House Shifted From Earthquakes? 4 Possible Solutions

By Author: Edmund Brunetti
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There are a few ways to tell if your home has shifted due to earthquakes:

•Cracks in the foundation, walls, or ceilings
•Doors and windows that no longer close properly
•Uneven floors

If you suspect that your home has shifted, it's essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage and to develop a plan to repair it.

To give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of process, cost, and time frame, we've outlined four common solutions for houses that have shifted from earthquakes.

1. Jack and Pack Method

This is one of the most common methods that professional house levelling services use to fix a shifted home. The first step is to "jack up" the house using hydraulic jacks to raise it back into place. Once the house lifting has occurred, gaps will be filled with packing material like soil or sand.

This particular method can take a while to complete, and the experts conducting the work may ask that you make proper arrangements in advance, like finding a place to stay during the process. The total cost will depend ...
... on the company you hire as well as the severity of the damage, so be sure to get multiple quotes from reputable companies.

2. Grout Injection Method

Another common method used to fix a house that has shifted from earthquakes is the grout injection method. With this solution, a dense mixture is injected into the soil around the foundation of your home in order to fill any voids or gaps. This will help to stabilise the foundation and prevent future shifting.

This method is often used in conjunction with the jack and pack method, as jacks may be needed to first raise the house back into place before the grout can be injected. The cost of this solution will again depend on the company you hire as well as the severity of the damage.

3. Overpin/Underpin

House levelling services may use the overpin or underpin method to fix your shifted home. With this solution, steel rods or cables are placed underneath the foundation in order to provide extra support.

This method is typically used for more severe cases of shifting and can be labour-intensive, so be sure to get accurate free estimates from reputable house lifting services.

4. Full pile foundation

In some cases, a full pile foundation may be the best solution for your earthquake-damaged home. With this method, concrete piles are driven into the ground around the perimeter of your property in order to create a new foundation. Your home is then lifted and placed on top of this new foundation.

Get Expert Help Levelling Your Home

If your home has shifted from earthquakes, it's important to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible to determine the best course of action. The four solutions outlined above are some of the most common methods used to fix a shifted home. Be sure to get free quotes from multiple reputable companies before making a final decision.