When it comes to foundation repair, the whens, whats, and whys of the process can sometimes overwhelm the hows. How, though, can you go about repairing a foundation that’s started to crack and leak?
It can be difficult to tell the difference between a basement leak and a foundation leak right off the bat. The good news is that you won’t have to diagnose your home on your own. Virginia Beach, VA, has foundation repair contractors operating locally who will be able to inspect your foundation and give you a quote on repairs free of charge.
What are some of the signs you’ll want to look for before calling a contractor? The symptoms of a leak or other problem will appear inside of your home first. These symptoms include but are not limited to:
If you let a foundation leak or problem go for too long, you’ll start to see symptoms of it appearing outside of your home. External signs of a foundation leak or issue include:
If you don’t want to compromise the structural stability of your home, you’re going to need to reach out for professional guidance as soon as you spot the signs of a foundation leak. Virginia Beach’s contractors will be able to provide you with a veritable catalog of potential solutions you can use to secure your home.
Some of the most common foundation repair solutions include:
Contractors will install push piers to support your foundation as the soil shifts around it. These piers will hold your existing foundation in place and will resist the effects of precipitation, contraction, and expansion over the course of several years, as they’re considered the closest you can get to permanent home repair.
If your lighter structures, like your patio or porch, are showing signs of a foundation settlement, helical piers can serve as a reliable repair option. They work the same as Push Piers in permanently stabilizing your foundation, but these are “screwed” into the ground.
Slab Piers are installed to provide stability like helical and hush piers. They are specifically designed for stabilizing and potentially lifting your concrete slab foundation.
For areas of soft, sagging floors above your crawl space, we’ll install a heavy-duty solution. Unlike typical light-duty jack posts, our IntelliJack Crawl Space Support Posts are made of galvanized steel, which resists rust and corrosion. Our crawl space support jacks are rated to support up to 24,860 pounds each and are tested and certified to the highest industry standards. These jacks permanently reinforce sagging floors and floor joists, helping to lift these support systems back to level.
Another permanent stabilization solution is our wall anchor system for walls that are cracking and moving inward. Earth anchors are securely embedded in stable soil, away from the foundation wall, and are connected to sturdy steel wall plates via long steel rods, which brace the foundation wall. This stops the inward movement and prevents wall failure. Tightening these anchors over time can help return your foundation walls to their original positions.
Our state-of-the-art PolyRenewal system is typically used for exterior concrete lifting and leveling. However, it can also be used inside to help lift and level your garage floor or concrete slab, which can aid in providing stability to your foundation. However, the other previously mentioned solutions are your best bet for permanently reinforcing your foundation.
In today’s DIY-focused world, it can be tempting to tackle foundation issues on your own to save money. However, foundation repair is complex and best handled by professionals. Attempting a fix without the right tools or expertise can lead to further complications and may increase repair costs later.
When in doubt, contact JES Foundation Repair. We offer free inspections and no-obligation estimates to fit your needs and budget.
Groundworks Editorial Team
