Foundation Repair Tips That You Need to Know

The structural integrity of your home is determined by the strength of your foundation. This is because the foundation is the load-bearing portion of the structure. It supports everything else such as roof, doorways, floors, windows, walls. Without a good foundation, your home will be in big trouble.

Your home’s foundation, like most things in life, is subject to environmental stress. Inadequate drainage, excessive moisture, and bad soil conditions are some common elements that pose a danger to your foundation.

Over time, these stressors can make your foundation settle, crack or shift unevenly. Oftentimes, homeowners fail to address these issues early on leading to costly repairs.

Signs of Foundation Damage

• Counters and cabinets separating from the wall

If you have noticed countertops and cabinets separating from the wall, it might be a sign of a foundation problem.

• Sagging or uneven floors

If you have noticed that your floors are out of level or appear to be sagging, dipping or bowing, this could indicate trouble.

• Doors that stick or don’t open and close properly

This is often a sign of foundation problem. Exterior doors with foundation issues are more likely to drag at the threshold or hang down at the top and appear uneven.

• Foundation upheaval

If your slab foundation has moved in an upward direction, it is experiencing foundation upheaval.

• Foundation settling or sinking

If your house or other structure appears to be sinking or having settlement issues, have it checked out.

• Cracks in the foundation, walls, or floors

Gaps in a structure’s foundation are a common sign of a foundation problem.

Foundation Inspections

Regularly inspecting your home’s foundation is key. It will help you spot issues early and fix them before they become expensive. Since foundation problems remain hidden unless inspected by a professional, it usually means the smaller issues turn into bigger issues.

The issues will only get worse if these will be left unattended. Fixing these can cost you an arm and a leg. As such, when it comes to foundation problems, the secret is to fix them as soon as they appear.

Keep in mind that damage to your home’s foundation can also lead to other structural damages. If your home’s foundation is sagging or cracking, other areas of your home could also start experiencing problems as well.

For example, doors may fail to close or open properly. Walls may begin to crack. In addition, floors may become uneven. If you wait longer to get the problem fixed, you may also have to fix the trim, reinforce joists shave doors as well as replace the drywall.

A professional foundation repair procedure usually entails performing specific tasks such as:

• Taking measurements to determine how out of level your foundation is
• Observing the condition of your piers, beams, and joists
• Checking walls and floors for damage
• Looking for cracks in the foundation

By hiring a professional, you are certain of a thorough inspection. Here are good questions to ask when hiring a foundation repair contractor:

• “Do you have references and testimonials?”

Don’t hire a contractor who cannot put you in touch with previous customers.

• “How many foundation repairs have you completed?”

When it comes to fixing your home’s foundation, experience matters.

• “Do you offer a foundation repair warranty?”

Nearly all home slab foundation repairs come with a form of warranty.

• “Are you licensed and insured in my state?”

Technically speaking, licensing and insurance are mandatory for foundation repair contractors in states like Texas.

• “Do I even need foundation repairs?”

In some cases, your foundation could just be undergoing normal settling. In such cases, no repairs are necessary.

Foundation Repair Costs

• Cracks

You will know that you have a foundation problem when cracks are wider than 1/8". This can be because of foundation upheaval or settling. Fixing foundation cracks will cost you anywhere between $200 and $900.

Not all cracks are created equal, though. Those that don’t have any impact on the structure can easily be fixed. However, it always pays to have them inspected.

• Sinking or settling

Foundation settling or sinking is a serious issue. It is caused by the movement and shifting of the soil beneath your home. Failure to address the issue may lead to further instability and damage.

To know if your home has this problem, you need to have leaks and cracks professionally assessed. The solution involves leveling the foundation. This will cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $3,500.

• Leaks

If not addressed early, foundation leaks can escalate into full-blown flooding. In addition, slab leaks create unstable soil conditions over time that cause foundation shifts.

To fix this issue, you will need to consult an expert about techniques on waterproofing. They will likely advise that your foundation be sealed. To achieve this, the experts will dig around your foundation, install new tile drains and use cement to fill the cracks. This process will run you between $2,000 and $6,000.

A sound foundation is the key to the structural integrity of your home. As such, you must do everything to protect it. This essentially means ensuring it is regularly inspected for signs of damage.