What to Consider When Looking For Foundation Repair Services
A structurally sound foundation is one of the most critical aspects of a property. It provides stability and security to your structure. A foundation supports your house and makes it stand tall and strong.
Foundation repair services can help you in many ways. For instance, they can identify structural problems before they become too serious. They can also help to prevent damage that may occur from settling or shifting soil.
You may have noticed cracks in your foundation. These signs and others can indicate that it’s time for you to consider hiring a foundation repair service.
To learn more about what to consider when looking for foundation repair services, keep reading.
When Good Foundations Go Bad
If you’re having foundation problems, it can prove confusing—and overwhelming. You have a lot to think about.
If you do find that you have foundation problems, you’ll want to deal with them right away. Delaying the inevitable will only make the problem worse. Eventually, you could experience more problems, such as:
• Cracked walls
• Sinking floors
• Roof damage
If you allow these problems to persist, they can lead to the need for major foundation repairs.
Signs of Foundation Problems
It helps to know signs about whether your foundation needs repairs. The following entries offer a few suggestions.
1. Visible Cracks
Usually, cracks that appear outside of your home are the first thing you’ll notice if you have a potential foundation problem. Sometimes, you may see tiny cracks along the foundation.
If they start to grow, you’ll want to schedule an inspection with a foundation repair service.
Alternatively, you might notice large cracks. These kinds of cracks might appear in a stairstep pattern.
Unfortunately, they’re a definite sign of foundation trouble if they originate at the ground level. Also, cracked or bulging bricks indicate foundation trouble if you have a brick foundation.
You may also notice interior cracks. For instance, you might see cracks in your drywall. This kind of damage is a potential sign of foundation trouble.
When you see cracks in your drywall, the only way to learn the source of the problem for sure is to schedule an inspection.
2. Sunken Foundation
Minor settling can be normal if you’ve recently built your home. However, how do you distinguish if it’s a foundation problem?
Here, you want to have a professional assess the situation.
A lot can go wrong with your home when it’s settling. For instance, one part of your home might settle before the rest of it.
Even if you see a small amount of settling, don’t wait to investigate. If you accidentally overlook a foundation problem, it will only get worse—and more expensive.
3. Rising Foundation
It may surprise you to learn that foundations can also rise. This kind of problem is called foundation upheaval.
Usually, foundation upheaval occurs because the soil under the foundation expands. This expansion allows moisture to enter your foundation.
It can also allow frost to enter the foundation structure. Also, it can lead to leaks and other plumbing issues.
4. Structural Misalignment
Structural misalignment is more than unattractive and inconvenient. It can signal a problem with your foundation.
For example, you may have noticed that your doors or windows are out of alignment. You may also have problems opening and closing them. If so, a foundation problem may serve as the culprit.
You can also notice uneven flooring. For instance, the beams in your floor could start to sag when your foundation moves. This type of movement can happen when the foundation sinks, shifts, rises or rots.
Any of these problems require the help of a professional.
5. Crawlspace Moisture
Finally, you might see foundation trouble in your crawl space. For instance, you might notice a damp or musty smell in these areas. Moisture can also signal foundation trouble.
In your home’s substructure, you might notice that the beams are misaligned. When this happens, it allows water to enter your crawlspace or substructure.
Too much water in the substructure of your home can cause the beams to rot. This circumstance can lead to bigger problems.
In many cases, moisture in your crawl space can attract termites. If it does, the termites will enjoy eating the structure of your home for their daily meal, further exacerbating your structural problems.
You’ll want to have a professional repair service assess your foundation. They can tell you whether your crawlspace also requires encapsulation.
Fixing the Problem
There are several ways that a foundation repair service might remedy these kinds of issues.
One method is called house leveling. It’s also called foundation leveling.
In reality, however, your home may not sit level once the job is done. House leveling is more about how your foundation performs. It’s also about restoring the correct functionality of your foundation.
The foundation repair service will support the substructure of your home to begin the process. Engineers call the substructure of your home the underpinnings. Sometimes, however, you might hear the supports called piers or pilings.
Once the foundation repair service has supported your home, they can start the process of raising it.
In other cases, the foundation repair service may not lift your home at all. They’ll simply stabilize your home to make sure that it doesn’t sink further.
Each method has its advantages and drawbacks.
Foundation Repair Cost
One of the biggest questions that homeowners usually have is how much a foundation repair will cost. It’s challenging, if not impossible, to assess the cost of a foundation repair without looking at the job. Every home and every repair is different.
However, there are a few common points that contribute to the cost of a foundation repair.
For instance, how easy it is for the repair service to reach the work area will affect the cost of the job. For example, if they must break through the pavement for the fix, the job will cost more.
As previously mentioned, the repair method will also affect repair costs. For instance, full house lifting foundation repair costs will exceed that of simply stabilizing a foundation. Also, there are many more variables to take into account.
As a result, a foundation repair could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. However, this is a very general estimate. The job could end up costing more or less.
Finding Great Foundation Repair Services
Ultimately, your foundation repairs will only be as good as your contractor. The foundation repair process is not easy.
Your chosen service provider will start the job with a consultation. They’ll then need to examine your foundation to see what work they must complete.
You want to choose a contractor you’re comfortable working with throughout the process. Accordingly, you want to do your research before selecting a service provider.
As a homeowner, you never know when you may need more of these services. If you find a service provider that can meet a wide range of needs, it will prove highly beneficial.
Luckily, you’re in the right place to find the best foundation repair service for your needs.
Trust VA’s Foundation Experts
Now you know more about what to consider when looking for foundation repair services. Now all you need is the best foundation experts in Virginia.
Crawl space and foundation repair is a serious matter. If you have any concerns about your home’s crawlspace or foundation, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair.
We’re foundation experts. You deserve to live in a home that doesn’t have any issues. Let us help by providing expert advice and quality workmanship at a fair price.
Call BAY Crawl Space & Foundation Repair today at (757) 460-0444, or connect with us online for a free estimate.
