foundation repair

Foundation repair is often necessary for older homes and commercial structures that have suffered tremendous water damage. Water damage can lead to the gradual deterioration of the system and foundation of your home. Unfortunately, without immediate foundation repair, your home will quickly become susceptible to further water damage, which could ultimately result in the total collapse of the foundation. Luckily, there are several ways to remedy any foundation problems so that you can avoid the need for foundation repair. Foundation repair is usually necessary when there is significant water infiltration or when subsidence has occurred.

Many commercial property owners are unaware that basement leakages can often be a severe threat to their structural integrity and even the foundation of their buildings. Deterioration of the foundation can often be avoided through proper house foundation repair and inspection. Underground water pressure may often lead to the formation of cracks or other water problems in the soil surrounding the house. The exterior concrete walls of a house often act as a strong barrier against outside groundwater. Unfortunately, these concrete walls can weaken with time, exposing the soil beneath to potential moisture damage. Damp climates may cause foundation damage, especially if the surrounding area experiences high humidity levels.

If your basement water leakage is not a one-time problem but continues over the years, your home may need to undergo foundation repair. Unfortunately, most house foundation repair costs will depend on how extensive the damage is. A minor leak that seeps just a few inches under the floor may only require the replacement of a few shingles. However, more extensive repairs involving the replacement of concrete slabs or beams and extensive waterproofing and restoration of surrounding materials may be necessary.

Generally, foundation repairs are best left to the expertise and experience of a structural engineer. These engineers will typically be required to inspect your home after receiving a referral from your local building code inspectors. Once inspecting the property, the structural engineer will then discuss the options available to correct the foundation problems.

While several options are available for repairing foundation trouble, many homeowners opt to repair the damage themselves. If cracks or gaps pose a safety or structural concern, it can often resolve them with patching of the crack. Most times, patching cracks will involve adding an overcoat of sealant or putty to the area. If large holes or cracks are present, it is often necessary to remove the shingles to make it possible to access the underlying support structure and fill the crack with concrete or block. In larger structures, such as walls or roofs, it may be necessary to remove the entire roof so that the cracks can be repaired. In all cases, when foundation repair becomes necessary, contact a professional foundation repair contractor.

Homeowners may attempt to repair a foundation problem independently, but doing so without expert advice can cause significant damage to the home. Not only could this result in further cracks and gaps developing, but in some cases, the damage caused by attempting to fix the foundation problem without professional assistance could even cause the structure to fall. Not only is this not a risk worth taking, but doing so without any insurance could result in personal financial hardship on the homeowner. Typically, homeowners will contact a foundation repair company for an estimate before deciding whether to repair the foundation problem. If there is not enough evidence to indicate that a foundation repair is needed, a homeowner may fix the issues themselves. However, homeowners should be cautious about their route, as even simple maintenance could lead to a need for structural foundation repairs.

Foundation cracks and gaps that develop without additional evidence can often be solved quite easily using DIY methods. Drains, sump pumps, and backfill materials can all be purchased at local hardware or home improvement store. In many cases, these basic repairs can be completed in just a matter of hours, and in many cases, the homeowner does not even have to make a trip to the local foundation repair shop. However, some homeowners who are not comfortable making such extensive repairs may opt to call in a reputable contractor to complete the repairs.

A well-trained Foundation Repair technician can use precise techniques to repair many different foundation problems. Contractors will generally start by inspecting the home’s exterior, including any cracks in the siding and fascia boards. In most cases, cracks in the exterior of a house are easy to repair with concrete piers. In cases involving more serious structural damage, concrete piers will usually need to be used and other tools and materials to completely repair the damage. Once repairs are made to all exterior walls and areas, contractors will fill any voids with new materials to ensure that nothing becomes compromised.