Foundation Repair: What to Know
Foundation repair services is a $718 million industry globally. It might surpass $800M by 2026.
Is your foundation in distress? Are you planning to repair it? Foundation issues can become significant and affect the entire building if not corrected early enough.
Luckily, there are multiple ways of solving issues without much hassle. If you suspect that your foundation needs a retouch, this guide will provide all the information you need regarding foundation repair.
Do not hesitate to call a foundation repair expert to help you if you don’t have the expertise. Keep reading!
Warning Signs That You Should Repair Your Foundation
It’s essential to know the early warning signs for foundation damages. While it is easy to ignore some of these signs, early action can save you the headache of repairing a major foundation issue in the future.
Here are the main signs to watch out for:
- Poor water drainage in your house
- Visible cracks on the interior and exterior walls of your home
- Uneven, sloping floors
- Visible gaps between the ceiling and the crown molding
- Cracked walls, shifting floors, and loose wallpapers
- Misaligned doors and windows
- Visible cracks and holes on the foundation itself
These signs might signify other problems too. It is advisable to call a foundation repair expert to inspect the house before repairing or replacing it. The expert should provide the best solution according to the specifics of the problems.
Causes of Foundations Problems
Water is the main culprit for most foundation issues. When the moisture levels change, the soil beneath the foundation shrinks and swells. With time, the moisture variations cause the cracks. However, your house may be more prone to foundation issues if:
- It is more than four decades old
- There are nearby trees, meaning that the roots may be under your foundation
- The location of the home experiences many seasonal changes
- Flood, drought, and other environmental hazards have impacted the structure of your foundation
You may also experience regular foundations issues if your house is built on clay soil. Clay is not permeable; hence, it often causes drainage issues.
Your foundation repair technician should thoroughly investigate the symptoms of your affected foundation to determine the best plan of action.
The Foundation Repair Process: Step by Step
The foundation repair process should start as soon as possible, assuming that the best plan is chosen. Here is a step by step guide of the process:
Inspect the Issues
A professional foundation repair expert should analyze the structure of the home and any foundation issues you have.
Each home is different so the foundation repair expert should thoroughly understand how the home was constructed and the root cause of any issues.
Review Repair Options
After inpsection, you should consult with your expert. There are multiple ways to fix most issues. You will want to choose the repair option that best aligns with your goals.
Some foundation repair methods offer the opportunity to lift, while stabilization of the foundation is a safer, more reliable goal.
Ultimately, the specific repair option you choose may have unique benefits (or limitations) that you should try to understand.
Choose the Best Repair Option
Unless the foundation is in a critical, unstable, damaged position, stabilization is best. By stabilizing your foundation, you can prevent the damage from continuing. After that, you can perform any cosmetic repairs, leaving your home beautiful and stable.
The second you lift your foundation off the supporting soils, you lose ALL support provided by your existing foundation, which is a terrible loss.
Schedule the Foundation Repairs
Professional foundation repair contractors will likely be booked out for weeks before the repairs will begin. If you have a sense of urgency to completing your repairs, inform your contractor up front.
Perform the Foundation Repairs
The foundation repair technicians will typically work from 1-5 days on average, with some projects lasting weeks if the damage is extensive.
Usually, it is safe for homeowners to remain in their home while the repairs are performed.
Enjoy Peace of Mind
A properly repaired foundation should not require future attention. Any foundation repair method used should be designed to stabilize the area for decades to come.
The Costs of Foundation Repair
The average foundation crack repair cost is $6,838. Significant repairs which involve hydraulic piers can cost $5,000-50,000.
The cost depends on many factors. You can’t predetermine it using another person’s case or using your past encounters. But like the other home improvement projects, you can save lots of money by creating a budget and comparing what different Professional Contractors offer.
Here are the main determinants for the costs:
The Foundation Repair Materials
Concrete was the primary foundation repair material until the 1970s when other materials were introduced. Although concrete is still a widely used concrete repair material, there are many materials too which homeowners use.
Foundation repair contractors can use a variety of steel piers, steel beams, steel plates, steel rebar, wooden beams, concrete, and rock to provide the stabilization needed for your home.
Your contractor should give you an estimate of the expected costs depending on the materials you plan to use for the foundation repair project.
The Foundation Problem
There are many foundation problems, which include cracking, settling, and upheaval. These problems are not the same. Each requires unique materials, tools, and expertise. The varying needs call for different prices.
The Severity of the Issue
Is the problem extensive? If yes, then the costs will be higher than that of a small issue. The severe problems require more time, labor, and tools, hence the higher prices.
The Contractor
Some contractors are pricier than others. Before you hire, compare what different companies offer and choose the best contractor and solution for your budget.
The most experienced contractors will offer long-term warranties, promising concrete results for many years to come.
Access of the Affected Part
Some parts are hard to assess than others. If the foundation problems have affected many areas beneath the floor, you will pay higher amounts. Also, areas with many utility lines are quite hard to access, and they require more time and more costs.
After Care for Foundation Cracks
You should be able to relax after repairing the foundation cracks in your house. But, you should still monitor the floors and walls to confirm that everything is okay. Remember that the foundation is an essential part of the home, and you shouldn’t compromise its condition.
Here are great aftercare tips that you should follow to keep your foundation in excellent condition.
Clean Your Downspouts and Gutters Well
Full gutters can cause water leaks and affect your floor or wall. Learn to clean the gutters by removing the leaves, twigs, and other obstacles which would cause flooding water in the gutters.
Work on Your Landscape
Water flows from top to bottom. If your yards grade is at fault, water will always settle at the lowest position, and your foundation might become weak with time. You should ensure that your landscape is sloping away from the home.
Install Drains
Improve your drainage system if you have noticed a specific spot where water settles in your compound. Both internal and external drainage systems can help remove the excess moisture.
Keep Roots Away
Do you have nearby trees in your home? Well, you should call a foundation repair expert to check the roots of those trees. If the canopy of a tree is over your roof, the roots of that tree are likely under your foundation. You may need to remove trees near your home.
Repair Small Cracks
Don’t wait for the small cracks to become extensive. Learn to repair the cause of those cracks as soon as they appear. In this way, you will avoid high repair costs and keep your foundation safe.
Observe Regular Inspection
Do regular inspections on your foundation to spot any abnormal conditions. Hire a professional to inspect if you can’t find the time to do so.
Consult a Qualified Foundation Repair Expert Today
Is your home’s foundation flawed? Are there noticeable signs of foundation problems?
Don’t wait. Find a professional foundation repair company today to help you.
BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair is an award-winning foundation repair contractor. We inspect and repair damaged residential foundations. We have a reliable team of 30+ experienced contractors.
Our services include foundation and structural repair, crawl space encapsulation, eliminating water intrusion in a crawl space, and many more. Contact us today to learn about our other services and book a free inspection with our Expert Advisors.
