If you have foundation cracks that are wider at the top, this most often means that your foundation has dropped at one or both ends. Cracks that are located in the middle of the foundation mean that your foundation is either heaving or rising.
Do not ignore small cracks in your foundation. Small cracks will become large cracks, making small problems big problems. We can show you how to perform simple maintenance to address small cracks quickly.
One time-tested approach to repairing building foundations is the drilled bell pier method. Here, belled shafts are drilled through the existing foundation of the building and are then filled with poured concrete, creating an entirely new support system.
If you are new to a neighborhood, and are not sure if your area is susceptible to foundation problems, ask your neighbors, especially those who have been there the longest. They will give you a general idea of the conditions.
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.
Over time, all homes will move – both up and down and back and forth. Some settling is normal, and it may produce some cracks in walls and around door and window frames. However, this should not be brushed off as inevitable; a thorough inspection is the best way to determine the precise cause of any problems.
If you suspect a foundation problem, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible, before it has a chance to get worse. If a foundation is severely damaged, it may be necessary to excavate it from the outside and rebuild it, which can end up being quite costly.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter whether you’ll be living in your home for a lifetime or are planning to sell when market conditions are right. Regardless, it’s important to deal with foundation issues as quickly as possible.
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.
Did you know that an issue with your home’s foundation can constitute a serious defect in the eyes of lenders? Whether you’re trying to sell your home or refinance it, fixing your foundation should be your first order of business.
It’s important to remember that the cracks you can see on the outside of your foundation are often just an indicator of what’s going on outside your home. Instead of repairing the cracks you can see, remember to call us so we can handle the ones you can’t see.
While small cracks in the exposed concrete at the base of your home or building might be a nonstructural problem and thus not concerning, they can also be the first sign of trouble. When in doubt, it’s recommended that you have the foundation inspected by a professional.
If you suspect that you may have foundation problems, do not go jumping off the deep end. We suggest having an inspection performed to identify what problems exist and the best ways to correct them. The solution may be very simple.
When it comes to slab foundations, they will always follow the movement of the soil, which in turn only moves when it is hydrating or desiccating. Simply put, when soil gets wet, it’s going to expand; as it dries out, it will shrink or compact.
While trees are a valuable part of every landscape design, if they are too close to a home they can cause foundation problems. If you notice new saplings growing along your foundation, pull them up. Neglecting them and letting them grow can create long-term problems.
We recognize that your ability to easily get in and out of your home is one of the most basic requirements of home ownership. Rest assured that our team is always available to help you deal with any foundation issues that are making it impossible to open your doors.
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.
We suggest checking you insurance policy to see if it covers foundation problems and subsequent repairs. If you are buying a newly built home, talk to your agent about adding this type of coverage to the homeowner’s policy.
You should make periodic inspections of your home’s foundation, looking for cracks or more severe problems, especially during dry periods. While a crack may not seem like much, it can be a conduit for termites. They can invade a home through a crack if it extends below the ground.
One common foundation repair method used today is the helical pier method. Here, a ditch is dug around the home’s foundation to allow a helix plate attached to a strong galvanized rod to be drilled into place, effectively preventing any movement in any direction.
Carbon-fiber sheet straps are strong, stable and adaptable. They can be applied vertically, horizontally or in both directions to bridge cracks, stabilize corners, reduce movement, tie the foundation together, or counter the effects of lateral and vertical forces.
It’s important to remember that the ground tends to settle more as it dries out after wet weather. Waiting until the dry season to make foundation repairs may be appropriate for your home’s foundation issues.
