Does Foundation Repair Last Long?

The foundation provides the stable base for your entire Hampton Roads, Virginia home. It keeps the rest of the structure stable from movement, prevents the house from sinking into the ground, and prevents moisture penetration. Contractors ideally build the foundation so that it lasts a lifetime. Yet cracked and unstable foundations may cause several problems. Once you get the foundation fixed, you may wonder how long will the foundation repair last as you worry it will be an unending issue.

All you want to have is a safe and comfortable home. But waking up every day wondering whether the foundation repairs can keep your house sturdy and level has become an increasing fear in your mind. Should you consider moving to a new place?

A foundation should last a lifetime when installed right.  Yet sometimes it can experience problems. BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair provides different solutions for homeowners to address foundation problems. With our equipment and extensive repair knowledge, we provide the services to ensure the stability and integrity of the foundation.

Should You Fix Your Foundation?

While you may never see the foundation on a regular basis, you should never ignore foundation issues or wait to get repairs. When the foundation cracks or settles, it causes a range of problems along the other level of your home. You may have to deal with stuck windows, doors that refuse to latch close, and uneven floors. Also, sagging walls, cracks along the drywall, and joint separation could occur along the brickwork. Moisture penetration also becomes a serious issue that leads to rotting beams, piers, and flooring.

You should have a safe living structure for the entire life of your home. Fixing a home’s foundation the moment that a problem appears will typically be less expensive than waiting. If you wait too long, the problems become worse and could cause your house to be unsafe.

Is Foundation Repair Permanent?

Foundation repair may fix the issue permanently. However, every house and situation is different. If you ask our contractor how long a foundation repair lasts, they can give you a better answer based on their assessments of the foundation and the products or equipment used to perform the repairs.

These types of repairs should last a lifetime for your home. Always ask about the type of warranties that are provided in case your Hampton Roads house needs additional repair solutions.

Which Foundation Repair Method Lasts the Longest?

How long the foundation repair lasts depends on the method, equipment, and installation process. It also has to do with the environment. Some repairs can keep the foundation sturdy for 100 years. However, unpredictable circumstances, such as flooding or an earthquake, may shorten the lifespan of the equipment if they experience damage.

Three methods that last the longest are GridLock Foundation Stabilizers, helical piers and push piers made from steel. 

GridLock Foundation Stabilizers

GridLock Foundation Stabilizers are designed to stabilize foundations indefinitely. They consist of engineered, industrial strength, steel rebar grids and structural concrete designed to carry the weight of the foundation and the home above. The hardware on these systems is guaranteed for 100 years but are designed to last 1000’s of years.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are designed to be installed in ground before the foundation is actually installed with newly constructed buildings. They consist of steel pipes in circular or square shapes that become hydraulically twisted into the soil up to 25-30 feet deep. Helical piers range in sizes from 6 to 12 inches per helical spiral. These piers may last from 5 years to 100 years, depending on the hardware used and the installation.

Push Piers

Push piers are similar to helical piers as they consist of steel pipe that is driven into load-bearing soil ranging from 5 feet to 100 feet deep. They are connected to the foundation using steel brackets. Sizes for push piers are measured by the diameter from 2 7/8 inches, 3 1/2 inches, and 4 1/2 inches. Push piers can handle maximum capacity loads ranging from 2,000 – 10,000 pounds depending on the weight of the structure. Push piers can last 5 years to 100 years, depending on the hardware and installation.

How Long Do Foundation Crack Repairs Last?

The time frame for how long foundation crack repairs last depends on the reason for the cracks and the type of damage. Hairline cracks may be a natural occurrence or the first sign of a major problem. 

Foundation crack repairs will only last as long and the foundation repair solution that is used. If the foundation is stabilized for 100+ years, the crack repairs could last 100+ years as well, depending on the durability of the repair method. 

If the foundation is lifted with push piers or helical piers, the foundation crack repairs could become damaged within 1 year. We have found that foundations in the lifted position are prone to settlement because the foundation is lifted off the supporting soils, eliminating 100% support from the soil.

How to Prevent Future Foundation Issues?

The root cause of the foundation damage could vary. From tree roots pushing against the foundation to soil erosion, discovering the key reason for the problem allows you to take preventive measures. To prevent new issues, or to stop the existing problems from being exacerbated, you should evaluate the perimeter of your home.

You may have improper drainage causing the foundation to settle, soil erosion, or vegetation growing too close to the foundation. Taking active steps to fix landscaping issues to address drainage and vegetation growth may prevent future house foundation problems.

Is Your Home Actually Safe from Sinking?

It is difficult to determine whether your home is safe without having the damaged foundation evaluated. Once our contractors perform a foundation inspection and perform the appropriate repairs, then your home will be safe and stable for generations. Here at BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair, we offer affordable and dependable solutions to help get your home in great condition.

Located in Norfolk Virginia, we service homes throughout the Greater Hampton Roads region to include North Carolina cities such as Coinjock and Gates County and many more by providing proven foundation repair methods. Call our foundation experts today at 757-460-0444 or fill out our online contact form. We will get in touch with you about your foundation repair project.