Have you ever wondered how foundation repair works? Do you have wall cracks, uneven floors, or sinking foundations in your home? If so, there’s a high likelihood that your home has foundation damage that requires immediate repair. The foundation is the support system for your entire home and plays a huge role in its overall stability. That’s why it’s important to hire an expert team who will address all the underlying issues and repair your foundation to ensure it’s stable.
What is Foundation Repair?
The foundation repair process includes providing suitable solutions to maintain your foundation’s stability long term. It may involve filling cracks, lifting or leveling your foundation, or drainage and waterproofing solutions.
As a homeowner, you should consider repairing your foundation quickly. This prevents extensive structural damage that can compromise your home’s safety and value.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Your home’s foundation might be damaged if you see any of these signs:
- Interior, exterior, and drywall cracks
- Gaps between exterior walls and windows
- Windows and doors sticking or not latching
- Sagging, uneven, or bouncy floors
- Nails coming out of drywall
- Cracked or leaning chimney
- Basement and crawl space moisture
- Sinking and settling foundation
If you see any of these signs, you may have foundation damage.
Foundation Repair Procedure: How Does It Work?
Here is a step-by-step guide to professional foundation repair:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Assessment is the initial step, during which your foundation repair specialist will perform a free on-site inspection. They will look for the underlying issues that lead to foundation failure and determine whether your foundation is level. After the assessment, the foundation repair team creates customized and comprehensive foundation repair solutions based on your home’s specific needs. At this stage, you will also receive a detailed breakdown of costs and steps required to enhance your home’s stability.
Step 2: Foundation Repair
The actual repair implemented will depend on your home’s condition. Here are some commonly used solutions:
a) Push Piers or Helical Piers
If your foundation is settling or sinking, push piers and helical piers are driven into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil and are attached to your foundation with brackets. These piers restore your home’s stability and prevent further foundation damage. Push piers can also provide lifting capabilities for settling foundations.
b) Wall Anchors or Bracers
If your foundation has bowing walls, wall anchors or walers are installed to help the walls resist lateral force. Wall anchors can gradually straighten walls over time, while walers provide permanent stabilization. We may also install carbon fiber straps to stabilize your walls.
c) Sump Pump or Drain Tile
If your foundation is experiencing problems due to water seepage or water-related issues, a drainage system or sump pump might need to be installed. These systems remove excess water and keep your basement and crawl space area dry and clean. They also help resist the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the foundation.
Step 3: Quality Assurance
After completing any repairs, your foundation repair team will thoroughly inspect your foundation to ensure all the repairs have been done correctly. This will ensure your foundation’s long-term stability.
How Long Does Foundation Repair Take?
The total time for foundation repair depends on the extent of the job and the condition of the foundation. Generally, it takes one to three days, and your home will be back to normal before you know it. However, if the problem is more serious or complex, the timeline can extend to three to seven days. Some foundation repair jobs may also depend on weather conditions.
Is Repairing a Foundation Worth It?
Yes, repairing a foundation is definitely worth it. Foundation repairs prevent further damage and structural complications, protect your foundation, and increase your home’s value. Repairing your foundation protects your home in the long term. It also prevents you from having to replace your entire foundation, which is more expensive and a more complicated and time-consuming process.
How Long Does Foundation Repair Last?
If your foundation repair is done by specialists, it can last for decades. However, the lifespan depends on the durability of your foundation repair method and the quality of materials. Most reputable companies provide a lifetime guarantee on their foundation repair services. It’s also necessary to maintain good drainage and soil condition to ensure your foundation remains in good shape.
Fix Your Foundation Today
Foundation repair is essential for safeguarding your home’s structural integrity and stability. Whether you’re dealing with minor cracks or a settling and sinking foundation, addressing these issues and fixing them is important to prevent further damage.
If you are looking for a reliable foundation repair service provider, SafeBasements is the right choice for you. We provide tailored and affordable foundation repair solutions to enhance your home’s value and ensure safety for years to come. Schedule an appointment with us today!