Essential Foundation Repair Services for Your Home

The structural integrity of any building is crucial to maintaining the health and safety of a building. Foundation problems that develop over time can cause serious issues for building owners. This blog will provide insight into common foundation repair problems and services offered by professional repair companies.

Common Foundation Repair Services

Here are some common types of foundation issues, along with effective repair solutions.

1.   Bowed Walls

• ‍Causes: Bowed walls happen when water accumulates in the soil, causing hydrostatic pressure on the walls. Other causes include improper drainage or inadequate waterproofing. The soil beneath the walls expands and contracts, but this process repeats quite often, leading to such problems.  ‍
• Repair Options: Boing walls can be repaired using two methods such as wall anchors. Carbon fiber strips are also used to strengthen the walls and prevent them from further cracking. Wall braces can also help provide stabilization. Early repairs can prevent you from having to replace a wall entirely.     

2.   Settlement

• ‍Causes: The foundation gradually sinks because of the soil beneath it. The soil compresses, resulting in settlement. Other causes may include the expansion of soil, poor drainage systems, roots of large trees growing near the foundation, and soil erosion.
• ‍Repair Options: Foundation settlement can lead to multiple other issues, including bowing walls, stuck doors, uneven floors, and cracks in the walls. Piering, also known as underpinning, includes installing steel piers deep into the ground. The basic purpose is to lift the foundation to return it to its original level.

3.   Wall Cracks

• ‍Causes: It may seem like a small issue, but it also requires proper attention to be identified and treated promptly. Different types of cracks can result from different causes. Horizontal cracks require attention as they run parallel to the ground and are due to the lateral pressure of soil. Next come diagonal cracks, which are often seen in poured concrete walls. Poor drainage or soil movement are common causes of such cracks.   ‍
• Repair Options: A professional foundation repair company offers multiple solutions according to the nature of the crack. The type of foundation also plays a crucial role. The team will efficiently seal the cracks and prevent further damage. Carbon fiber repair is another method that is adopted in severe cases. These strips are applied on the internal sides of the walls with the help of strong adhesive. It prevents the cracks from growing further.

Factors Influencing Foundation Repair Costs

Some of the factors that influence repair costs include the type of foundation, the severity of the damage, geographic location, and soil conditions. The costs increase depending on the urgency of the repair, but it is always recommended to get early repairs to avoid any consequential damage in the long run. It is also recommended to consult multiple repair contractors to get different quotes and choose the best one.         

Protect Your Foundation

Regularly inspecting your foundation is the best way to save money and protect your home. Even small issues can escalate into more expensive ones, so do not ignore small shifts or cracks throughout your home. If you are concerned about the health of your foundation, hire a professional foundation repair company. They will help you protect the health and safety of your home long term.