Problems Caused By Voids Under Foundations

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When voids form in the ground under foundation and concrete surfaces, it can be difficult to notice at first. That is because the void isn't the problem per se. The problem is what is going to happen when the surrounding soil begins filling that void.

You count on the soil beneath your home providing a stable base of support. That is why it is so important that the ground is compacted before building. If you have a heavy house sitting on top of soil with voids in it, the weight will eventually cause the soil around the void to fill it, and, as the soil above it fills in, eventually causing portions of your home to sink or settle.

So What Causes Voids Under Foundations?

Most voids are caused by natural processes such as soil shrinkage or erosion. If the ground wasn't properly compacted, the voids might predate construction.

Anything which causes soil to loosen could create one. When many people hear about subsurface voids, they picture large sinkholes opening up. Those are examples, but they don't need to be that dramatic to cause damage. Smaller voids can also create foundation damage if they are located in the right place to cause part of the home to sink and settle.

How Do You Fix the Damage Caused By Subsurface Voids?

While occasionally you might discover a void before it collapses and causes damage, in most cases the issue isn't necessarily about filling the void. If you have noticed it, chances are it has already happened naturally.

That makes the solution two-fold. First, repair the settlement damage by raising the sinking portion of the foundation back to level. Second, ensure that if more subsurface voids form, they do not damage your home.

Our solution accomplishes both of these goals: foundation underpinning.

At Jerry's Waterproofing, we use the latest underpinning products by Earth Contact Products (ECP). ECP is the preferred manufacturer of foundation repair products in the industry.

Our experts can install helical piers or steel push piers to repair settling foundations.

These piers are sunk or screwed deep into the ground until they reach a level of soil or bedrock sufficiently strong to support the weight of the home. This way, not only will the repair process level the home, but it will stay leveled even if more voids appear under the foundation.

We'll help restore your foundation and concrete back to normal. We also offer waterproofing to prevent other issues if water was what caused the voids in the first place.

Contact us today to get more information or to request a free estimate in Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska, and their surrounding areas.