Foundation Repair Plano is crucial to maintaining your home’s structural integrity and boosting its resale value. Ignoring early signs of damage like uneven floors or sticking doors can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road.
Finding the best method of repair depends on your unique situation. Look for a contractor with experience and a long track record, as well as credentials like licensing and insurance.
Cracks are one of the first indicators that your foundation is experiencing issues. They can appear in drywall, stucco, concrete slabs, chimneys and even on your skin if you forget to moisturize. However, not all cracks are created equal and some are more serious than others. If you see horizontal or diagonal cracks on the exterior of your home, stair-step cracks in drywall and mortar joints, or cracks that extend past the basement floor, it may be time to call for a professional inspection.
Stair-step cracks typically appear on the interior of a foundation wall and can be a sign of differential settlement, which occurs when sections of your home sink into the ground at different rates, causing bowing walls or sticking windows and doors. These cracks are usually caused by changes in soil moisture content and can be repaired with epoxy injection, which also reinforces your foundation.
When filling and repairing foundation cracks, it’s important to prepare the area before applying the crack filler. This includes removing any paint or coatings and scrubbing the area to ensure that the crack filler adheres properly. It’s also a good idea to monitor the cracks regularly, especially after rainfall or if you notice that they expand in length, as these could indicate further issues with your foundation.
The most common method of repairing cracks in foundations involves using an epoxy injection. This involves injecting a high-viscosity polyurethane polymer into the crack, which fills it completely and provides a flexible seal that accommodates movement of the wall. This is a much better option than attempting DIY repairs that involve spackling or caulking, as these methods are not long-lasting and do not provide reinforcement for your foundation.
If you have had your cracks filled and anchored, it’s important to take preventative measures to ensure that they don’t return. Keeping up with proper drainage is a must, and this can be accomplished by cleaning your gutters regularly and ensuring that they are channeling water at least 10 feet away from your foundation. Additionally, it’s a good idea to routinely inspect your foundation and basement for any signs of water infiltration.
Shifting Soil
Shifting soil is the most common cause of foundation damage. It can be caused by a number of things, including flooding, leaky plumbing, groundwater table elevation changes, and construction on nearby properties. It can also be a result of natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes. When soil shifts, it weakens the load-bearing capacity of the foundation. This creates voids that can sink the home or building. Other signs of shifting soil include exterior cracks in stucco or brick walls, bowed walls, and uneven floors.
When new homes are built, experts work with structural engineers to ensure that the foundation is placed on stable ground. This includes analyzing the soil for its moisture levels and elevation and making adjustments during construction to create a strong base. Unfortunately, sometimes unstable soil is overlooked by builders. If homeowners are notified of shifting soil after a home is built, there are several repair options available to them.
Foundation piers can be used to stabilize and lift a foundation that has settled too much. These piers are screwed into the ground past the unstable soil to provide a solid surface for concrete to rest upon. Another option for repairing shifting soil is mudjacking, or slabjacking, which involves injecting a slurry of cement, sand, and water under the foundation to lift it back up. This is less costly than underpinning, but it is not as effective.
Proper preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid shifting soil issues. Keeping the yard around the foundation well-managed is important, with regular gutter cleaning and extensions, French drains, and yard grading that slopes away from the foundation. This keeps groundwater from saturating the soil and pooling near the foundation, which could lead to settlement. In addition, regular inspections by a foundation repair professional can detect early signs of problem soils and take measures to correct them before they become serious. For example, the contractor may use camera inspections to examine the condition of pipes inside the foundation without intrusive digging. This can help them understand what caused the pipes to leak and recommend the right repair solution.
Water Infiltration
Water infiltration is a major problem for the foundations of many homes. When water seeps through cracks in the concrete foundation, it can exert pressure on the walls, causing them to shift and crumble. When this happens, it can cause severe damage that requires the attention of a professional. In addition, water infiltration can lead to mold growth and damage flooring types like hardwood or laminate floors. This can also impact indoor air quality, causing health problems for household occupants.
The good news is that water infiltration is preventable by addressing the causes of leaks and water seepage. The first step is to ensure that your gutters are free of debris, so that water drains away from the home. A sump pump can also be helpful in preventing excess moisture around the house. It is also important to have your foundation professionally inspected by a professional on a regular basis. This will allow them to catch any issues before they become serious, saving you time and money in the long run.
One of the most common causes of water infiltration is soil expansion and contraction. This can happen due to seasonal changes or just because of the natural process of water cycle. When the soil becomes saturated with water, it can expand significantly and push against the foundation wall, creating cracks that can eventually widen over time.
Other signs of excessive moisture include clogged gutters and downspouts that can cause water to spill over the sides of your house, or into the foundation itself. This can also lead to a wet basement, or even water pooling outside the house. The odor of mold is another common sign that there may be a serious issue if it is not addressed promptly.
Fortunately, water damage can be repaired by repairing the cracks in the foundation, addressing the shifting soil, or installing helical piers to support sagging foundations. Epoxy injections can be used to fill in the cracks and strengthen the weakened sections of the foundation, while waterproofing treatments can be applied to help prevent future issues.
Damaged Foundation
When foundation damage goes untreated, it can lead to serious structural problems throughout the house. Fortunately, it’s possible to keep damage at bay by paying attention to early warning signs and seeking repair when necessary. Look for cracks in walls and ceilings, uneven or sloping floors, stuck doors or windows, and gaps around doors and windows. Also, be sure to check for moisture problems like mold growth in basements and crawl spaces, musty smells, and wood rot.
Hairline cracks in foundation walls are common and typically not a big deal unless they continue to widen or lengthen over time. These types of cracks are normal indicators of a home’s shifting or settlement over time and can usually be repaired by injected with epoxy. However, if you can fit a quarter in the crack or it’s getting wider and longer over time, you should seek repair from a professional.
Bowed walls are another sign that your foundation is in trouble. This type of damage occurs when soil movement causes hydrostatic pressure on the side of the foundation that supports the weight of the structure. This pressure can cause the walls to bow inward and create gaps at the bottom of the structure where it meets the ground.
A foundation problem can lead to standing water around the house, which will require a professional to fix. This is because the foundation needs to be able to drain water away from the home for it to avoid rot and other issues. In addition, the soil around your foundation may need to be graded and amended for proper drainage.
When you are choosing a foundation repair company, make sure they can clearly explain the problem and recommend a solution in terms that you understand. You also want to be sure they have liability insurance and a license, and that they are willing to give you an accurate estimate up front. Some companies will even allow you to finance your repairs with a home equity loan, which allows you to leverage the ownership stake you’ve built up in your home.