FOUNDATION REPAIR DEFINITIONS for Oklahoma

Knowing what the terms mean when it comes to foundation repair is important. Pierman Foundation Repair Services can help you to understand what some of these foundation repair terms mean before and after you talk to one of our experts in foundation repair. Below is a list of some of the definitions of foundation repair:

• Active soil - Soil that shifts and moves due to the changes in moisture content.
• Bowing walls - The inward movement of a basement wall due to hydraulic pressure on the exterior of the wall.
• Carbon fiber strips - These are strips of material made of carbon fiber that are bonded to a wall. They stop cracks from becoming larger and are used before the damage has progressed to far.
• Consolidating soil - A process in which soils decrease in volume. This occurs when stress is applied to a soil that causes the soil particles to pack together more tightly, reducing its volume. When this occurs in a soil that is saturated with water, the water will be squeezed out of the soil.
• Crawl space - A shallow foundation that is usually built using concrete blocks or stone.
• Drywall cracks - These cracks occur due to the shrink/expand of the construction materials or due to foundation failure. These cracks usually develop at corners and around doors and windows.
• Expansive soils - These are soils that swell when exposed to moisture. This type of soil is usually composed of clay that absorbs the water.
• Footing - An enlargement at the lower end of a foundation wall, pier, or column to distribute the load of the structure.
• Foundation cracks - Cracks in concrete walls or slabs caused from settlement or lateral pressure.
• Foundation engineer - A civil or professional engineer that specializes in the design or repair of foundations.
• Foundation movement - The movement of the foundation, post-construction. This is detected by changes in the foundation elevation along with visible signs of distress such as drywall cracks, sticking doors and windows, concrete cracks, etc.
• Foundation repair - Underpinning and stabilization of a structure that has moved from its original level.
• Foundation settling - Vertical movement of a foundation wall due to the consolidation of the soils beneath the structure.
• Heaving - This is when a foundation is raised in affected areas due to the elevation of expanding soils.
• Helical pile - These are mechanically connected steel shafts with a series of helix shaped plates attached in specific locations, whose capacity is determined by the force necessary to advance in specific soils.
• Horizontal cracks - Cracks in basement walls caused by the increased hydrostatic pressure from the exterior.
• Hydrostatic pressure - Pressure that is exerted by a fluid due to its weight. The pooling of water at the surface or below grade are examples.
• Lateral pressure - The pressure on a wall due to the surrounding soils.
• Load bearing stratum - A layer of still soil or rock that has the capacity to accept the force imposed by a deep foundation element.
• Pier - A vertical load-bearing support for adjacent ends of two spans.
• Plate anchor - A device designed to permanently stabilize basement and retaining walls using a cleat anchor.
• Resistant pier or steel pier - Underpinning device that is hydraulically driven into the soil to a load bearing stratum and provides support.
• Screw anchor - Mechanically connected steel shafts with a series of helix shaped plates attached in specific locations. These anchors supply resistance to compressive and tension loads.
• Skin friction - The frictional resistance developed between soil and a structure or between soil and a pile being driven in it.
• Stair step cracks - Cracks in a brick or block wall that progresses upward along mortar joints.
• Synchronized lift - A precision system that allows for the uniformed elevation and recovery of a structure.
• Tie backs - A helical anchor that transfers a lateral load from a failing wall to load bearing soils. These are used on new and existing walls for vertical support and stabilization.
• Underpinning - The process where a deep foundation element such as a helical pile or resistance pier is installed to suitable soil layers to lift and stabilize the foundation.
• Wall plate - A heavy duty steel plate designed to supply a bearing surface for lateral load anchors.

Foundation Repair in Oklahoma Including Tulsa

Pierman Foundation Repair Services uses the best products for foundation repair. These products are manufactured by Earth Contact Products (ECP), the leader in foundation repair products in the industry. We specialize in residential and commercial foundation repair. We have the experience and use the very best products so you can be assured that your foundation repair will last for many years to come.

Contact us and we will help answer any questions you may have regarding foundation repair. We will come and give you a free inspection and offer you the best solution for your foundation repair. Protect your investment, contact us today!