Foundation Settlement & Shifting (Underpinning) – Edmonton – Abalon Foundation Repairs

Edmonton Underpinning Experts – Foundation Settlement Repair

With over 39 years of foundation piling and underpinning experience in Edmonton (50 years in Western Canada), our professional team has the knowledge to protect the integrity of your investment, commercial, or industrial project, by enlisting the responsible combination of independent Structural and Geotechnical Engineering firms in Edmonton to assure the correct approach to your foundation piling or underpinning project.

Click for more information about our steel push piling services 

---

 

Over the past 50 years, we have assisted thousands of
homeowners and businesses in the Edmonton Area by repairing severe foundation settlement and shifting issues correctly and cost effectively.

Whether your residential home or condominium is shifting & settling or your commercial building requires proven foundation piling and underpinning repairs, our team of experts can provide the proven solution. We also fully warranty all foundation underpinning and piling repairs we complete, call into our office to find out more.

Our knowledgeable project estimators actively enlist a range of independent structural, geotechnical, and environmental assessment engineering firms who can provide an innovative, and cost-effective solution to your underpinning project. We would be glad to take on any piling or underpinning project you require if proven, and stable piling is required with the help of 3rd party, independent engineering firms in Edmonton.

MORE INFORMATION: How much do Underpinning Repairs cost in Edmonton?

If you have any questions regarding our range of work, qualifications, or process to complete your foundation underpinning repairs, don’t hesitate to give our Edmonton office a call today to schedule an on-site assessment with our foundation repair experienced project estimators.

Underpinning with friction piles compared to screw piles, or steel push piles

Friction piles are the most widely used type of pile today, as they are the most reliable when it comes to residential, or commercial underpinning repairs. These piles are drilled very similar to end-bearing piles, however take advantage of the friction of soil surrounding the pile for stability. Once the soil has been removed from the piling location, steel reinforced cages are placed and engineered specified depths, and concrete is poured to create a concrete friction pile. These “friction piles” are typically more reliable, and capable as they use the friction that results from the contact between the concrete to the rock and soil beneath your structure’s foundation.

One important reason to choose Friction piles over steel push piles is because they do not require the building’s weight to be used as the driving force, therefore, safety margins for increased future loading capacities (such as snow loads) and/or renovation changes are easily incorporated. Currently, we can complete 30+ foot piling depths with 14″-18″ augers to further optimize the loading capabilities, and stability of our concrete friction piles.

Although push piles have their advantage when it comes to certain applications, friction piles have the ability to reliably provide specific depths in known directions under foundations when drilling in non-ideal soil types. In residential settings, friction piles require a single auger instead of multiple shafts, and provide a solid concrete reinforced support, instead of unpredictably placed separate metal shafts.

MORE INFORMATION: Foundation Piling with Steel Push Piles

I have cracks in the dry-wall and ceilings of my house, why does this happen, and do I need to get it repaired?

Identifying problematic foundation issues in your home can be as simple as noticing large cracks in the walls and roof of your house or garage. It is normal for any home to experience some degree of settlement and shifting in its lifetime, which leads to cracks and gaps to form around your house’s interior. However, if these cracks or gaps seem to widen as time passes or continue to crack, contacting a foundation specialist is recommended.

If foundation settlement issues are left untreated, your home’s foundation can continue to settle or shift at an alarming rate, eventually leading to exponentially higher costly repairs and damages to your building. As Edmonton’s own foundation repair specialists since 1981, it is our commitment to design the correct foundation solution, and consulting independent engineering firms to provide the correct solution to your underpinning repair, and protect your valuable investment at all costs. Give our experts a call today to schedule a free quote and evaluation of any cracks, gaps or concerns you have found in your home or building. Abalon Foundation Repairs does not provide engineering services, instead we enlist professional 3rd party, independent structural & geotechnical firms to oversee our repairs.

The floors in my home are uneven/sinking and my home’s doors aren’t closing properly

Nearly all homes throughout Alberta and in Edmonton will endure some degree of settlement or shifting in their lifetime. However, the extent of your home’s settlement can be problematic if left un-repaired. If you notice that any floors in your home are uneven or sinking to any one area, it can indicate a serious foundation problem that can require underpinning repairs. Another sign of an underlying foundation issue is when certain doors in your house aren’t closing properly. These common issues are usually related to problems with your home’s foundation. But why do they occur?

