Types of Piers Used for Foundation Repair

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Foundation repair is crucial to ensure the safety of your home or business. It should be done as soon as you notice the first signs of damage to your foundation.

Foundation Repair

Structural cracks that are widening and displaying a zigzag pattern are usually a sign of a failing foundation. There are several different types of repairs that can be performed.

Depending on the type of foundation that was used in your home, there are a variety of ways to fix and reinforce it when problems arise. One popular method is concrete piles, which are made of concrete (although some are made of timber and steel) and are used to transfer loads from the superstructure to deeper soil or rock. They can be installed by driving, drilling, or jacking methods.

Concrete piles are an excellent option for many foundation repair situations, as they provide a quick and relatively inexpensive solution. They also have great load capacity and are capable of withstanding the forces of settling and ground movement. They are a great choice for residential and commercial projects, especially in Central Texas.

When the time comes for foundation repairs, it’s important to choose a company that is highly experienced and specializes in this type of work. Using a general construction company that tries to “do it all” may save you some money up front, but will lead to more significant long-term damage and additional costs down the road.

A reputable foundation repair contractor will have the knowledge, skills, equipment, and experience to properly diagnose your specific situation, determine the appropriate solution, and then get started on the work. They should be able to answer any questions that you might have, and provide you with a written estimate detailing all of the elements that need to be repaired along with a schedule for completion of the project.

It’s important to keep in mind that the foundation is just a part of your home, but it’s an extremely critical component. It was designed to sit in a certain position, and everything in your home is built around it. If the foundation begins to move, it can create major issues in your house, like cracks in walls and floors, bowed basement or crawl space walls, unlevel floors, and more.

A good way to determine if a company is the right fit for your repair needs is to ask them about their warranty and what kind of results they can guarantee. A reputable contractor will have a warranty that protects their work and is willing to stand behind it. They will also be able to explain how their process works, including what to expect during the repair and how long they anticipate the job taking.

Poured Concrete Piers

Unlike concrete piles, which are inserted into the ground to stabilize foundation movement, these piers are constructed of concrete that is poured directly into the hole. This is a less labor-intensive approach that still offers adequate stability for the building. These piers may resemble simple cylinders or can be created with a bell shape at the bottom to provide additional support. This type of pier works well in many soil conditions and is a good choice for homeowners who have mild to moderate foundation problems.

A house on a slope often requires stabilization by drilled concrete piers to prevent movement of the foundation and lower-level walls. Whether your floors are sloping or you’re having trouble opening windows and doors, this type of movement can cause serious structural damage and is usually caused by soil migration downhill around the foundation.

The drilled concrete pier method is typically more expensive than other pier types. However, it is the most reliable option for stabilizing your foundation and reversing lateral movement. It can be difficult to determine the best pier type for your home based on the soil depth and condition. Therefore, a professional should perform a thorough inspection of your foundation and the surrounding soil.

During this process, the work crew digs holes close to your foundation and installs temporary brackets along the perimeter. They then use a hydraulic press to drive steel pipe segments vertically into the ground until they reach firmer sub-strata. The concrete that is poured into the holes after this step reinforces the pier and lifts your foundation.

This pier repair method is similar to the concrete piling method but uses different equipment. The work crew drills holes, typically with an auger drill, at a predetermined depth next to the foundation. They then insert a steel cage or rebar into the holes to reinforce the new concrete. Finally, they pour a mixture of concrete over the rebar to create the new foundation pier. This type of pier doesn’t require as much excavation and is quicker to install than other pier types.

Steel Piers

Steel piers, sometimes called push piers or resistance piers, are hollow steel pipes that are hydraulically driven into the soil under a building’s foundation. They can be driven deep into load-bearing shale or bedrock. They’re often the preferred method of repair by foundation experts and engineers. They’re able to support a greater load capacity than concrete pilings. Unlike traditional concrete piers, steel piers can be installed without excavation or backfilling, which minimizes landscape disruption.

They’re a great choice for properties that need a long-term solution to structural shifting or sinking. Using a patented design, they offer superior strength and a unique ability to penetrate heavy loads. Steel piers are also an eco-friendly option, generating minimal waste during the installation process.

In addition to stopping movement and stabilizing a home’s foundation, they can also close cracks in masonry, restore other deteriorated components of the structure, such as sagging or leaning walls or tilted floors, and restore sloped landscaping. They’re also a good solution for homes that require additional lift, especially if the problem is caused by a sinkhole or a large tree root mass pushing against the foundation.

