What Is the Most Common Foundation Repair?

When your home starts to show signs of foundation trouble—like cracks in the walls, doors that won’t close properly, or sloping floors—it’s time to act fast. But with so many repair methods out there, how do you know which is the most common and why?

In Kansas City, the most common foundation repair is piering. This method is widely used to stabilize and lift homes affected by shifting soils, uneven settling, and long-term structural issues. Piering offers a permanent solution for many of the region’s clay-heavy, moisture-sensitive soils.

Let’s break down why piering leads the list, what other methods are often used, and how to tell what your home might need.

Kansas City homes deal with a unique mix of weather patterns and soil types that put extra pressure on foundations. Here’s why:

• Clay-heavy soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, causing soil movement.
• Heavy rains and freeze-thaw cycles stress foundation walls.
• Poor drainage and grading allow water to collect near the home.
• Homes built on fill dirt may settle as the ground compacts over time.

These conditions create the perfect storm for foundation settling and shifting, so reliable repair methods are essential.

What Is Piering?

Piering involves driving steel piers deep into the ground beneath your home’s foundation until they reach stable, load-bearing soil. Once the piers are secure, hydraulic equipment lifts and levels the foundation.

Foundation King recommends piering when:

• Your home has sunken unevenly due to settling.
• You notice large cracks or bowing in the basement walls.
• Floors are noticeably sloping.
• Doors and windows stick or won't latch properly.

Types of Piers

At Foundation King, we specialize in using the patented KINGPIN Piering System, which is a concentrically loaded, double- walled steel pier. A concentrically loaded pier is installed under the center line of the foundation wall and not bolted to the side. Being concentrically loaded eliminates lateral loading experienced by offset piers which causes foundation walls to bow in and offset piers to fail.

Why Is Piering So Common?

Piering is preferred because it:

• Provides a permanent fix by bypassing unstable soil.
• Can lift the foundation back to its original position.
• Works well with various soil and structural conditions.

Other Common Foundation Repairs

Crack Repair

Not all foundation issues require major structural work. For surface-level or minor structural damage, crack repair is the go-to fix.

Epoxy Injection: For structural cracks. Bonds the concrete together.

Polyurethane Foam Injection: Fills non-structural or leaky cracks.

We also offer advanced solutions like carbon fiber crack repair, which provides added strength to cracked or bowing walls.

Explore our crack repair services or read our guide to carbon fiber repairs.

Polyjacking (Concrete Lifting)

If your concrete steps, patio, or driveway are sinking, polyjacking is a fast and effective fix.

• Involves injecting polyurethane foam under the slab to lift and level it.
• More durable and less invasive than traditional mudjacking.

Kansas City homeowners prefer it because it’s quick, clean, and long-lasting.

Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement

When basement walls begin to bow inward due to soil pressure, carbon fiber straps offer a modern, minimally invasive reinforcement method.

• Stronger than steel by weight.
• Won’t corrode or stretch over time.
• Installed quickly with minimal disruption.

Great for walls with horizontal cracks or signs of inward movement.

How to Know What Repair You Need

Every home is different. The best foundation repair depends on:

• Severity of the problem (cosmetic vs. structural)
• Type of foundation (slab, crawl space, or basement)
• Soil conditions on your property
• Drainage and grading around your home



Signs You Might Need Foundation Repair

• Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings
• Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Gaps around window or door frames
• Water intrusion in the basement

If you notice any of these signs, act fast. A quick inspection can save you thousands later.

Why Kansas City Homeowners Trust Foundation King

At Foundation King, we’ve repaired hundreds of Kansas City homes and businesses with reliable, long-term solutions.

• We use cutting-edge equipment and proven techniques.
• Our experienced technicians offer honest assessments.
• We never oversell. We recommend only what your home needs.

We fix what others miss.

Whether you’re dealing with settling, cracks, or concrete issues, we’re ready to help.

Ready for Peace of Mind?

Don’t let foundation issues cause unnecessary stress. We offer expert inspections and custom repair plans tailored to your home and budget.

Serving the Kansas City Metro Area.

Schedule your inspection today or contact us with questions.