5 Essential Foundation Repair Tips for High-Rise Apartment Buildings

High-rise apartment buildings are a great source of income but also come with a number of issues. One such issue is structural damage that arises from a weakened or damaged foundation. It is essential to ensure that the foundation is in proper condition to avoid comprehensive and costly structural issues. Even the most glossy and stylish building might be suffering from unseen structural issues on the inside.

Foundation damage is often caused by hydrostatic pressure, soil movement, and faulty construction materials and techniques. Small signs, like cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and issues in doors and windows, indicate serious issues in the future. If these issues are ignored for too long, they lead to serious safety hazards,  like collapsing walls, flooding basements, and sinking floors. Foundation issues raise safety concerns, depreciate property value, and cause high maintenance costs in the future.

As a building manager or owner, it should be your priority to minimize the risk of accidents, damages, and other security issues. In this article, we’ll cover tips for essential foundation repair and maintenance to protect your property’s foundation. 

Tip #1: Conduct Regular Foundation Inspections

“Prevention is the best cure” is also true for foundation damage and repairs. Regular inspections keep you aware of any issues and future problems the foundation might face. You can perform regular inspections every few months on your own. However, professionals are able to identify hidden issues and small signs of structural damage due to their expertise. You should get professionals to inspect your high rise every 2-3 years to spot any significant issues and prevent costly repairs.

Professional inspections are also required after natural calamities such as flooding, heavy rains and storms, or earthquakes and any construction or development project on the building or in the surrounding areas. During the inspection, foundation professionals are able to detect signs of damage, such as

• Drywall cracks
• Water damage
• Floor cracks
• Uneven floors
• Foundation cracks
• Settling foundation
• Bowing walls

When you have a clear idea of your foundation’s status and likely issues, you can take the necessary action immediately to prevent further damage.

Tip #2: Address Moisture and Drainage Issues Around the Foundation

Most foundation issues result from damage caused by water or moisture. Hydrostatic pressure, water pooling, plumbing issues, and leaks cause bowing or cracking foundation walls, leading to serious problems. Water damage can be identified through visible signs like damp patches, puddles, and water stains on the foundation walls and around the building. Once you identify the signs of water damage, you should take action immediately.

Most water damage repairs are technical and require the expertise and experience of professionals, whether plumbing services, water damage experts, or repair. Once they have inspected your foundation, they can suggest the correct repairs. Here are some effective waterproofing solutions.

• Sump pump installation keeps the basement dry by pumping out any excess water and directing it away from the foundation.
• You can install proper drainage systems, like French drains, to redirect water away from foundation walls.
• The ground around the building should slope away from the building to redirect water away from the building.
• Malfunctioning drains and downspouts also let water into buildings. Regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts helps them function properly and prevent water seepage.

Tip #3: Fix Minor Foundation Issues Early

We often see small cracks, water pooling, and sticking doors and windows and ignore them as minor issues. However, these are small indicators signaling bigger potential issues in the future.  Immediate repairs will ensure that the foundation is well-maintained, supported, and protected from future damage.

Some minor issues and their immediate repairs include the following:

• ‍Hairline cracks can be repaired with a simple wall crack injection, which fills in the cracks and prevents water from leaking in.‍
• Sticking windows and doors indicate issues with the foundation. Experts use push piers or helical piers to stabilize your home by shifting the weight of the foundation from unstable soil to stable soil using steel foundation piers.

Tip #4: Invest in Foundation Reinforcement or Underpinning

Natural phenomena like hydrostatic pressure, soil movement, and weather conditions weaken foundations over the years. Similarly, building additional structures onto a building, construction of other buildings nearby, excavations, and renovations also put pressure on the foundation. You need to reinforce your foundation to protect it and prevent structural damage. Some of the common foundation reinforcement techniques are:

• Underpinning: In case of large cracks, this technique is applied to increase the depth of the foundation or repair it. It involves excavating the foundation and adding concrete slabs, screw piles, or grout or resin injections.
• Jacketing of foundation: This is required during expansion projects when the foundation needs strengthening. A concrete jacket is constructed and added to the footing of the foundation.
• Piering: This is used for failing or settling foundations. Steel piers shift the foundation’s weight from uneven soil to stable soil and are attached to the house using brackets.

These reinforcement methods might seem costly but will provide long-term support to the foundation and structural integrity of the building.

Tip #5: Regularly Maintain Landscaping to Protect the Foundation

Landscaping is an aesthetic way to protect the house’s foundation and structural integrity. Poor landscaping can cause water damage and soil erosion. You can maintain and protect the foundation with the following landscaping practices:

• The ground around the building should slope away from it so that water can drain away from the foundation.
• Mulch should be used in landscaping around the foundation so it can draw excess water away from the foundation.
• Landscaping should include materials like sand, rocks, and gravel around the building that drain water easily.
• Keep large trees away from the building, as their roots can cause foundational issues.
• Keep the gutters and downspouts clear of debris to drain water away from the building.

Protect Your Foundation Today

The foundation is an essential part of your high-rise property that requires regular maintenance to maintain its structural integrity. You can protect your foundation by regularly inspecting for signs of damage, addressing moisture and water damage, fixing minor issues in advance, investing in foundation repair and reinforcement, and maintaining proper landscaping. Investing in foundation maintenance and repair is the best way for building owners to ensure safety, financial security, and peace of mind in the long run. Schedule a professional inspection today to protect your foundation and enhance the long-term value of your property.