The foundation is the bedrock upon which your home stands and its structural integrity is crucial for your property’s stability. By understanding the importance of foundation repair, you can ensure the long-term health of your beloved home.

What Is Foundation Repair?

Over time, foundations can experience problems due to various factors, including soil movement, water damage, or construction-related issues.

Addressing any foundation damage in a building’s foundation is necessary to prevent further deterioration.

Foundation repair is the process of addressing structural issues within a building’s foundation to maintain the integrity of your home and to ensure it remains a safe and stable living environment.

Foundation repair is the process of addressing structural issues to keep your home safe and stable.

Types of Foundation Repairs

Advancements in engineering have provided several effective methods for foundation repairs, each tailored to specific needs.

Long-term or Permanent Foundation Repairs

  • Helical Piers – Helical piers, also known as screw piles or helical anchors, are foundation repair elements with helical blades attached to a steel shaft. These piers are screwed deep into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil or bedrock. This provides stability and support in weak or shifting soil.
  • Concrete Piers – Concrete piers, alternatively referred to as push piers or resistance piers, enjoy widespread use in foundation repair owing to their dependable and robust nature. The procedure entails the insertion of interlocking steel tubes into secure soil or bedrock beneath the foundation. Subsequently, the structure’s weight is shifted onto these concrete piers, furnishing essential support and thwarting additional settlement. This method proves effective across diverse soil types, and its installation is relatively unobtrusive.
  • Concrete Piles – Concrete piles, alternatively referred to as concrete cylinders or drilled concrete piers, are sturdy foundation components that are either drilled or driven extensively into the ground. These piles establish a stable foundation capable of bearing both vertical and lateral loads. Their role is to evenly distribute the entire weight of the building, ensuring dependable support. A key distinction between concrete pillars and concrete piles lies in their construction method: pillars are built above the ground, whereas piles are excavated into the ground. However, both methods offer reliable structural support.

Temporary Foundation Repairs

These methods are frequently applicable for minor foundation concerns, such as small cracks resulting from minor settlement or shrinkage. They also prove effective when employed as a preventative measure to halt the progression of cracks and avert potential water-related issues in the future.

  • Sealing Cracks – Sealing cracks is a foundation repair technique that involves the filling and sealing of fissures and gaps in the foundation. This method is primarily used for preventative maintenance and minor repairs. A professional contractor may use materials like hydraulic cement, polyurethane foam, or other sealants to prevent water intrusion, stabilize the foundation, and extend its lifespan.
  • Shimming – Shimming is used to raise and support areas of the foundation that have settled or sunk. By inserting shims beneath the affected areas, the foundation is lifted and leveled to its original position. Shims are typically made of steel, wood, or composite materials. This method essentially provides a secondary foundation in areas with weak or settled soils.
  • Concrete Leveling – Concrete leveling, also known as mud-jacking, is a foundation repair method that involves lifting and leveling sunken concrete slabs. It is typically used for concrete slab foundations, such as those found in homes and some commercial buildings. During the slab-jacking process, a mixture of concrete, sand, and cement is injected beneath sunken concrete slabs through strategically placed holes. The mixture fills voids and raises the slabs to their original position.

6 Signs You Need Foundation Repair

Recognizing the signs that your home may require foundation repair is crucial to preventing further damage and maintaining the structural integrity of your property.

Going for foundation repair can save your home from more serious damage.

  1. Exterior Wall Cracks: When the foundation undergoes shifts, it can lead to visible cracks in exterior materials, serving as a noticeable warning sign that should not be overlooked. While small, hairline cracks in exterior walls or siding are ordinary and may not necessarily imply serious issues, specific characteristics such as zigzag patterns, sizable cracks, or the foundation protruding outward can be indicative of more significant problems.
  2. Interior Wall Cracks: While not all cracks in interior walls are a cause for concern, some can be indicative of foundation settlement or movement. Pay special attention to horizontal or diagonal cracks, especially those wider than 1/4 inch, which may serve as serious warning signs of potential foundation issues.
  3. Mildew Smell: Mold or mildew odors in your home can stem from various sources, and they aren’t always a direct result of foundation problems. However, if you consistently notice a mildew smell in your basement or crawl space, it could be attributed to moisture seeping through small cracks in the foundation. This moisture can create a problematic cycle, leading to further deterioration and attracting unwanted pests.
  4. Warped or Cracked Siding: Any problems with your siding can very quickly lead to problems with moisture and pests, compounding the issue. Keep an eye out for gaps between siding planks or spaces between the siding and window or door frames. These signs may indicate a shifting of the foundation.
  5. Bouncing Floors: Floors that are visibly uneven, sagging, or bouncing when you walk suggest foundation problems. Bouncing is typically more common in homes with crawl spaces. This floor movement may indicate that the foundation has settled or that the structural beams underneath are compromised.
  6. Problems with Cabinets, Counters, Windows, or Doors: These areas of the home rely on a strong and level foundation. Any type of doors that are difficult to close, cabinets that randomly swing open, or gaps between window and door frames, may be a sign of foundation issues.

Cost of Foundation Repairs

Foundation repair costs generally range from $2,500 to $25,000 with the national average for foundation repair sitting somewhere in the middle.

The overall costs vary depending on factors such as the extent of the damage, the type of foundation, and the specific repair methods required for your home.

It’s essential to consult with reputable foundation repair professionals to assess your specific situation and provide a detailed estimate tailored to your needs.

Getting multiple quotes from different contractors will allow you to compare costs and services, helping you make an informed decision about your foundation repair project.

FAQs about Foundation Repair

Lower temperatures can exacerbate existing foundation issues, bringing attention to necessary repairs. Generally, the winter months reveal expanding cracks or uneven floors, providing a clear indication of areas that require attention. Additionally, this season is opportune for repairs, as other facets of construction experience reduced activity, facilitating easier scheduling and prompt completion of foundation repairs.

In many cases, homeowner’s insurance does not cover foundation repairs if the damage is due to normal wear and tear. However, coverage may apply if the damage is sudden and accidental, such as from a plumbing leak. It’s essential to check your policy and consult with your insurance provider.

Concrete foundations typically have a lifespan of around 80 to 100 years. Crawl space foundations last around 20-30 years. A well-built basement can last for over a century.

Shoring Up Your Home with Effective Foundation Repair Strategies

Foundation repair is essential for maintaining the stability and safety of your home or building.

By addressing foundation problems promptly and selecting the right repair technique, you can ensure that your structure remains structurally sound and safe for years to come.

Consult with experienced foundation repair professionals who can assess the condition of your foundation, recommend the most suitable method, and provide an accurate cost estimate. Call Crossroads today!