Foundation problems can cause your home to stop functioning properly. Uneven floors, sticking doors and windows, and other symptoms can lead to structural damage if left untreated.
Once a contractor has determined the type and extent of your foundation problem, they’ll dig holes directly under your house to install supports. These may be steel piers (known as bell-bottom piers) or concrete pilings. Contact Foundation Repair Greensboro NC for professional help.
Foundation problems can affect every aspect of your home. They can cause cracks in walls and ceilings, a sagging floor, doors that don’t open or close, and other issues that require costly repairs. Foundation damage also increases the likelihood of leaks and can lead to water infiltration that causes mold, mildew, rot, and other serious problems.
It’s important to understand the cost of foundation repair and factor it into your budget before pursuing repairs. A good foundation repair contractor will provide detailed estimates to help you set a realistic budget and ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected costs.
Labor costs are the largest expense in a foundation repair project, and they vary depending on your location and the severity of the problem. Foundation repair professionals typically charge by the hour and can range from $200 to $400 per hour.
Material expenses can also increase the overall cost of your foundation repair. Some materials, like epoxies and sealants, are relatively inexpensive, while other options, such as waterproofing, hydraulic piers, and steel reinforcements, are more expensive. Similarly, foundation repair projects that involve excavation or a complete replacement of the foundation may require permitting and inspection fees, which can add to the total cost of your project.
The geography of your home and its accessibility can also impact the cost of foundation repair. Homes in areas with expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry can experience more foundation issues, and the cost of repairs is often higher than for homes on more stable rocky or sandy soils. Additionally, if the foundation is difficult to access due to landscaping or hardscaping, labor and equipment costs will be higher.
Leaks and other moisture-related problems can dramatically increase the cost of a foundation repair project. Depending on the severity of the issue, it may be necessary to install drainage systems or replace gutters and downspouts. Additionally, a concrete leveling process known as house jacking or mudjacking may be needed to address shifting or sinking of the foundation. This method involves pumping a grout mixture underneath the foundation to float it back into place, and can cost up to $1,600.
Repair Methods
When foundation cracks and shifting soil cause damage to your home, it’s important to seek professional help immediately. If left untreated, these problems will only worsen over time and could lead to more invasive and expensive repairs down the line. Choosing the right repair method will ensure stability, minimize disruption, and safeguard your home for the future.
The best way to choose a foundation repair contractor is to find one with experience and a solid track record. Look for a company that is licensed, insured, and has a history of positive customer reviews. Contractors familiar with local soil and climate conditions will also be able to provide more effective solutions. Gerrior Masonry & Landscaping has over 30 years of experience and is a trusted source for foundation repair in the greater Houston area.
Many homeowners worry that if their foundation is damaged, they’ll have to replace the entire structure. However, in most cases, modern repair methods can restore the original functionality of your home without costly replacement.
A common method is to use concrete slab foundation repair. This approach addresses issues like shifts in the slab and can be less invasive than other options. The only drawback to this solution is that it can take longer to complete due to the excavation required.
Another popular option is to use steel piers to support the foundation of your home. These piers are driven into the ground beneath your foundation and are connected to hydraulic jacks that can lift the house back into place. This method is typically less invasive than other options but may not be as stable as a concrete slab foundation.
Depending on the severity of your foundation damage, it may be necessary to reinforce the entire structure. Carbon fiber bracing and steel I-beams can be effective in strengthening the foundation while repairing cracks. This technique is less invasive but may not address deeper, underlying soil issues.
For severe damage, the most effective solution is often helical piers. These piers are installed by drilling holes into the ground underneath your foundation and driving them into the load-bearing stratum. This technique can be used to repair sinking foundations and is an excellent solution for unstable soil.
Inspections
Identifying problems early in the foundation of a building is essential to prevent long-term damage. This is often accomplished through regular inspections by a professional. These inspections allow engineers to understand the causes of movement in the structure and provide solutions to stabilize it. These repairs are often less costly than allowing the foundation to continue to shift and create additional problems in the structure.
The inspection will include a visual examination of the exterior foundation walls, looking for cracks, gaps and other signs of movement. The engineer will also examine the interior of the home, checking for cracked drywall or plaster, leaning or listing of doors and windows, sticking doors and windows and other observable problems. The engineer will also look for leaks in the plumbing, which can cause significant upheaval in a foundation.
Other signs of a shifting foundation may include a musty odor in basements and crawl spaces, water pooling around the slab or beneath flooring, dampness and mold in these areas and efflorescence, which is a white mineral deposit on block or brick walls. It is also important to check the grading of the site, ensuring that the soil slopes away from the foundation. This helps to avoid water accumulation which can cause soil movement.
Foundation movement is most commonly caused by soil expansion or settlement. When this occurs, the earth pushes against parts of the foundation and this causes cracking and other damage to the building. Other causes of movement in a foundation include leaks in the plumbing system which can cause significant upheaval and damage to the foundation, and soil compaction which can create pressure on the foundation.
In addition to these common signs of foundation problems, the engineer will use a laser level to measure the floor elevation in various locations throughout the home and compare it to previous measurements. This will help determine the cause of movement in the foundation and whether it is due to settling, lateral movement or a combination of these factors. The engineer will also examine the gutter system, grading, downspout extensions and any other site terrain features that could be contributing to movement in the foundation. Once the evaluation is complete, the engineer will verbally explain his findings to the homeowner and make transparent recommendations for repair or maintenance.
Warranty
When homeowners get foundation repairs done, they want to be sure that the work they had done is going to last. They also want to know that their investment is protected for as long as they own their home. One way to do this is to choose a company that offers a lifetime warranty on their repair and installation work. This is a great way to add value to your home and increase its resale potential.
Having a strong and stable foundation can protect your home from weather damage and other issues that can cause expensive problems. In addition to preventing costly issues, a solid foundation can keep pests out and make your home more energy efficient.
The main causes of foundation damage are soil shifts, sinking or settlement, and improper site preparation. These issues are not only difficult to fix but can also be incredibly expensive. For this reason, it is important to contact a professional for foundation repair as soon as you notice any problems. Getting your foundation repaired by professionals will ensure that the work is done correctly and that the results will last for years to come.
When choosing a foundation repair company, it is important to consider their experience and track record. The company should be able to provide you with references from previous clients and testimonials that show their quality of work. You should also look for a company that uses reputable materials and is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Another factor to consider is whether the warranty offered is transferable. Most companies offer a lifetime transferable warranty on their work. This means that if you ever decide to sell your home, the lifetime warranty will be transferred to the new owner. This can add significant value to your home and will give you peace of mind that the work you had done on your foundation is protected for as long as you own your home.
If you are interested in having a foundation repair company assess the condition of your home, then contact Academy House Leveling. They offer a lifetime warranty on their repair and installations that is transferable to future owners as long as no major structural changes are made. For more information, contact them today.
