Commercial structures, ranging from small public facilities to industrial complexes spanning multiple acres, can develop foundation issues at any time. In some buildings, foundation repair restores the structure’s stability without requiring any further work. But in other cases, only a complete foundation replacement will do.
It’s generally up to a structural engineer to make the final call on whether a replacement is necessary or not. Sometimes when a replacement isn’t strictly required, it’s still a better choice than extensive repairs. Find out how repairs and replacements for commercial building foundations vary and what to expect when choosing either option for protecting your structure from further damage.
Reasons to Choose Foundation Repair
If your structural inspection reveals limited damage or minor subsidence of soil under the foundation, repairs are likely your best option. High-quality commercial foundation repair quickly stabilizes even the largest structures while providing the following benefits for your building.
Lower Cost
Just like most other commercial construction projects, repairs cost a lot less than a full replacement. There’s no need for extensive shoring to support the building’s weight as the concrete is removed and poured from scratch. Repair methods like push and helical piers lift sections of the building that have settled due to voids in the soil.
Saving on both labor and materials can help you focus on putting the rest of your maintenance budget to good use elsewhere. Just consider the ongoing costs of future repairs first, which may mean that a complete replacement makes more sense.
Quicker Timeline
Replacements can take weeks to months to complete, depending on the square footage of the commercial buildings that need work. Repairs go much more quickly. This can restore the safety and security of your structures without delay. Depending on the selected method, the timeline for commercial foundation repair could run as short as just a few days.
Adaptable Solutions
Today’s commercial foundation repair options provide more support than you might imagine. Even in large industrial facilities and warehouses spanning thousands of square feet, damaged foundations are easily repaired with techniques like slabjacking, piers, and deep pinning.
Even when there’s a lot of missing soil or a sizable amount of settling in certain parts of the structure, there’s a good chance that we can find a repair option to restore it. Timely repairs go a long way in putting off the need for full replacement as well.
Fewer Interruptions
Business interruptions can lead to thousands of dollars in lost productivity, especially if the process takes multiple days or weeks. Many commercial foundation repairs take just a few days from beginning to end.
We can handle many project steps, including preparations like scanning with ground-penetrating radar to map all the spots that need treatment, with minimal interruptions. This is an essential consideration for all kinds of commercial properties, from retail shops to manufacturing facilities.
Reasons to Choose Foundation Replacement
Foundation replacement is the only option in cases with severe damage or risk to the structure. You may want to voluntarily upgrade to a replacement project instead of settling for extensive repairs if you’re interested in the following benefits that come along with this major investment in your commercial property.
Complete Refresh
Sometimes, timely repairs just won’t stop the damage from spreading. In these cases, spending money on repairs like helical pier installation could lead to additional costs just a few years later. If the structural engineer assessing your structure says that soil subsidence is likely to continue or there’s a major flaw with the design of your foundation, a complete replacement lets you start from scratch.
You’ll make one big investment now and avoid the need for repairs for years to come. Depending on your funding options, you may find it easier to get approved for that kind of improvement than targeted repairs.
Extensive Changes
Does your site need major earthworks to restore sunken areas, fill voids, or redirect water that is washing away soil under your structure? There’s a good chance that a foundation replacement will work best to give the work crew access to everything. If you’re already planning out expansions or adaptations to your commercial structures that could benefit from a new foundation, it makes sense to roll everything together into one major renovation project.
Updated Structures
Many commercial buildings constructed decades ago don’t comply with modern building and energy codes. If the foundation is already damaged or in need of support, upgrading to a new replacement slab or piers could help it meet today’s standards. This could help your company qualify for rebates on energy-saving upgrades or access funding based on the value of your commercial building.
Sometimes mistakes have lingered since the original construction or were introduced during previous attempts to repair the foundation. In these cases, a complete replacement is likely the best way to support the building properly with such a crucial part of the structure.
Making the Right Choice
Use these tips to decide whether to repair or replace your commercial foundation.
- Run a cost-benefit analysis for future repair costs to determine if you can really save money.
- Document the extent of the damage with ground-penetrating radar scans, endoscope investigations, and other advanced monitoring options.
- Take note of any failing or inappropriate materials, which are better replaced than constantly repaired over the next few decades.
- Consider your company’s upcoming plans to change the building layout, extend the facility, or install new utility connections through the concrete foundation.
Pinnacle Foundation Repair is ready to help you decide between replacing and repairing your commercial building foundation. Don’t start this kind of project alone when you can turn to our reliable team for help. We’ll work with your facility manager and structural engineer to find the perfect solutions for any foundation problems you’re facing. Reach out today to get a free evaluation of your foundation project.
