Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Bridgeport, NE

There are a few ways to reinforce a pier and beam foundation, including installing additional piers and beams for added support and performing underpinning, which redistributes the weight of your home further down into the ground where frost and soil expansion don’t pose a threat to the foundation. The best option for reinforcement varies based on your particular home and the soil conditions beneath it.

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”

Water damage in your home’s foundation is gradual, often beginning with small cracks that let water seep in. Over time, this weakens the foundation, which then allows in more water, causing significant structural damage. This process can take months or years to destroy your foundation, and the repairs can be very costly. Have your foundation inspected regularly to prevent significant damage.

Cement companies offer a wide variety of services, including delivering and pouring concrete for home foundations, walkways, patios, driveways, concrete steps, pools, pool decks, and more, plus concrete repair and patching. Most companies also have the ability to demolish and haul away old concrete landscaping features. It’s a good idea to reach out to a few different companies before hiring to make sure you choose one that can tackle the entirety of the project you have from start to finish. This method will typically save you some money over hiring multiple contractors.