Foundation sill plates as part of a home.

Foundation sills secure to the foundation of any house. They reinforce foundation walls that go into concrete slabs and help to create a solid base for your home’s structure.

What Are Foundation Sills? 

First, homeowners should make sure that their foundation sills are level and withstand the weight of new construction. Then, before moving in, complete any foundation repair and replacement, which are an integral part of your home’s foundation. While many DIY home improvement projects are simple enough to do independently, such as replacing a door, siding, or storm door, foundation repair is usually best left to professionals. Foundation sills need to be built solid and adequately positioned to last for years to come. 

What Is A Sill Plate: Answers from the Experts

Why Is It Important to Repair a Foundation Sill? 

A foundation sill serves as the structural base for your home. It supports the roof and floor of your basement, which can shift over time with changes in humidity and temperature. If this shifts, the foundation sills can also lift and shift, creating uneven pressure against the concrete slab, typically made of poured concrete. Pressure puts undue stress on your home’s structure. Foundation repair will fix problems with cracked, bulging, or leaning foundation sills. It can be replaced or reinforced to hold up better. With a proper foundation repair, you will enjoy a more substantial and more comfortable house than you could have imagined. You can read more about foundation repair services below. 

What Types of Foundation Sills are There? 

There are three types of foundation sills: flat, raised, and hollow. Your foundation sill should have both flat and open spaces. A flat sill is a thick and sturdy slab of concrete that serves as the foundation. It should also have a hollowed area where water will collect during heavy rain or when your soil is wet. Raised sills are more durable than a flat sill. In addition, raised sills help to ensure that your sill is strong enough to support the weight of the roof and ground underneath. When properly positioned, sills can also use the raised section to add extra support to windows and doors.

What are Sill Plates and Why Do They Matter?

How Can I Repair My Foundation Sill? 

Your first step in repairing your foundation sill is to locate the cracked part of the foundation. Usually, you will find a visible crack in the concrete. However, you can also make a small crack disappear in a reinforced sill. Reinforced concrete fills hollow areas in the sill. Make sure that you have these two concrete materials ready before you start. It is best to use reinforcement to make the hole in your sill as straight as possible. You can also set the crack a little bit. Both can help to make your sill stronger.

What Else Does Foundation Repair Have to Offer?

Apart from foundation sill reinforcement, you will need to have a few other materials ready before starting. A concrete mixer can be helpful when it comes to pouring concrete. You will also need a power saw to cut the concrete to the correct size. And a circular saw should also come in handy. To make sure that you can pour concrete that will cure properly, you will need to add cement and water to the concrete mix. How 

Much Will a Foundation Repair Cost? 

Since you will need to do the actual repair work independently, it is impossible to provide a concrete cost for your repair. However, foundation repair contractors can provide you with a ballpark estimate based on your home, areas needing reinforcement, and the material used for the job. Our Crossroads Foundation Repair team will also be able to give you a realistic quote for the project.