As a homeowner, you’ve probably heard terrifying stories of houses collapsing due to foundation issues. It’s a nightmare scenario that no one wants to experience. But can it really happen?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Foundation problems can lead to serious structural issues if left unchecked. And, if your home has a crawl space foundation, you may be particularly vulnerable.
That’s why it’s essential to understand the signs of foundation damage and take action to address them. If you’re unsure what to look for and what might warrant crawl space foundation repair, read on to learn about the impact of foundation damage on your home and how to prevent it.
Signs of Poor Foundation
Foundation problems often present as cracks in the wall or sagging in the floor. However, sometimes they’re more inconspicuous. Knowing what to look for can ensure you don’t wait too long to search for crawl space foundation repair services.
Cracks in the Walls
One of the primary signs of poor foundation is cracks in the walls, especially around doors and windows. These cracks can appear in various shapes and sizes, from hairline fractures to large gaps. If you notice any new cracks, it’s important to get them checked out by a professional.
Uneven Floors
If your floors feel uneven or you notice furniture wobbling, this could indicate poor foundation. Uneven floors are generally caused by foundation settling, shifting, or sinking. This can affect your home’s integrity and lead to more severe issues, including the house collapsing.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly can also be a warning sign of foundation issues (although sticking doors can also be a sign of moisture issues). When your foundation shifts or settles, it can cause misalignment to your home’s frame. This can make opening and closing doors and windows difficult and even impact your home’s safety.
Sloping Floors
Finally, if your floors are sloping or have a noticeable slope in one area, you likely have foundation issues. Sloping floors can be caused by various reasons, including foundation settling and shifting, and if you notice sloping, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Will Your Home Collapse?
As mentioned above, it’s possible. But before you panic, let’s put this into context. While foundation issues can cause major problems, the likelihood of your home collapsing into a pile of rubble is extremely low.
What’s most important to understand is that foundation issues can cause significant structural damage to your home. This can result in the breaking of pipes in your plumbing, causing leaks and even electrical issues.
You’ll know you have foundation issues (likely) before they result in significant structural damage, though, if you’re looking for common foundation problems mentioned above, like uneven floors or doors that won’t close properly.
It’s unlikely that you’d notice a crack in the wall or some sloping floors and then have your home collapse within a few days or weeks. Instead, you’d likely notice that the issues worsen slowly over time, and your house continues to settle.
Settlement alone would not cause your home to collapse. It’s a natural process that occurs over time as the soil beneath your home shifts and settles. The risk of collapse comes into play only when the foundation issues reach a point of severe structural damage.
So, how do you know if your home is at risk of collapsing? It would likely take something extreme, like a seismic event or significant flooding.
But don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above of foundation problems, it’s essential to take action sooner rather than later. Contacting a reputable contractor with experience in foundation repair can help prevent further damage and keep your home safe and stable for years to come.
Crawl Space Foundation Repair
Crawl spaces allow easier access to pipes, ducts, and electrical wiring. However, they’re also essential to your home’s foundation, supporting the floors above.
The problem is that crawl spaces are often vulnerable to:
- Moisture
- Mold
- Termites
- Foundation damage
These things can cause the crawl space to deteriorate, leading to serious issues with your home’s structural integrity. If you suspect any issues with your home’s structure, it’s time to consider crawl space foundation repair. Within that general repair service are various solutions.
At BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, here are some of our most common solutions.
Subfloor Replacement
If your crawl space has been damaged due to moisture or other issues, it may be necessary to replace the subfloor to prevent further structural damage. This involves removing and replacing the old subfloor with new, moisture-resistant material like plywood, concrete, or composite decking.
Foundation Jacks
Foundation jacks involve installing metal posts beneath your home to provide extra support if your foundation has shifted or settled. This is a common solution for homes with crawl space foundations that have suffered from soil erosion or settlement.
Foundation Repairs
Sometimes, a foundation jack isn’t enough. If your crawl space foundation has severe cracks or other damage, it may be necessary to repair it to prevent further structural issues (or sometimes even replace the foundation entirely). This may involve installing deep-driven steel foundation piers or using steel reinforcing bars and concrete to strengthen damaged areas.
Sump Pumps
If your crawl space is prone to moisture or flooding, a sump pump can help to remove water and prevent damage. Sump pumps are typically installed in the lowest part of the crawl space and pump water out of your home and away from the foundation.
Floor Joist Repair
Damaged floor joists in crawl spaces are a pretty common cause of sagging or uneven floors. Repairing these joists involves reinforcing or replacing them to provide proper support for your floors.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulating your crawl space involves sealing from the outside environment to prevent moisture and other issues. This typically involves installing a vapor barrier, insulating the crawl space walls, and sealing air leaks.
Structural Beam Replacement
If your crawl space foundation has suffered serious damage, one or more structural beams supporting your home may be necessary. This is typically a more extensive repair that may involve lifting the floor structure to remove and replace the damaged beams.
Foundation Repairs Timeline
So, how long will these repairs take? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The timeline for foundation repairs can vary from one house to the next, depending on various factors.
We always strive to work with homeowners to build a custom plan that suits their needs and timelines. Here’s what we consider when giving you a timeline estimate for your repairs.
Type of Repair
Crack repairs typically only take a day if the affected area is small. However, if your walls are bowing, the repair process could take several days due to the materials needed and the time it takes to fix the issue. Similarly, installing piers can take up to a week depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Home Size
The repair process will likely be quicker if you have a smaller home with a smaller foundation. Additionally, the materials used for the repair can impact the timeline.
Damage
This one might seem obvious, but we can usually complete the repair process fairly quickly if the damage is minor. However, if the damage is more substantial, it will take longer to fix.
Crawl Space Foundation Repair Cost
Now that you know how long repairs might take, how much will it cost you? Again, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The size of your home, extent of damage, and type of foundation can all affect the overall cost.
At BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, we know that every homeowner’s needs are unique, which is why we provide customized quotes based on your specific situation. Our team of experts will assess your crawl space foundation damage to determine the best course of action.
We take pride in offering transparent pricing, which is why we provide a cost guide to give you a general idea of what to expect. Read through that guide to understand what goes into pricing our services. We also provide examples of different situations and the pricing for each.
Get a Free Inspection
Are you worried your house is going to collapse from foundation issues? While it’s unlikely to collapse without a serious seismic event or natural disaster, we understand your concern. Additionally, addressing structural issues as soon as you see them is an important part of being a responsible homeowner.
The best way to see how we can help you with crawl space foundation repair services is to schedule a free inspection. Our experts will visit your home, assess any issues or damage, and provide you with a free estimate.