Another popular choice for a long-term solution is composite pilings, which combine the advantages of both steel and concrete to create an unmatched foundation support system. This innovative technique uses a special formula to combine the strengths of both materials, resulting in a stronger and more stable support for your foundation.

While this solution is not as cost-effective as a concrete pier, it’s still an excellent choice for many property owners. It’s less invasive than concrete piers, and it requires fewer masons to install. It’s also an excellent choice for older buildings with grade beams that need to be lifted, since it doesn’t involve tearing down the building’s slab.

It’s important to consult with a contractor to find out which type of pier is best for your foundation. There are several different options, including helical and concrete piers. Each offers different benefits and advantages depending on your needs. Talk to an expert and learn what solution is right for you.

Helical Piers

When soil conditions are too weak for traditional piers, helical piers offer foundation repair solutions that can stabilize and lift the affected area. Engineers often recommend these steel piers for commercial and residential structures that need stronger support than typical piers can provide. They have long been used to strengthen existing foundations as well as protect new construction against unstable soils.

Unlike push piers that are hollow steel pipes pushed into the ground, helical piers have a screw-like design that allows them to be turned into the soil like giant screws. They can be installed from either the exterior or interior of your home and are designed to transfer the weight of your home downward into competent soils that can support it. Once they reach the required load capacity, helical piers can even lift your home back to its original position if it has settled.

To install a helical pier, your contractor will need to dig a hole in the affected area and then turn in the pier shaft. They can be turned as deep as needed, and the installer can determine when they are at the proper depth by utilizing a built-in pressure gauge. Once they have reached the necessary load capacity, the piers can be connected to your foundation by installing a steel bracket under the footing.

Helical piers have many advantages over other types of piers, including their strength and speed of installation. They also require less material to achieve their desired load capacity, and they can be driven into the ground with smaller equipment than other types of piers. However, Powell cautions that they may not be the best choice for heavy structures or extremely rocky soils.

When choosing a helical pier contractor, look for one with a history of success and an understanding of the different types of foundation repair solutions available. Your contractor should discuss all of your options and be ready to answer any questions you may have. They should also be willing to consult with a structural engineer if they think that’s a good idea. Finally, be sure to ask for a quote that includes both the cost of the piers and the price of the installation.

Natural Flouride Free Toothpaste

by Posted in Body Essentials Tagged , , , ,

If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride, there are plenty of options available. These brands don’t promise to prevent cavities, but they do offer other beneficial ingredients like baking soda, n-Ha, and xylitol.

Toothpaste

Some people avoid fluoride toothpaste due to health concerns like allergies or a fear of fluorosis (staining and mottling of the teeth). Others choose non-fluoride options because they prefer natural, chemical-free oral care products.

Coconut oil is a versatile natural product that has experienced a recent renaissance in home remedies, beauty products, and holistic health. It is a saturated fat that is solid at room temperature but liquid when heated, and it can be used as a moisturizing ingredient in lotions or hair products. It also has antimicrobial properties and is believed to promote better oral hygiene through a process called “oil pulling.” This is the act of swishing coconut oil around the mouth to dislodge bacteria and food particles, and it is one of the many steps that are recommended in addition to brushing and flossing.

Coconut Oil Toothpaste is a great alternative to regular toothpaste because it contains no harmful chemicals. It also does not contain sodium fluoride, which is a toxic industrial waste product that is absorbed into the bloodstream and has been linked to concerns over antibiotic resistance. The coconut oil in this toothpaste also provides abrasive action that helps to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.

Its antibacterial properties help to freshen breath and reduce gum inflammation, and it also creates a protective layer over teeth to prevent stains. Additionally, it is known to whiten teeth, and it may help to treat halitosis, which is often caused by gum diseases or bad diet.

If you’re considering switching to a coconut oil toothpaste, be sure to use only extra virgin or unrefined varieties. These are considered to be healthier and have a more pure flavor. You can find this type of toothpaste in some supermarkets, and it’s also easy to make at home.

Another benefit of using this kind of toothpaste is that it’s safe for pets. It is important to note, however, that you should only use a small amount of the product and consult with a vet first before giving your dog or cat this type of toothpaste. The coconut oil can be too harsh for some pets, so it’s best to try a small amount at first and monitor the results. If your pet seems to be having a negative reaction, you can try adding a little more coconut oil to the mixture or switching to a different type of toothpaste.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural, soothing ingredient that promotes gum health. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve gum irritation, and it also helps balance the oral microbiome. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties that help fight bacteria and reduce bad breath. Moreover, it can be used to naturally whiten teeth and remove surface stains without harsh abrasives. Its anti-microbial and astringent properties also help relieve the pain of gingivitis.

