Foundation Repair

How do you know whether brick cracks are normal or whether it is a sign that the house is sinking into the earth?

Foundation issues can ruin a house if left untreated, and they need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

If there’s any weakness in the foundation, the damage will eventually work its way up, so it’s best to identify issues and schedule a foundation repair as soon as possible.

6 Signs Your Foundation Needs Repairs

Sometimes only a professional knows whether or not there’s a problem with the foundation that needs to be addressed right away.

There are six critical signs you can look for that may signal it’s time to call for a foundation repair.

1. Sagging/Sinking Foundation – One of the most serious signs that your foundation needs repairs is when you notice that one side of your home becomes lower than others. This is referred to as sinking or sagging. It may feel like the foundation is settling but is an issue that requires immediate attention and cannot be left unattended.

2. Inside Wall Cracks – Most vertical cracks inside the home are considered normal and are not cause for alarm. However, if you notice diagonal cracks on your walls, then you may be in trouble. These cracks may indicate some type of instability and you need to call us immediately.

3. Exterior Cracks – Small cracks on the outside of your home, especially on stairs or walls are not a cause for concern. However, any type of zig-zag crack is not normal settling and you should assume that something is not right with your foundation.

4. Uneven Floors – Keep in mind that even houses that are structurally sound may have uneven floors, but if you’re concerned use this test: If the floor slopes more than one or two inches over a distance of 15 feet, it might be time to call for a professional inspection.

5. Structures Separating From the Walls – When any structures have detached from the walls, you likely have a foundation problem. Even minor gaps between things that were previously securely attached may indicate issues with the foundation that requires attention from a foundation repair company.

6. Musty Odors – If you detect a strong, unpleasant odor in your basement, it could indicate a mildew issue. Mildew can be completely hidden in small cracks caused when moisture seeps into the foundation. This can ultimately lead to the rotting of the foundation beams, and if left unchecked, can lead to more significant and costly issues.

7 Solutions for Your Foundation

While the mere mention of foundation issues is enough to make any homeowner panic, there are several solutions available.

Our superior engineering technology combined with expert craftsmanship provides safety and security to even the most serious foundation problems.

1. Helical Pier System – Helical piers, (also known as helical piles, helical anchors, screw piers, or screw anchors) all use torque to provide maximum support to your home’s foundation. These piers transfer the weight of your home from a sinking foundation to its strong underpinning, relying on torque instead of resistance for pressure and stability. This makes them suitable for use in new construction applications, where soil stability may be uncertain. Concrete can be poured on top for immediate stability.

2. Waler Wall Support System – The Waler Wall Support System includes three components and is most commonly used when the stability of your basement wall is threatened by excessive pressure from outside soil.

• Vertical Supports – Depending on the construction of your basement, steel vertical supports can be installed horizontally, vertically, or both. Horizontal supports are often ideal for wood basements, while block construction may require only vertical supports or a combination of both. Properly installed, these supports enhance the stability and strength of your basement wall.
• Top-Mounting Plates – The vertical supports are attached to the top, middle, and bottom of your wall. Mounting plates are securely fastened to wood joists at the top to prevent lateral movement of the vertical supports.
• Base Plate – At the bottom, the vertical supports are fastened securely by bolting the base plate to your floor, which is usually made of concrete in most basements.

3. Anchor Rods and Earth Plates – Anchor rods and earth plates work together to support the middle section of your vertical or horizontal supports. This is often the most challenging part of stabilizing your basement walls. The earth plate is connected to a metal rod, which is then attached to the middle of the vertical or horizontal supports. This system provides resistance to counteract the inward pressure against the wall, effectively stabilizing your walls.

4. Wall Anchor System – If you have bowing walls, a wall anchor system might be the best option. Typical installation involves removing sod or grass, digging a hole, attaching the earth plate and wall plate to the steel rod, torquing, and seating the anchor.

5. Rhino Carbon Fiber Wall Support System – The Rhino Carbon Fiber Wall Support System is the only patented carbon fiber system that provides complete protection by tying in the footer, wall, and sill plate, and repairing cracks in the foundation wall while preventing water from entering. Additionally, the Rhino carbon fiber wall support system is quick to install and capable of repairing the outside corners of foundation walls and preventing future cracks.

6. Concrete Crack Repair System – Foundation cracks are a common issue that can cause serious problems if left untreated. This low-pressure injection fills the cracks with foam to prevent water seepage and structural deficiencies. The foam reacts with water to form a barrier that repels water and fills the void. This method is effective for any non-structural cracks less than a quarter inch wide and either vertical or diagonal.

7. Crawl Space Stabilizers – The Crawl Space Stabilizer supports crawl spaces with sagging floor joists and beams. This system uses a low-profile, high-strength polymer concrete PolyBase to provide optimal stability and support for sagging floors.

4 Benefits of A Strong Foundation

The foundation is responsible for supporting and stabilizing the entire structure of your home. The importance of a strong foundation cannot be overstated. It is, quite literally, protecting your entire investment.

1. Keeps your home safe from flooding and property damage – Foundation issues can often lead to other problems, such as plumbing and flooding in your basement. Avoid compounding issues by taking proactive measures for foundation repair.

2. Saves time and money on foundation repairs – Foundation damage can cause severe harm to other parts of your home, including interior walls and ceilings. Addressing foundation damage early, saves significant time and money while protecting your home.

3. Brings you comfort and peace of mind – Uneven floors can make you feel unsteady when walking and cause doors and windows to stick because of the house’s shifting and settling. Addressing these minor problems early on can eliminate these annoyances, allowing you to enjoy your home without any inconvenience.

4. Boost your property value – If you’re considering selling your home, any foundation issues will be quickly revealed during the inspection process. Potential buyers often negotiate a reduced price or may walk away from the deal completely. Foundation repair can increase your home’s value, and buyers may actually be willing to pay more knowing the foundation has extra support.

Crossroads Foundation Repair offers foundation repair in several cities throughout Indiana, including Bloomington, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie, Richmond, South Bend, and Terre Haute.

FAQs about Foundation Repair

Why Choose Crossroads

• All American-Made Products – It is important to us to support our local economy and choose products that meet the highest industry standards. That’s why everything we use is made right here in the United States.
• No Scare Tactics – We believe in empowering our customers, not intimidating them. We educate you on your options and provide professional suggestions while allowing the homeowner to stay in control every step of the way.
• We Don’t Redo Jobs – Because our standard of work is higher than most, our repairs last longer and don’t ever need to be redone. Of course, we provide the industry’s best lifetime guarantee anyway – but we promise you won’t need it.

Protect Your Foundation

Crawl space repair is a vital aspect of maintaining the structural integrity and health of your home. It helps to prevent moisture-related issues, such as mold growth and wood rot, which can lead to costly repairs and pose health risks to occupants.

By addressing problems in the crawl space, you can also improve the energy efficiency of your home, resulting in lower utility bills.

Keeping up with your crawl space can ultimately enhance the safety, comfort, and value of your home, making it a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.

If your crawl space needs some attention, give us a call today.