrews and are torqued into the ground until they reach stable soil and meet a minimum torque value.

Read more about – How does house lifting work? 

Polyurethane’s Role In Foam Foundation Repair

Wall Anchors/Helical Tiebacks

These are used mainly for straightening foundation walls.

Wall plate anchors are designed to stop the inward movement from a bowing wall. Because the plate is placed outside in the soil, no additional stress is added to the home. But for the anchor to be installed, contractors need a minimum of 10 feet of yard to install it. They are one of the most economical methods of support. The anchors can be installed with portable equipment and cause very little disturbance to your landscape.

Helical tieback anchors look like corkscrews and are installed by rotating the anchor into the ground. They provide opposite pressure that cancels out the hydrostatic pressure, which caused the wall to bow in the first place. These are perfect when interior access is limited. Installation can be done in just one day! Helical anchors don’t use excavation. The anchor will immediately straighten and stabilize the wall.

Polyurethane’s Role In Foam Foundation Repair

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer

One way to repair bowing and leaning foundation walls are through carbon fiber repair.

Carbon fiber has several different repair options:

  • Carbon Fiber Straps: Wall Straightening
  • Carbon Fiber Staples: Floor Crack Repair
  • Carbon Fiber Grid Straps: Concrete Corner Repair
  • Carbon Anchors: Wall Movement Repair

The repair system reinforces foundation walls by linking the foundation base with the building’s frame. This system is one of the most robust options available on the market, so you can rest easy knowing that the bowing or leaning wall is strong and structurally sound again, which helps prevent future dynamic cracks. Once the carbon fiber application is completed, the area can be painted or covered, leaving a clean look with a small footprint.

Polyurethane’s Role In Foam Foundation Repair

Who To Call For Foundation Repair

If you have foundation problems, who should you call for help? These are professional solutions that require professional assistance. Check out Foundation Professionals of Florida, an award-winning and top-performing company. We specialize in all your foundation repair needs and can provide any of the services above.