Over years of dry and wet weather, the soil around your home begins to expand and contract, eventually resulting in your home’s foundation sinking or lifting. This regular occurrence, (especially common within Alberta’s freeze & thaw cycle) can leave your house’s foundation at risk for damage. If you notice any significant cracking in your drywall, uneven floors in any rooms, or doors that don’t seem to close properly over time, it could require underpinning repairs to stop further damage. Calling an underpinning expert is always a wise decision to quickly identify and solve any issues. Our specialists have examined nearly every cause and result of foundation settlement, and can explain to you why your home has experienced these problems, how to prevent them in the future, and how we can permanently correct any issues in your home.

My garage door isn’t closing properly and I notice large cracks in my garage drywall

It’s a common occurrence in Alberta to notice your attached or unattached garage experience settling or shifting problems in it’s lifetime. This is primarily because we experience a frequent freezing and thawing cycle during Alberta’s harsh seasons. This extreme range of conditions leads to your garage settling or shifting around because the soil around it’s foundation frequently contracts and expands.

If you notice any of your garage doors closing unevenly, when they were closing properly before, significant foundation repairs could be necessary. Another indication of garage settlement is when you notice large cracks forming in the roof and walls of your garage’s drywall, or unfinished concrete walls.

Similar to a house’s foundation problems, all of the settlement issues experienced under one’s garage can be repaired and prevented from happening again. As underpinning specialists, our team of experts are dedicated to correctly identifying the issues inherent in your garage’s foundation and providing the correct repair the first time. 

The addition on my home is cracking, and I notice it separating away from my house

Many of our customers come to us years after they’ve built an addition on their home with leakage problems and large cracks/gaps opening in their joining walls. When the addition on your house separates from your original structure, gaps and large cracks are a common result. This can lead to significant leakage issues. 

These problems originate from settlement and shifting of your addition, away from your house’s foundation. Because your addition is not attached to the original foundation supporting your house, the addition begins to separate over time. These problems can easily be corrected with an experienced foundation specialist. As foundation underpinning specialists, having completed thousands of similar jobs in our 50 years of operation, we have the knowledge to properly repair your foundation issues.

What is the purpose of foundation underpinning repairs?

Underpinning a foundation is the process of providing additional support to existing foundations at, or below grade level. Ultimately, foundation settling and shifting repairs (underpinning) are meant to correct any settling or shifting issues your home or building may experience in it’s lifetime. There are several methods one can use to underpin a building, and our Edmonton office provides a multitude of solutions to address your unique foundation issues. Among them are Friction Piles, which Abalon commonly provide to marginally increase future loading capacities of your building, and to correct any settlement or shifting problems with a building’s foundation.

Underpinning with friction piles

Friction piles are the most widely used type of pile today, as they are the most reliable. These piles are drilled very similar to end bearing piles. Once the soil has been removed from the hole, steel reinforcing and concrete are poured into the hole. These piles are more reliable as they use the friction that results from the contact between the concrete to the soil beneath your structure.

Friction piles do not require the building to be used as the driving force, therefore, safety margins for increased future loading and/or soil changes are easily incorporated. Currently, at Abalon, 30-foot depths are attainable to further optimize the loading capabilities of our friction piles.

How Do Tele-Posts Help Stabilize My Basement’s Foundation?

Teleposts are adjustable steel posts that support the main beam which in turn support the floor joists and main floor through the centre of many home’s foundations. They are used as supports to help remove pressure from beams that are inherent in the construction of your structure.

Our project estimators understand when independent structural or geotechnical engineering firms are required to properly assess your project, and we proudly work with a variety of Edmonton based independent engineering firms to provide the structural assurance required.

MORE INFORMATION: Edmonton foundation underpinning client testimonials

Abalon has been providing foundation piling services in Edmonton since 1981, and our franchises throughout Western Canada since 1970. Our professional team can provide support to your residential or commercial building through foundation piling supports, also referred to as foundation underpinning. Abalon’s team of experienced foundation specialists can support your foundation with the use of a warrantied friction pile. Our professional team of experienced project estimators can provide the warranty-backed foundation piling solution you need to stay supported in Alberta’s unique soil types.

---

Author: Randy Bilyk