How House Shoring is Done

House shoring describes a process in which a home is raised above the ground. It’s common to see this done in areas where water levels are rising like they are in New Orleans. Shoring a house can help to repair issues with a home’s foundation, and it can also help to level a home.

In some cases, shoring is done because homeowners want to turn a crawl space into a full business. Shoring can provide the needed space, but it can keep the home’s elevation at the same level. A home can be fully supported while work is done to expand the basement space.

Safely raising a home isn’t easy, and the process needs to be done by professionals. Typically, metal props are placed below a structure so that it can safely be elevated off the ground. If shoring is handled properly, it can make a home’s foundation far more secure.

A home needs to have a solid foundation. If there are issues with a home’s foundation, the rest of the house is going to start to have problems as well. A damaged foundation could lead to cracks in the wall, bulging floorboards, and a host of other problems. Even though shoring a house can be costly, it can prevent a lot of damage and expenses in the long run.

When experts shore a house, they’ll examine the property and determine where imbalances are located. They will assess a home and identify some of the areas that are in the most danger. These areas will be addressed before other parts of the home.

From there, a structural engineer will develop plans to properly shore the house. These plans will be followed when a house is being raised. These plans are essentially a blueprint that will be used throughout the process.

Holes will be drilled into the home in appropriate areas so that the metal props can be placed. The goal is to make sure that the weight of the home is distributed evenly. Because proper weight distribution is so essential, this process can take a long time.

If more support is needed in a specific area, it’s possible that steel beams will be installed alongside the metal props. Professionals will work to ensure that a house is fully supported throughout this process. Many experts use shoring jacks during this process, which can provide more precise support.

Structural shoring can be complex, but it’s a common procedure that professionals have done time and time again. Many older buildings have been shored, including historic buildings. It’s possible to elevate a home without causing it to be damaged. You can trust that shorting professionals will take every precaution when working on a house.

In some cases, shoring can actually save buildings from demolition. A building may not be able to remain in its current location without being raised or supported. When the building is shored, it will be able to stay secure. Shoring is an effective way to get around many obstacles that homeowners face, especially in areas like New Orleans.

Shoring can be costly, but the total sum for a project will vary based on the size of the house and the scope of a project. If you’re considering shoring, you should be able to get a free estimate on the potential costs of shoring your home.

If you’re interested in house shoring in New Orleans, your best option is to contact professionals that specialize in this area. They should be able to answer any questions you might have and give you the information that you need. After talking to experts, you’ll be able to decide if shoring is the best option for you.

Author: Richard Earls

Richard has been involved in construction and foundation repair since 1991. He specializes in repair of homes in the historical Garden District and French Quarter in New Orleans.