What A Complete Foundation Repair System Should Include
Houston foundations are under constant stress by the area’s weather and soils. Down here in Southeast Texas, expansive clays are a common source of frustration for property owners, as they tend to swell and shift if exposed to water. This shifting is a common culprit behind foundation issues, which will manifest as cracks and other subtle problems, like difficulty opening and shutting doors or operating windows.
Some areas of Houston have soils characterized by their high sand content. If properly compacted, sand is a fine choice for taking a foundation, but it’s tendency to shift with time means that foundation damage may eventually present itself.
When foundation problems emerge, a skilled foundation contractor armed with the right repair equipment can resolve them. The foundation repair process demands tons (literally) of power to manage, but a complete foundation repair system can deliver it.
What does a complete foundation repair system include? The answer is a reliable hydraulic pump, a durable set of hydraulic cylinders, and a set of hoses and connecting hardware to link them together. Here, we’ll present an example of what a complete repair system may look like, along with some important features to target with each.
The Foundation Repair Pump: Reliable Power Delivery is a Must
A building cannot be lifted without plenty of power, and for foundation repair jobs, hydraulic power is what’s called for. That’s where the hydraulic pump comes in.
During repair, the concrete foundation is lifted using a series of hydraulic cylinders. The pump is responsible for driving these rams, so the first thing to prioritize is performance.
Among foundation repair pumps, the PE552 series by SPX Flow is a favorite option among work crews. It can run up to 10,000 psi when it’s paired with the right cylinders, achieving excellent loading values, which is a must for beam or pier repairs.
Here are a few more reasons why the PE552 is a top choice for foundation repair teams:
Superior performance-to-weight ratio
SPX’s PE55 series offers the best performance-to-weight ratio among all of the brand’s pumps. Foundation repair crews are always in motion, so every pound counts. The PE55 minimizes the pounds while packing the performance, so workers can conserve their energy for digging and pouring.
Advance hold functionality and unloading valve
The PE55 is built with a 3-way, true unloading valve that ensures greater pump efficiency and better flow rates at higher pressures. It’s also designed with advance hold functionality, so when the motor is cut off, the piston remains in position.
Remote motor control function
The PE55 is operable remotely up to 10 feet, using a remote control. Foundation repair workers can’t always keep their eye on the pump while they’re operating it, so remote controls provide much needed convenience to repair crews.
Rugged construction, dependable engineering
SPX Flow has a reputation for building quality pumps that provide reliable service. The manufacturer’s pumps are field-proven, with thousands of successful projects delivered using SPX’s products. And with strong support behind the brand, SPX pumps can be quickly and reliably supported when it’s time for maintenance.
The pump is only part of the power equation for foundation work. A complete foundation repair system also includes proven hydraulic cylinders.
The Hydraulic Cylinder: All Around Durability and Sufficient Capacity are Priorities
Hydraulic cylinders convert the pump’s hydrostatic pressure into linear force, so they literally do the heavy lifting during repairs.
Rams are available in an assortment of sizes and capacities, but for foundation repair projects, a 25-ton cylinder is considered standard for loading purposes.
Power Team’s C series of hydraulic cylinders includes several 25-ton options, many of which are proven in foundation lifting applications. Among them, the C258C is a frontline choice for several reasons. In addition to its 25-ton capacity and 8-inch stroke length, those reasons include:
Extremely durable construction
The C258C is built with several durability-focused features. An aluminum bronze bearing minimizes wear caused by off-center loads. Oversized springs improve piston speed and extend the piston’s life. A solid steel body maximizes the cylinder’s life. A chrome-plated piston rod reduces corrosion and extends its life, as well.
By far, the most important feature in a hydraulic cylinder is its ability to handle heavy loading without fail. The C258C is built to do just that.
Built-in mounting options
The C258C comes standard with base mounting holes for greater stability. There are four in all, arranged 45 degrees apart from each other.
Lightweight and portable
The C258C only weighs 25 pounds, so it’s an easy lift itself from site to site. It’s also built with a handle for added portability, and when it’s time to port the cylinder to another site, the C258C has a removable rubber boot that protects the collar thread.
Choose a Reputable Equipment Supplier for a Complete Foundation Repair System
Foundation repair projects require maximum power and maximum reliability. SPX Flow’s PE552 pump and Power Team’s C258C line of hydraulic cylinders are purpose-built for foundation repair work. Their excellent durability, ease of handling and proven performance means they’re the perfect pairing for a complete foundation repair system.
When looking for foundation repair systems, working with a reputable and knowledgeable hydraulic equipment supplier that can also perform maintenance and repairs is the best way to keep your crews productive and your customers happy.