Besides aloe, neem oil is another ingredient found in many natural toothpastes. It helps strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent cavities by preventing acidic attacks from food and beverages. It is also known to reduce plaque and gingivitis, as well as provide a natural alternative to fluoride. Neem oil also has antiseptic properties, helping to kill germs and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.

While many traditional toothpastes contain chemicals, natural toothpastes are usually made with sustainably sourced ingredients and are free of artificial flavors. This makes them a better choice for those who are concerned about the environmental impact of their products. Additionally, they often use biodegradable packaging and make their products with organic ingredients.

Another advantage of using a fluoride free toothpaste is that it can help prevent dental fluorosis, which can cause white spots or streaks on the teeth. It can also be a good option for those who have allergies or sensitivities to fluoride.

One of the best examples of a fluoride free toothpaste is Plus Ultra’s Mint Toothpaste with Aloe Vera. It contains aloe vera juice and natural ingredients, such as sylvestrol sorbate, glycerin, silica, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil. This toothpaste is suitable for all ages, including children and pregnant women. It is also safe to use with electric toothbrushes, and it is free of gluten. It is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical consumption.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Baking soda is a common household item that serves multiple purposes. Its mild abrasive nature helps to clean teeth and removes superficial stains. It also works well to whiten teeth when used in combination with regular toothpaste. It is one of the most popular home remedies for tooth whitening and is widely recommended by dentists. It is a safe and effective alternative to over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste.

Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline or powdery solid. It is used in manufacturing many sodium salts, as a source of carbon dioxide, an ingredient of baking powder and effervescent salts and beverages, and in fire extinguishers and cleaning compounds. It is also used in analytical chemistry for pH adjustment. Sodium bicarbonate is a strong base and has alkaline properties that are useful in treating metabolic acidosis.

It is a common ingredient in antacid products and works by quickly neutralizing stomach acid and relieving symptoms of heartburn. Sodium bicarbonate is also used in toothpaste to remove food and beverage stains from the surface of teeth. It also works to reduce bad breath by removing plaque and bacteria that linger on the teeth and gums.

A few studies have shown that a dentifrice containing 67% sodium bicarbonate is an effective treatment for gingivitis and improved periodontal health in patients with mild to moderate gingivitis. This has been attributed to the neutralization of acids that demineralize tooth enamel and the remineralization of incipient carious lesions.

However, other studies have found that this same concentration of sodium bicarbonate can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and a number of adverse events such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and thirst. The gastrointestinal distress may be a result of the high concentration of sodium in this dosage.

While the evidence is mixed on the benefits of fluoride-free toothpaste, there is growing support for the use of these types of products. It is important to talk with your dental professional about the best ways to protect your oral health and to make sure you are getting the right amount of fluoride to prevent cavities.

Xylitol

The natural sweetener xylitol is found in fruits, vegetables and many woody fibrous plants like corn cobs, birch bark and pine cones. It is also produced in the human body. Xylitol does not convert to acid the way sugar does and has been shown to reduce oral bacteria and the buildup of plaque. It is used as an alternative sweetener in chewing gum, candies and mouthwash. It may also prevent dry mouth.

It is considered a safe sweetener and has less than half the calories of sugar. Xylitol is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash because it can reduce the growth of the bacteria that cause tooth decay, and help to re-mineralize damaged teeth. It is used in some whitening toothpastes to whiten teeth, and some anti-plaque formulas to fight plaque and bad breath.

Research suggests that xylitol is effective in preventing dental caries (or cavities) and can be a substitute for fluoride in toothpaste. In fact, some studies suggest that xylitol is actually more effective than fluoride.

In one study, xylitol-sweetened gum helped to prevent the growth of bacteria that can lead to ear infections in young children. Researchers believe that xylitol helps to inhibit the growth of a specific bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is known to be responsible for middle ear infections and sinusitis.

Some fluoride free toothpastes include ingredients like coconut oil, xylitol, tea tree oil and aloe vera to naturally clean teeth, reduce plaque, eliminate biofilm, freshen breath and stimulate healthy gums. These natural toothpastes are gentle on your teeth and gums and can help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay and cavities. They can also help to reduce inflammation and promote overall wellness in the body. While most people can safely use a natural fluoride free toothpaste, you should always check the label for any warnings or contraindications before using any new product. This is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also a good idea to talk to your dentist if you have any questions about choosing the best fluoride free toothpaste for you.