The difference between stabilization and house levelling

The difference between stabilization and house levelling

When a home's foundation begins to sink, problems come quickly. The longer you wait, the worse the problems get, and the bigger the bill will be.

Several options are available when a home's foundation sinks. The final decision on what work to do depends on several factors, including the damage extent.

These include foundation stabilization and house levelling. 

Foundation Stabilization

As the name implies, foundation stabilization is designed to stop the house from moving. Stabilization is done with piles to keep the house in its current state without straightening it. With stabilization work, the house stops sinking.

This is the solution for special situations, such as when dealing with a 100-year-old house that cannot be straightened. Stabilization by piling is also the right solution when there are many recent renovations inside. In a case like this, levelling the house would make the whole interior seem not level, which you don't want!

Stabilization is also recommended when the roof has been recently replaced or the windows are new. In these cases, straightening the house could damage the work done.

It should be noted that several cities offer grants for house stabilization work using hydraulic piles. 

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Used Technics

Hydraulic piles are the best way to ensure foundation settlement stops, and the structure stops moving.

These powerful, high load-bearing piles are driven into the ground until refusal, allowing your foundation to stay in place. The installation creates no vibration. 

House Levelling

As with stabilization, levelling homes is done with the help of piles. In this case, the house is straightened to be levelled.

Pile straightening is done by a structural engineer, as it is a large-scale job requiring precise calculations.

Everything can be levelled, but there are limits! Typically, it is possible to straighten the foundation by up to a dozen inches. For a standard house, this is the maximum. It is possible to go up to 16 inches for new construction with only a wood structure. We have done this before, but it is an exception.

We consider the house a total loss if the necessary levelling reaches 18 inches. At this point, the house is practically collapsing; there are some broken windows and cracked walls. In cases like this, it is best to demolish and rebuild the house. 

Levelling Techniques

As with foundation stabilization, hydraulic piles are the best technique for levelling a house. Hydraulic piles are driven into the ground. The hydraulic system is precise, allowing a perfectly controlled straightening operation.

If you are concerned about your foundation, it is crucial to call on a team of experts who can assess the situation accurately. Only an expert can advise whether levelling or stabilizing your home is the best option.

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