Foundation repair can be expensive. That’s why homeowners should always compare estimates from different companies before signing a contract.

Early signs of damage can include cracks in walls and sagging floors. These are often caused by settling and soil movement. Visit Website to learn more.

The good news is that it’s usually easier and cheaper to fix these issues before they become severe.

Cracks in foundation walls are the most common indication that it’s time to seek professional help. They can be dangerous if they are wide enough to allow water in or if they cause bowing of the foundation wall, but they can also simply indicate that the soil is moving around the foundation more than it should. Some cracks may be structural and others non-structural, but they can all be caused by different things and may require a different approach for repair.

The best way to determine whether or not a crack is a structural one is to measure the width of it. Cracks less than 1/10 of an inch are usually non-structural and result from concrete shrinkage shortly after the foundation is poured. They do not pose any immediate threat to the foundation but may eventually lead to water leaks that can damage the basement and produce mold and mildew.

If a crack is between 1/10 and 1/4 of an inch, it’s usually not structural and can be filled with epoxy caulking kits sold at home renovation stores. These products are easy to use and can be used for a long time. Cracks that are wider than this, however, are probably structural and should be professionally repaired by a foundation contractor with injection ports (see image below). This method uses specialized epoxy that is both stronger than traditional caulking and more flexible so the crack will not reopen if there is further movement in the foundation.

Unless you see water seeping through the crack, it’s likely not a structural problem and can be fixed by a good coat of paint. If you do see water, however, it should be sealed and directed away from the foundation. This can be done by installing gutters and downspouts and by grading the ground slope away from the house to keep water from pooling at the foundation. This will also reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in basements and crawl spaces. These types of non-structural cracks can be easily repaired by a professional. Regardless of the size, type or location of the crack, all of these should be repaired and monitored closely so that any underlying issues can be identified and resolved as quickly as possible to avoid further problems.

Water Penetration

While concrete may look impenetrable, it’s actually quite porous. This allows groundwater to seep into and saturate the soil around your foundation, creating an overabundance of pressure against your foundation walls. This pressure is called hydrostatic, and it can cause your foundation to crack over time.

A wet basement and wet walls are a sure sign of a problem with your home’s foundation. If left untreated, the cracks in your foundation can become more severe. Water can also be a conduit for harmful toxins, such as radon gas. Radon gas is an invisible, colorless and odorless gas that can accumulate in your basement or crawl space. If it is trapped, it can cause health problems for your family.

Depending on the cause of your wet foundation, there are several ways to repair it. Some of these repairs are very simple, such as installing drain tile in your foundation footings to prevent water build-up. Other solutions, like installing a sump pump and french drains, can be more involved. You should always hire a professional to complete any foundation water damage repair work.

Another important consideration is to seal any cracks in your foundation. This can be done from the inside or outside of your home, but both methods are equally effective. If you decide to do this yourself, make sure to choose a high quality product and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a reputable company is the best way to ensure that your cracks are repaired properly.

When a contractor is working on your foundation, it’s important to take precautions to protect your landscaping, pets and other possessions. You should also ask for references and reviews from past clients before hiring them. A company with a proven track record is the best option, as they will be more likely to provide you with great service and a warranty on their work.

If you have any concerns about your home’s foundation, call the experts at Acculevel for a free inspection. We’ll help you determine what kind of repairs are needed to restore the integrity of your foundation. We can even recommend a qualified foundation repair specialist in your area.

Structural Issues

Sometimes, structural issues arise that are more severe than cracks or leaking water. This type of foundation problem usually has an underlying cause, such as soil movement, hydrostatic pressure or poor water drainage. If the issue isn’t addressed, it can lead to more serious structural problems for the home.

For example, if your floor joists have started shifting and sagging, this could cause gaps to develop under the baseboards. While these gaps aren’t as easy to fix as a cracked or leaking wall, they’re still an indicator that there is a major issue that needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to the house.

Another common structural issue is bowing walls. These are a sign that the foundation has begun to sink. Once again, this is an issue that can be fixed with a system of foundation piers, which will lift the foundation back into place. Whether you have a crooked chimney, a bowed wall or sagging floors, a professional will be able to design a solution that’ll stabilize your home.

Keeping an eye out for any signs of foundation problems can save homeowners a lot of heartache and money in the long run. Even if the cracks are minor, they should be checked out by a foundation repair professional or a geotechnical engineer to determine if they’re serious or not.

If you’re thinking of selling your home, it’s best to address any issues as soon as possible before putting it on the market. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the line and ensure that your buyers feel confident making an offer.

Some foundation repairs are more costly than others, but catching issues early is always a good idea. Having a professional inspect your foundation can help you decide what steps to take to repair it and how much it will cost. It’s also a great way to put your mind at rest so that you can focus on getting your home ready to sell. To get started, connect with a top agent near you to learn how much your home is worth and to get expert advice on what repairs to make before listing.

Underpinning

Foundation underpinning is a permanent solution to shifting soils that cause your house to sink into the ground. It involves extending the footings of your foundation so that the weight load is evenly distributed across a wider area. This can be a complicated process that requires a professional, but once it is complete, you will find that your foundation is stable and that the damage to your home has been reversed.

Shifting soils are a common issue for homeowners, but this problem can be minimized by grading soil away from the structure and considering a drainage system. However, even these measures aren’t always enough, especially when clay soils shift more readily than loamy and sandy ones. This shift can leave parts of your foundation without the support they need, leaving you with cracks and un-level surfaces in your house.

The most effective way to fix this is by underpinning your foundation with steel piers, which are driven down to load-bearing competent soil and act like underground stilts to keep the structure secure against shifting soils. These are a much more durable solution than mudjacking or polyurethane injections, which both pump a semi-liquid/semi-solid material under the foundation to raise and stabilize it.

Other foundation repair methods include the use of concrete piers, which are installed under the existing footings. This method can be used to extend the footings, but it can also be used to create a foundation if your footings aren’t strong enough for the building. This is a more advanced and expensive option, but it’s a good choice when you want to make sure that your new foundation will be able to stand up to any issues you might have in the future. Using concrete piers can also help to correct slope failure, as the piers can be driven into the earth to hold it securely in place. This is a great choice when you are dealing with erosion or landslides, but it’s important to have an expert assess your site before deciding on the best solution. A reputable company should be able to provide you with a full survey and recommendations for the repairs that you require.