Foundations are easy to overlook. After all, they’re mostly located underground. But they play a huge role in the health of your home, as problems with your foundation can compromise the structural integrity of the entire building.
Whether you have a concrete slab, crawl space, or basement, it is crucial to keep your foundation in top shape. There are many repair methods available, so you may wonder which one outshines the rest. This page provides a better understanding of which foundation repair best suits your home’s needs. Let’s get started.
Here’s an answer you might not want to hear: there isn’t a “best” foundation repair method. That’s because the foundation repair process largely depends on the specific needs of your home. The good news is that many effective methods for repairing a foundation exist. Instead of looking for the best one, it’s all about finding the best one for you.
With numerous foundation repair methods available, we understand that making a decision can feel overwhelming.
Every foundation is different, and what works for one home may not work for another. In our experience, these are the most common and effective methods for foundation repair. See which one might sound best for your home.
Working with a professional team like JES can help you determine which foundation repair method is best suited for your home. If you have noticed that something is wrong with your foundation, schedule a free inspection with our team today.
Detecting foundation problems in a timely manner can save you a significant amount of trouble. Not only is it cheaper to fix one small problem than several big ones, but you will also make sure that you and your family live in a healthy home. It is essential not to overlook minor issues, even if you believe the house is settling. If you notice any of the following signs, contact foundation repair experts for an inspection.
Whether there are cracks in your house or outside of it, you should consider them a problem. These foundation cracks may signal foundation sinking or other damage, which could worsen.
Is there water in your home’s basement or crawl space? Water intrusion is a sign that your foundation might be compromised. Contact your local foundation repair expert, who can identify the issue and make the necessary repairs.
If your basement or crawl space walls are bowing, they may no longer be able to adequately support the weight of your house. Do not panic; it doesn’t mean potential collapse. Foundation repair experts can easily address this issue and restore your home’s safety.
Are there large gaps around doors and windows? If you notice these openings and your doors and windows are getting stuck more frequently, call the experts for a free foundation inspection.
If there are expansive soils underneath your home, they can create foundation damage. This type of soil, such as clay soil, is famous for its absorbing powers. When it rains or there is a flood, this type of soil will absorb a lot of moisture and expand. When it expands, it pushes against your foundation, causing cracks and waterproofing problems. On the other hand, when this soil dries, it shrinks. The shrinkage can cause your foundation to settle unevenly into the voids left behind by the shrunken soil.
One of the most common causes of damage is water. Whether the flooding is a result of heavy rain and storms, a plumbing problem in the area, melting snow, or plumbing leaks in your own house, the wet ground around your foundation almost always leads to cracks and other structural problems.
When the excess water starts sinking into the soil, it makes the soil exert pressure on your foundation. As a result, hydrostatic pressure can easily cause cracks and water leaks. When this problem occurs, water often ends up leaking into your basement or crawl space.
While the homeowner is busy dealing with the more visible problem first, the water that has leaked into the foundation has already started to cause foundation issues. Therefore, whenever you are dealing with a plumbing leak, have your contractor check the situation with the foundation.
Just as excess water can cause a problem, substantial drought can lead to foundation damage as well. When the soil is extremely dry, its particles begin to shrink, making the foundation unstable and causing cracks and leaks. This is why you should make an effort to keep the soil around your home moist at all times.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes can also play an important role when it comes to foundation damage. While the flooding from hurricane rain can cause your soil to expand, an earthquake – no matter how strong – can magnify small foundation cracks.
If you have purchased an already built home, you cannot know how much planning and thought went into the construction and which materials were used. If the contractors cut corners and used low-quality materials, you will most likely experience foundation damage at some point.
Since 1993, JES has been helping homeowners repair their foundations and make their homes safer. With industry leading foundation solutions, we’re committed to creating better homes for our neighbors in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
Come see why homeowners through the Mid-Atlantic trust us. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection where we’ll create a plan to fix your foundation issues. The best foundation repair method for your home is just around the corner, and working with JES gets you there faster!
