Why Foundation Repair Is Best Left to the Professionals

Foundation Repair Plano is a serious task best left to professionals with the right tools and expertise. Trying to fix it yourself can lead to a lot of headaches and potentially even worse damage.

Detecting and fixing small issues early can save homeowners from major problems down the road. Correcting drainage around the home can help prevent soil erosion and excessive moisture accumulation, which contributes to foundation issues.

Many homeowners react to foundation cracks in one of two ways: they either panic that the structure is no longer safe, or they shrug them off as a normal part of the settling process. The truth is, most cracks in a foundation aren’t immediately dangerous and can be repaired with relative ease. In fact, if they are repaired quickly they can prevent future problems from occurring and save the homeowner money in the long run.

The most common type of foundation crack is the hairline crack that appears during the concrete curing process. These cracks are typically not a cause for alarm and are often filled with sealants, which can help to cut down on radon gas leaks. However, the cracks will continue to grow and should be checked regularly for changes.

Cracks that are widened and damp are another sign of a problem, and should be addressed immediately. These types of gaps can lead to moisture infiltration and should be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane injection. If left untreated, this type of gap can lead to mold growth, wood rot and other serious structural issues.

Gaps that are wide and running horizontally are a bigger concern, as they can indicate soil pressure or hydrostatic pressure that is pushing against the walls of the foundation. If you notice these types of gaps, call in a professional for an evaluation as they may require carbon fiber repair methods, such as helical anchors, to stabilize the foundation.

The last type of foundation crack to watch for is a crack that shows signs of deflection, as this can indicate an issue with the foundation’s load bearing capacity. This may require a foundation underpinning retrofit, sister foundation installation or caisson box installation to address.

If you are noticing any of the above types of cracks, or the cracks worsen over time, it is important to contact a professional for a foundation inspection. This can include a thorough evaluation of the damage, and recommend appropriate solutions such as waterproofing, carbon fiber repair methods or push piers to stabilize the structure and restore stability.

Water Invasion

When water gets into a foundation it can damage the structure, but it also leads to a variety of other complications. Moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can cause musty odors throughout your home or business. Mold spores can also irritate your lungs, which is why it’s important to address any damp areas as soon as you notice them. The longer the area remains moist, the more serious the damage will be and the more expensive it will be to repair.

Water intrusion may be caused by leaks in plumbing, extreme weather, and basement flooding. It can also be caused by faulty construction or landscaping, such as poorly designed rain gutters or improper grading.

Concrete is a porous material, so it’s easy for water to find its way through cracks or gaps in the walls. If there are no barriers, such as a brick wall or concrete patio, water can seep through the foundation and into the house. If it’s not stopped immediately, this moisture will erode the concrete and cause further problems, such as structural damage, heaving, and shifting of the foundation.

Moisture that enters the foundation is a huge problem because it causes the soil to expand and exert pressure on the foundation. This pressure can lead to cracking and bowing of the foundation, which then leads to more costly repairs.

Expansive soils like clay are very susceptible to water penetration because they swell when they soak up moisture. This expansion puts pressure on the foundation and can result in a number of problems, including cracks and gaps in the walls and floors.

A number of different measures can be taken to prevent moisture from entering the foundation and causing these problems. These include interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers, which can be effective if used in conjunction with exterior waterproofing solutions.

Structural Damage

When it comes to structural damage, it’s important to hire a professional foundation repair contractor. Significant structural cracks, wall tilting and leaning, and sinking floors can indicate major problems. Foundation professionals use methods such as house leveling and foundation stabilization to repair these issues before they cause further damage.

A qualified structural repair expert will also perform a thorough evaluation of the home’s foundation and surrounding soil. This allows the technician to determine the severity of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method. Structural cracks are more than just an eyesore; they often mask serious problems, such as soil shifting beneath the foundation. When left untreated, these problems can lead to uneven support for the foundation, leading to further cracking and structural damage.

The best way to prevent these structural problems is through regular maintenance and monitoring. Frequent inspections can catch small problems before they become serious and allow for more efficient repairs. Proper drainage is another crucial component of maintaining a structurally sound foundation. Gutters should be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure water is flowing away from the foundation and soil grade should be checked and adjusted as needed.

Cracks that run diagonally along the mortar joints are usually caused by water pressure. This can be relieved by installing a sump pump with interior perforated piping or regrading the soil around the foundation. Structural cracks that run horizontally across the foundation are caused by shifting soil. In some cases, this can be remedied by installing a foundation pier. In other cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace the affected section of the foundation.

Structural problems can be complicated and difficult to resolve. However, the right structural repair solution can help keep your family safe and your home stable for years to come. Be sure to consult a licensed and insured foundation repair specialist for a detailed evaluation of your foundation and advice on the most effective solution. Make sure the company you choose is experienced and has a strong track record of customer satisfaction. Ensure that they are licensed and insured and that their work is guaranteed.

Deterioration

As time passes, even well-maintained foundations can experience deterioration. This is most often caused by soil movement, but it can also be the result of improper construction, plumbing leaks, or water damage from flooding or storms. Whatever the cause, it’s a major concern and one that must be addressed as quickly as possible to prevent the problems from getting worse and threatening your home’s structural integrity and safety.

Stair-step cracks, horizontal or diagonal cracking, and concrete spalling are all signs of deterioration that require immediate attention. The latter occurs when the steel reinforcing bars within concrete begin to corrode, leading to the surface crumbling away. While some cracking of this kind can be normal settling, it’s important to have any deterioration repaired as soon as possible to avoid future issues.

In addition to the signs listed above, other indicators of potential foundation problems include a musty odor in basements or crawl spaces, misaligned doors or windows, and sloping floors. These symptoms indicate that your home’s foundation is shifting or settling, which requires immediate attention to prevent further damage and protect the value of your largest investment.

Crumbling concrete is not only a safety issue, but it can also affect your home’s appearance and deter prospective buyers from making an offer. This is because physical deterioration of a property’s structure can lead to functional obsolescence, meaning that buyers are hesitant to purchase it due to the risk that they may need to spend additional money on repairs.

Although many people attempt DIY fixes to foundation issues, this is a job that requires the expertise of a professional. A foundation repair expert will be able to identify the source of your problem, recommend the correct solution, and perform the necessary repairs to restore your foundation to 100% integrity. This is the safest and most effective way to handle any issues related to your foundation. Contact a local foundation repair specialist today to schedule an inspection of your home. We look forward to the opportunity to help you safeguard your home and preserve its value.