If you have cracks in your foundation, the first step is to consult a professional. They will use a tool to measure the movement of your foundation and determine where the damage has occurred.
Then, they will recommend a repair method. Depending on your situation, it could involve installing piers, pilings, or slab jacking. Visit https://www.apexplanofoundationrepair.com/ to learn more.
Depending on the cause, cracks in foundations can be serious problems that threaten the integrity of your home. Understanding what causes them and how they can be repaired can save you from costly structural damage and potential safety hazards. The most common foundation cracks are hairline, horizontal, and vertical.
Hairline cracks, which are less than 1/16 inch wide, are caused by concrete shrinkage and usually aren’t a threat to your foundation’s stability. If you notice a crack that’s this narrow, you can check its severity by placing a nickel in it. If the nickel fits snugly, the crack isn’t structural and is probably a result of concrete shrinkage. However, if you notice that the crack is getting wider over time, it may indicate more serious issues and needs to be addressed by a professional.
Horizontal cracks are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure that’s put on a foundation by the water in the soil around it. This pressure can increase during periods of heavy rain or flooding, which can cause the foundation to shift. This can lead to other problems, such as water infiltration into the basement or crawl spaces and mold growth.
If you notice a horizontal crack in your foundation, contact a professional immediately. They can repair the crack using methods like epoxy injections, which “weld” the crack together. These methods also restore the foundation’s original loading and strength. Finally, they can seal the crack to protect against moisture and other contaminants.
Foundation cracks that are wider than a hairline can be filled with polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk. These caulks can be injected into the crack using a caulking gun. Once the crack has been filled, it’s important to apply a waterproof masonry sealer to prevent further damage and infiltration.
If the crack is the result of a natural settlement, your contractor can repair it by removing the excess soil and replacing it with more stable material. This will reduce the movement of the foundation and avoid future cracking. In addition, your contractor can install exterior drain tile to help divert water away from the foundation. This will protect the foundation from excessive wetness, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Water intrusion
A leaking foundation is a dangerous problem that should be fixed immediately. Leaving it unattended can lead to water damage, mold, and other problems that require costly repair. In addition, a leaking foundation can cause cracks in the interior walls and flooring of your home. Inspect your foundation regularly to identify the signs of a leak. Look for puddles and standing water after rainstorms, mold or mildew growth, and a musty smell. A leaking foundation should be repaired by a professional to prevent further damage.
One of the most common causes of water intrusion into foundations is clogged gutters. When gutters are clogged, it can cause water to overflow and pool around the foundation, leading to a flood or seepage. It’s important to clean your gutters regularly to avoid this problem. Another way to reduce water penetration into your foundation is to improve the drainage system outside your home. Make sure your yard slopes away from the foundation, and install a drain tile system to channel excess moisture away from your home.
Leaks can also be caused by cracked or damaged plumbing pipes, or by a shifting foundation. Water accumulating in or around the foundation exerts hydrostatic pressure, similar to the way a balloon fills with water and bursts under pressure. This pressure can push against the foundation, causing cracks and other structural issues.
Another cause of water intrusion into your foundation is soil movement. Expansive clay soils swell when they get wet and shrink back when dry, which can put pressure on the foundation. This can cause settlement and other issues, such as uneven floors and sticky doors.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the cost to repair a foundation leak can vary. If the problem is severe, it may be necessary to dig up and replace part of the foundation. Once the repairs are completed, the team will fill any excavated areas with dirt and compact it to prevent future settling. They will also restore any landscaping and outdoor features that were disturbed during the process. Choosing an experienced contractor can help ensure a smooth and successful project.
Structural issues
Structural issues in foundations are a serious problem that require professional help. They can be caused by a variety of reasons, including improper construction, soil erosion, and water damage. When these problems go unaddressed, they can cause severe damage to the structure of a home and lead to costly structural repairs. In order to address these issues, a professional foundation repair company can install steel piers and hydraulic jacks. These solutions will stabilize the sunken areas of your home’s foundation and prevent further movement.
In many cases, structural issues can be prevented with proper drainage and regular maintenance. This includes addressing any moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces, and keeping tree roots away from the foundation. It is also important to check for leaking plumbing and to make sure that cracks are repaired promptly.
If you notice that doors or windows no longer fit into their frames, it may be a sign of a foundation problem. This is a common sign of hydrostatic pressure, which is caused by too much moisture in the soil around your foundation. This pressure forces water through the cracks in your foundation and can cause a lot of damage to your house.
Another common sign of a foundation problem is if the exterior brickwork of your home begins to lean or show signs of shifting. This is often due to foundation issues, which can be remedied with the use of post and piers or by restraining the wall with carbon fiber support strips.
The best time to fix a foundation issue is in the winter, from mid-December to March. This is when the ground is less muddy and can be monitored more easily. During this time, contractors can repair the cracks and stabilize the foundation of your home, which will protect it from further damage. However, it is important to hire a company that has a qualified engineer and isn’t just selling a one-size-fits-all solution. It is also a good idea to choose a company that has liability insurance and can clearly explain what they plan to do to your foundation.
Cost
Depending on the type of damage, there are a variety of foundation repair techniques. Some methods require excavation, while others are less invasive and less expensive. It is important to hire a reputable and qualified foundation contractor to do the work. They should be licensed and insured and have experience working on homes of similar size and construction style. They should also be able to explain the problem clearly and answer any questions you may have.
If you have a concrete foundation, you may need to undergo a process known as slab jacking or mud jacking. This involves a cementitious material being injected under the concrete to lift it. This is a non-invasive alternative to piers and can be done in a day or two. However, it is not as effective as a full structural repair.
Another option is to use a chemical solution to clean the cracks and make them waterproof. This can be a cost-effective option, but it is not a long-term fix. If you have severe cracks, it is best to call a professional to fix them.
It is important to keep in mind that foundation problems get worse over time. Leaving them unaddressed can result in more costly repairs and even the need to move out of your home. A reputable foundation repair company can offer a warranty that will protect your investment for as long as you own your home.
If your foundation is leaking, you should install drains to prevent water from entering your home. It is also a good idea to clean your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis so that water can flow away from the foundation and not back up into it.
You can also repair leaks and buckling walls by using epoxy injection or concrete patching. However, these methods don’t address the underlying cause of the problem and can only be used for small cracks.
If your foundation is sinking or shifting, it may be necessary to do a more extensive and costly repair. This can include underpinning and a full-scale reconstruction of the foundation. The average cost for this work is $30,000 to $40,000.