The Best Crawlspace/ Foundation Repair Services
Any house can develop structural issues, many of which will require crawl space and foundation repairs. Ignoring any potential structural issue can lead to more severe problems. The more severe the foundation or crawl space issues, the more expensive it will be to fix.
The biggest financial investment an individual will make in their life is buying a home. Such a major investment requires protection and upkeep to ensure it lasts. This includes caring for your home’s crawl spaces and foundation.
The key is to be proactive. Learn to identify potential issues and how to find the best crawl space and foundation repair services. This will ensure you find a reliable company that will fix your home properly.
Do you think your foundation or crawl space needs repairs? Here’s everything you need to know about identifying common foundation problems and how to find the best repair services near you.
Signs of Crawl Space and Foundation Problems
A crawl space is a small unfinished and unoccupied area found in many homes and buildings. This area exists between your home’s first floor and the ground.
This narrow space is only a few feet high, requiring you to crawl rather than stand or walk. While there are some crawl spaces tall enough to stand, many people consider these basements.
The purpose of a crawl space is to cut costs during the building process and improve accessibility. The small space is large enough to fit an HVAC system along with plumbing. Most professional repair people can fit in the crawl space to make any necessary repairs.
Crawl spaces, however, are susceptible to damages that cause serious problems to the structure of your home.
Moisture
Moisture causes significant damage to crawl spaces and foundations. Crawl spaces with exposed dirt or missing vapor barriers are at greater risk for moisture problems. Moisture can cause:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Condensation
- Wood rot
- Cracks in foundation
- Damage to HVAC or plumbing
Moisture can also cause your home to smell foul, musty, and damp. These smells can rise into your house and cause your home’s air quality to worsen.
If you find signs of excessive moisture in your crawl space or foundation, you will need to contact a professional to help you seal your crawl space.
Mold and Mildew
Any crawl space with excessive moisture or flooding can cause mold and mildew to form. Mold and mildew are harmful to your health and seep up into your home through your HVAC system. You can develop allergies or other respiratory health issues from living in a home with mold.
Mold and mildew can grow on and affect the integrity of joists and sub-floors. Over time, it will cause these structural items to fail, requiring you to pay more for expensive repairs.
Cracks in Foundation
Cracks, gaps, and fissures in your foundation are a sign of either a settling house or serious issues due to flooding and moisture. While it’s common for a building to settle over time, cracks in your foundation can cause your home to warp and sink.
Cracks can also cause more moisture and flooding in your crawl space. These cracks and gaps make good doorways for pests such as snakes, mice, and rats.
Bowing Walls
When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, it leads to hydrostatic pressure. The water-saturated soil expands and pushes upon the walls of your foundation, causing them to bend and crack. Areas that experience snowmelt and rainy season are at higher risk for bowing walls.
Bowing walls can cause the foundation walls to collapse and compromise the structural integrity of your home. If you have bowing walls, you need to find a quality company specializing in foundation repairs.
Buckling Floors
The sub-floors in your home may start to buckle and warp. This is a clear sign your crawl space has a moisture issue that’s damaging your home. Again, failing to repair any damages caused by moisture can cause your floors to weaken and possibly fail.
How Are Crawl Spaces Repaired?
Provided there isn’t any serious damage to your foundation; reputable foundation repair services will start by making crawl space repairs. These repairs include:
- Drying the crawl space
- Fixing and replacing joists
- Replace falling insulation
- Adding a sump pump to crawl spaces that flood
- Remove mold and mildew
- Fix or replace a rotting subfloor.
Once everything is dry and repaired, the foundation repair professional will seal or waterproof the crawl space to prevent moisture and water from seeping in. This often involves waterproofing the crawl space or adding a vapor barrier.
A vapor barrier prevents moisture coming from the ground from evaporating into the crawl space air. A waterproofing system will effectively keep water out. Some repair professionals may recommend adding a dehumidifier in your crawl space to reduce humidity and moisture in the air.
A quality repair service company will take the time to evaluate the damage and make repairs based on the problems in your home. They have more than one method of repair and will discuss the best repair options for your home.
Benefits of Repairing a Crawl Space
Fixing any potential issues in your crawl space will improve your home’s value. Don’t have any serious issues? Being proactive and waterproofing your crawl space will prevent serious issues while also boosting your home’s value.
Other benefits of repairing your crawl space will improve your home’s air quality, prevent mold and mildew, and block moisture from entering your home. These repairs can save you energy, lower your utility bill, and protect the structural integrity of your home.
How Is a Foundation Repaired?
Foundations can be challenging to repair and require the expertise of a professional. You should never attempt to fix your foundation by yourself, as this can cause additional issues, dangers and compromise your home’s structural integrity.
The foundation is the backbone of a building, supporting the building’s weight and keeps the wood-based materials from touching the ground.
Structured foundation repairs will vary based on the level of damage, the soil, and the home type. Some foundation repairs are similar to crawl space repairs. A few methods used for foundation repairs include:
- Adding new beams in the crawl space
- Replacing beams
- Reinforce beams and joists
- Stabilizing foundations with push piers
- Controlling moisture in the crawl space
- Custom structured foundation repairs
- Add floor support jacks
These are only a few of the most common foundation repairs available by many quality repair businesses. The right foundation solution depends on the level and type of damage to your foundation.
Repairing the foundations of buildings is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of any home or building. Again, leave all foundation repairs to an experienced team of foundation repair professionals.
Benefits of Foundation Repairs
The biggest benefit to repairing a foundation is improving the safety and structural integrity of your home. You can enjoy some personal comfort without worrying your home’s foundation may become worse or fail altogether.
Repairing cracks in concrete foundations will prevent moisture and water from entering your home. Reducing moisture will prevent other structural issues, mold, and mildew from forming.
The sooner you make foundation repairs, the likelier you will save money, time, and stress. Letting serious issues in your foundation sit will worsen and cost you more money to fix later.
Finally, making home and cottage foundation repairs will boost the value of your home. A home with a stable foundation will also sell faster.
What to Look For In a Repair Services Business
The next step is to find a reputable foundation repair services business. There are thousands of businesses out there claiming to offer the best service and products. This, however, isn’t always true.
Some foundation repair businesses will cut corners to save money and make their job easier. The resulting repairs aren’t long-lasting and may not address more serious issues affecting your home’s foundation. This is why you must look for a reputable company that has the necessary skills and experience.
Insurance and Licenses
Always ask the repair company about the licenses, permits, and insurance policies they have. These three items are necessary for any major foundation or home improvement projects.
The company will need the proper license to work in your state or city. Insurance protects both you and the company as unforeseen accidents or issues can occur while repairing buildings’ foundations.
Reputation
What is the company’s reputation like? You find information on this through testimonials and customer reviews. If you feel the company has a bad reputation, you should look for another reputable repair company.
Skills and Experience
You’ll need to look for what repairs the company specializes in and their years of experience. You’ll want to work with a long-standing company with experience in various crawl space and foundation repairs. This ensures they know what they’re doing and can offer you multiple solutions.
Invest In Quality Foundation Repairs
When it comes to your home’s structural integrity, you should always invest in the best foundation repairs and repair services. Finding the best repair company to help with these repairs will allow you to enjoy a safer, cleaner home!
Have questions or need help? Let us know! We’re happy to help you with any of your crawl space and foundation repair needs.
