Shotcrete Foundation Repair

in Portland OR and Vancouver WA areas

Everyone knows their home’s foundation is important, but most people don’t think about it until there’s a problem. Since the foundation holds up the entire structure, it’s easy to see how expensive (not to mention hazardous) foundation problems can be.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to reinforce your foundation and steady the structure – shotcrete. The Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters team uses shotcrete, a version of concrete that is sprayed on, in our wall restoration system. This lets us reinforce your home’s structure easily. Read on to learn more about our process!

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete is made of the same materials as concrete – water and various minerals. The difference is in the application method. While concrete is poured and sets slowly, shotcrete is sprayed onto the surface directly. This speeds up the setting process and allows for a more flexible application.

Shotcrete can be used to reinforce concrete walls and foundations quickly and easily. It can even be stronger than conventional concrete since the application method promotes stronger adherence to the base material.

Benefits of Shotcrete Wall Reinforcement

Shotcrete wall reinforcement essentially builds a new wall in front of the existing one. This supports your current wall, preventing it from failing or making it easier to replace.

If your foundation is failing, shotcrete can be used to support your home’s structure while the Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters team excavates around it and demolishes the existing foundation. Then, a new one can be built easily – with minimal disruption.

Why is My Portland Home’s Foundation Deteriorating So Fast?

Many of Portland’s homes were built around the turn of the 20th century. Not only are those homes’ foundations getting old, they’re also made of less durable materials. Concrete is made of sand, aggregate, and cement. During the 1900s, the sand used to build Portland home foundations was dredged from nearby rivers and wasn’t cleaned before mixing, leaving organic impurities in the materials.

This means that the foundation was weaker to begin with, and with the passage of time, these materials are breaking down. Plus, when you take the damp climate into account, any foundation is likely to age faster than usual. If you live in an older home, your foundation could probably use some help.

Signs You Need Wall Reinforcement Service

How can you tell when your foundation is failing? The signs usually show up in the rest of the structure, which makes them easier to spot. Here are just a few of these signs:

• Cracked or leaning walls. Your home’s walls support the walls, so if you notice cracks or sagging in your walls, it could be a foundation problem.
• Uneven floors. Similar to your walls, changes in your foundation are reflected in your floors. If you notice your floor sloping or dipping in a way that it wasn’t before, it’s probably a foundation problem; make sure to call for help promptly if you notice this.
• Leakage in basement. If you notice increased dampness in your basement, there could be a crack in your foundation letting water inside.
• Misaligned windows and doors. If windows and doors aren’t opening or closing properly, it could be because of your foundation!

All of these things could indicate a serious problem with your foundation, so don’t hesitate to call Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters for help if you notice any of them; the sooner you catch foundation issues, the better your chances of minimizing the damage.

Count on Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters for All Your Foundation Needs

Since , the Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters team has brought quality foundation work to Portland. If you have an older home and you’ve never had its foundation reinforced or maintained, it’s definitely time for it – and with the Masonry Waterproofing, and Drainage Masters satisfaction guarantee, you can rest assured that your foundation will be set for years to come.

Give us a call to get started with a free estimate!

Learn more about shotcrete on our YouTube page.