When assessing cracks in foundations, it is important to consider the pattern of the crack(s), their shape(s), and their frequency of occurrence. Also, their location, relationship to floor cracks, and the age of the wall itself must be factored in.
Wall bulge in basements can be created during construction when the foundation is backfilled. If this is determined to be the cause, steel piers anchored to the basement floor and then to the joists of the first floor are a workable solution to this foundation problem.
Small hairline cracks in poured foundation walls typically pose little threat. They often appear as concrete cures and shrinks, but fine cracks should be patched properly so they don’t spread or grow more severe.
Warped window frames may signal more than too much moisture in your home or old wood. These can also be a sign of foundation problems in your home.
If you are buying an older home, we recommend checking its history to look for signs of earlier foundation problems. In addition, we recommend a thorough foundation inspection to determine its condition and identify existing or potential problems.
The steel pier method is one way to repair your home’s foundation. Steel pipes are driven under the home to act as support beams.
Do you know what the main cause of foundation problems is? The most common cause of failures is poor maintenance.
The drilled bell pier method is one way to repair a foundation. Belled shafts are drilled through the existing foundation of the house or building. These belled shafts then get filled with concrete.
Horizontal cracks in your home's foundation are a sure sign of trouble. For one thing, they indicate that soil pressure has bent your structure’s wall, which means that a serious structural issue exists and that your foundation is failing, requiring professional repair.
In foundations, not all cracks are created equally. In fact, hairline "fractures" in the foundation are often nothing more than the normal settling. These hairline cracks are also called shrinkage cracks and are seldom an issue. A professional foundation repair company can tell you if your foundation cracks are normal or not.
If you live in an area where rainfall is irregular or is drought prone, you can help avoid problems with your foundation by watering it. The most effective method is to surround the foundation with a drip hose; it keeps the ground moist without wasting water.
Sinking is a common cause of vertical movement in foundations. In cold climates, the foundation or footings may shift upward as soil freezes, then sink when the ground thaws. Or, they move up as clay soils expands due to rain, then sink when the soil dries.
Ultimately, the earlier you uncover an issue with your home’s foundation and repair it, the less expensive it will be to handle. Not only will it cost less to restore your foundation, but you’ll also have fewer cracks in walls to deal with.
When you own a home that needs a considerable amount of work, it can be tempting to deal with the aesthetic – and inexpensive – fixes first. If your home’s foundation is in need of repairs, you may want to prioritize that above everything else as your home’s structural integrity is at stake.
Foundation anchors can be an effective way to stabilize a foundation wall. One common approach is to drive a long pin through the wall and into the surrounding soil. Some anchor pins include tips that expand into the soil, for further stability.
It takes a pro to properly repair a foundation. I-beam braces and wall anchors correct bowed walls, piers raise and stabilize sinking foundations, and a combination of methods are used to stop lateral foundation creep.
While we realize that many people don’t see the point in spending money on a home they plan to sell, your home’s foundation can be a deal breaker for many buyers. If you need options for dealing with a damaged foundation, we’re always here for you.
When tree roots extend under a foundation, they loosen the soil, disturb soil compaction and provide a path for rainwater to seep under the house. Alone or in combination, these factors can cause a foundation to sink, settle or crack.
While stair-step cracks in masonry are one of the most common indicators part of the foundation is moving up or down, there may be other signs. Vertical or near-vertical cracks are relatively common and they often appear in conjunction with stair-step cracks.
We recognize that a certain amount of settling is a natural part of living in a home. Let’s talk about how much settling is too much and at what point it may be necessary to schedule an inspection to ensure your home’s foundation is still solid.
Voids beneath a slab floor are a common foundation problem, and “mudjacking” may correct them. For this repair, the hollow areas are pinpointed and then concrete is injected through a series of small holes drilled into the foundation to backfill and provide support.
Steel pins or piles can be used to repair certain type of foundation damage. This process requires driving a steel pile into the ground next to the foundation until it hits bedrock, and then it is moved into position under the building.
Did you know that prolonged drought has the potential to create foundation problems? During dry spells, when mature trees and shrubs compete over scant moisture, soils can shrink, causing foundations to settle (in some cases unevenly).
Few things are as eerie as being alone in the house and having a door creak open of its own volition. Before you contact your local ghost hunters, remember that doors opening and closing on their own could be an indication of a foundation problem, not a ghost.
