Foundation repair addresses structural problems and prevents them from worsening over time. While these issues may seem minor at first, they can lead to more serious and costly damage if not addressed promptly.
The process starts with an inspection. The inspector will determine the extent of the problem and recommend a solution. The next step involves installing supports under the home, which are called piers or pilings. Visit https://www.apexplanofoundationrepair.com/ to learn more.
Each type of foundation crack tells a different story and requires a different repair strategy. Hairline cracks, those that run straight up and down, are the most common and do not usually pose a structural threat unless they get wider over time. Wider cracks, however, demand attention as they may be a sign of deeper issues. If your foundation is experiencing cracking, it’s important to seek professional help right away to prevent serious damage and safeguard the value of your home or business.
A number of factors can cause cracks in your foundation, including soil movement, settlement, water seepage, frost heave, hydrostatic pressure, construction flaws and more. Even natural disasters like earthquakes can cause sudden and severe cracking. If you notice any of these warning signs, contact a professional immediately to assess and repair the problem.
If your cracks are cosmetic, you can usually repair them with a bit of DIY work. Start by cleaning the area around the crack and then filling it with hydraulic cement. After it has cured, apply a coat of elastomeric waterproofing tar to seal the crack. It’s also a good idea to have plumbing leaks addressed promptly as moisture can weaken the foundation and lead to further problems.
Cracks that extend outside the foundation walls, often at a 45-degree angle, are a cause for concern as they are a sign of a more severe structural problem. They are most likely caused by the weight of the structure being pulled on the foundation. If the cracks are getting wider over time, they should be assessed by a professional to determine what repairs are necessary.
Cracks that are caused by soil movement, poor drainage, construction flaws or tree roots can be difficult to address and require a more substantial foundation repair. Professional contractors have specialized training and experience, allowing them to quickly and accurately diagnose the source of the problem. They use high-quality materials that may not be available to the average homeowner, ensuring long-lasting results. Additionally, they can recommend a variety of solutions, ranging from sealing minor cracks to installing piers for more significant structural support.
Leaky Windows
When water leaks in basement windows, it creates a serious problem. It is not only an annoyance and a hazard, but it can cause rotting in window frames and damage to the surrounding foundation wall. It can also contribute to high heating and cooling bills by allowing moisture into the home.
If you notice puddles or standing water around your basement windows after a rainstorm, it is an indication that there is a leak. You should be proactive about addressing the issue to prevent it from getting worse and protect your home’s foundation.
There are several steps you can take to address leaking basement windows. First, you should apply a fresh coat of caulking. This will help to seal the leaks and prevent further damage to the windows, frame, and foundation wall. You should also check the drainage system to ensure that it is not contributing to the problem. Make sure that the gutters are not clogged and that the downspouts extend away from the house, directing roof runoff away from the basement windows. You may need to add a new gutter system if your old one is in disrepair. In addition, you can use a French drain or install an interior/exterior window well to further assist with drainage and reduce hydrostatic pressure against the walls of your basement.
Another option is to hire a professional foundation repair contractor. They can perform various techniques, such as crack injection or wall anchors, to resolve the leaks and protect your home’s foundation. These solutions will restore your foundation’s integrity, making it resilient against shifting soil and other environmental pressures.
A leaking basement window can lead to extensive damage over time, so it is important to identify and address the source of the problem as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue will only lead to more significant problems and expensive repairs in the future. For this reason, it is best to call a professional foundation repair company. They will be able to inspect the situation, diagnose the root cause, and provide long-lasting solutions.
Uneven Floors
Uneven floors in your home aren’t just an eyesore – they can also be a tripping hazard. They may also cause other problems, like door or window alignment issues or even structural damage to your home. Uneven floors often indicate a problem with your foundation and must be addressed promptly to prevent more serious issues from occurring.
While uneven floors can occur in any part of your home, they’re most often a sign of a more serious problem with the foundation. Over time, the soil around your foundation can sink or compact unevenly, leading to sagging or sloping in your floors. Uneven floors are usually the first warning sign that something is wrong with your foundation, and they should be looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
One of the most common causes of uneven floors is moisture or water damage to wooden floor joists in crawl spaces and basements. Excessive moisture can warp or rot the joists, which can then affect the flooring above.
Another common reason for uneven floors is shifting of the foundation itself. Builders must compact the soil beneath your foundation during construction to keep it stable and prevent settling or shifting over time. However, this can happen if the soil is too loose or if there’s a water leak in the plumbing system.
If you have uneven floors, the best solution is to have a professional foundation repair company evaluate your foundation and recommend the most effective solution for you. Depending on the severity of the issue, a solution could include pushing piers or helical piers into the soil to lift your home and prevent further movement of your foundation. These solutions are long-lasting and will fix the underlying problem causing your uneven floors, so you don’t have to worry about future damage to your home or safety hazards for your family and guests. This is a great way to preserve your home’s value and protect your investment, too! Get a free quote today!
Stuck Doors
Sticky doors and windows may be an annoying nuisance, but they are also a clear sign of foundation problems. If you ignore these symptoms, they will only worsen over time and lead to more structural damage in your home. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to fix the problem before it becomes more serious.
If your doors and windows are sticking, you should first check to see if there are loose hinges or screws. If there are, tightening them will usually solve the problem. If not, you may need to lubricate the hinges to remove any rust and make them easier to open and close again. You can use a commercial lubricant or simply spray some WD-40 on the hinges to get them moving again.
Another possible cause of sticking doors and windows is humidity. Humid weather causes the wood in your door and window frames to swell, which can cause them to rub against and stick to the frame when they are opened or closed. You can combat this by sanding the doors and door frames down, which will help to alleviate the contact between the two surfaces.
However, if your doors and windows are still stuck after trying sanding or shimmying, then your home is likely suffering from a more serious foundation issue. Foundation settlement occurs when the soil beneath your house can no longer support its weight, which can cause warping and shifting throughout your home. This can cause your doors and windows to become misaligned, which makes them difficult to open or close.
If your doors and windows are stuck, be sure to look for other signs of foundation problems in your home, such as cracks in walls or floors, uneven floors, and crooked or bowed door frames. Taking care of these issues early on will save you more money in the long run by preventing further damage to your home’s structure and value.