It’s possible that your home might encounter foundation issues throughout the years. There are many factors that can lead to a damaged foundation, such as weather climates and the age of your home. The key is to know when the damage has reached a point that requires repairs. By ignoring foundation problems, you could experience even worse safety and health risks later on. To learn more about when a foundation is in need of repairs, make sure to search online.
It’s important to find the right company to fix your foundation for the right price. Start an online search to find local professionals near you.
What Is Foundation Repair?
It’s safe to say the foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. This slab of concrete beneath your home is in direct contact with the ground and responsible for stabilizing the entire structure of a build.
There are many factors that can compromise the integrity of your foundation. Some examples include:
- Soil;
- Climate;
- Plumbing leaks;
- Poor soil compaction, and;
- Inadequate foundation drainage.
Concrete Network explains how all foundations settle with time, but several issues occur if the foundation settles unevenly or extremely. Some of these issues are:
- Damage to the structure;
- Loss of real estate value;
- Tripping hazards;
- Unsightly cracks, and;
- Equipment malfunctions.
When there’s damage to your foundation, your home is at risk of serious issues. Structural damage can occur if the problem is not addressed in a timely manner. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs your home’s foundation is deteriorating.
How to Catch Foundation Damage Early
There are various things to look out for when inspecting for foundation damage. Some of these damages can be seen from inside the house, while others are noticeable from the home’s exterior.
Two common sources of foundation problems are
- Settlement: The unnatural sinking of the foundation below the original grade.
- Upheaval: When the foundation rises above the original grade.
Both problems are severe and can lead to damaged basement walls, wet basements, or doors that stick.
Aside from settlement and upheaval, there are many other signs that indicate foundation damage. Some other things to look out for include:
- Wall rotation;
- Separation around garage door, windows, or walls;
- Cracked bricks;
- Broken or cracked foundation;
- Displaced moldings;
- Misaligned doors and windows;
- Cracked sheetrock;
- Cracks in floor, and;
- Uneven floors.
Costs to Expect
You should expect to pay a decent amount of money depending on the foundation issue at hand. The price will ultimately be determined based on what needs fixing and how much the business typically charges.
Costs for foundation repair can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. According to Ownerly, the average foundation repair cost is between $350 and $1,350. Here’s the average cost of repair for various types of foundational problems specific foundational problems:
- Foundation Crack: $250 to $800
- Leaks: $2,000 to $6,000
- Sinking or Settling: $1,000 to $3,000
- Bulging or Bowling Basement Walls: $350 to $1,000 per strip
- Sealing: $2,000 to $6,000
- Crawl Space Foundation: $2,000 to $8,000
- Pier and Beam Foundation: $950 to $1,600 per beam
The longer you wait to repair your foundation, the more damage that can build up. More intensive repairs will cost more money, so it’s important to be on the lookout for damage and fix it while it’s still manageable.
Search Online to Find a Foundation Repair Company
Keep tabs on your home’s foundation by looking for signs of damage such as cracks, upheaval, and unevenness. The sooner you find a problem, the sooner you can get it fixed and prevent further damage.
If you’re noticing issues with your foundation, then it’s time to get it repaired. You can find professionals to fix your foundation by searching online.
Specialists will look for the root of the problem when examining your home. From there, they will come up with a method of repair based on the soil type, foundation build, climate, and other important factors. Talk to your contractor about the steps and the necessary costs associated with their plans to repair.
Look for qualified foundation repair contractors that can inspect your house. See if they can give you a free quote before hiring them to compare prices from several businesses. Make sure to look for reviews to see how previous customers felt about their service.