Home foundation repair is necessary when a house's foundation is weakened by water, shifting soils, or other issues. The repairs can be minor or extensive. If the repairs involve removing a section of the foundation, it can be very expensive.
A house's foundation is typically made from a combination of brick, concrete, and wood. When the home's foundation is weakened, it can cause structural damage to other parts of the house.
The most common signs of a foundation problem are cracks, gaping around windows and doors, and uneven floors. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including changing weather conditions, erosion, and nearby tree roots.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to call a professional. They will be able to spot problems and recommend the best solution for you.
Walls that are sagging, falling apart, or warped can also be an indicator of foundation damage. They may appear to sag at the corners, or they could have a pronounced dip in them that is causing stair-step cracks in the drywall.
Window and door frames that are gaping and misaligned can also be an indication of foundation movement. They may not stay home foundation repair, or double doors may have gaps where they join the frame.
Molding can pull away from the ceiling and walls, or it might even separate completely. This is another sign that the foundation has shifted, and it can make it difficult to walk through rooms.
When a homeowner notices any of these symptoms, they should call a professional to see what needs to be done. The experts can help you decide what is most important to fix, and they can give you a price estimate.
The average cost of foundation repairs is based on the extent of the issue and the type of repair needed. Some foundation issues require additional services, like a soil report or structural engineer report.
If you're planning to sell your home, the condition of your foundation will influence how much you can ask for it. You should have your foundation inspected by a qualified foundation contractor or structural engineer before making an offer on the property.
You can get a free, no-obligation estimate from a local foundation expert near you.
Most homeowners do not have the skills to assess and repair foundation damage on their own. The best way to protect your home's foundation is to do preventative maintenance, such as regularly inspecting and monitoring cracks.
While some cracks can be fixed with epoxy or other sealants, larger cracks need to be inspected by a professional. If they're wider than a half-inch, you should have them repaired immediately by a foundation repair contractor.
Horizontal cracks in a brick foundation can be an indicator of significant foundation movement. While small vertical cracks are not typically a problem, horizontal cracks of more than 15mm are usually a red flag that there is an underlying issue.
It's easy to overlook the smallest issues when they're first appearing, but these problems can quickly grow and become serious. It's critical to address these problems before they become costly and make your home uninhabitable.