Does Your Home Need Foundation Repair?

Why is Foundation Health Crucial?

The foundation is one of the most important components that make up your home, as it is the structure that your home is built on. Proper maintenance of your foundation is crucial as it ensures that your home is stable, level, and secure. Improper maintanence can lead to shifting, cracking, and creation of safety hazards. Not mitigating issues right away that may occur with your foundation can lead to more expensive repairs in the future. In this blog, we aim to remove the fear of repairing your home’s foundation and educate you about common issues, signs to look out for, and other helpful tips associated with your home’s foundation.

Common Causes of Foundation Issues:

Foundation repair can be needed for a vast array of reasons, many of which have to do with the soil your home is built on. Here are some of the most common reasons: 

• • Soil Expanding and Contracting:
    • • Expansive clay soil can expand during the rainy season and contract during the hot Texas summers when retained water evaporates. This causes cracking on the surface and can make your foundation shift.

• • Vegetation Roots Absorbing Moisture:
    • • Large vegetation near your home can also cause the foundation of your home to shift, but it may not be from the reasons you may think. A common misconception is that a large tree gets under the foundation slab and causes it to lift up, but it’s actually the opposite. Vegetation like trees, shrubs, and plant roots are like drinking straws. During the summer, they are going to take as much moisture out of the ground as possible to stay alive. This in turn causes your foundation to dry up and shift. A mature live oak tree in Texas can consume up to 100 gallons of water during the summer, so it’s crucial your vegetation gets plenty of water during the hot Fort Worth, TX summers. 

Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair:

Visible Cracks in Walls and Floors

One of the most noticeable signs that your foundation may need repair is if you discover cracks in your home that were not present before. Cracks along the walls and floors are easy to spot, but it’s important to inspect your home’s foundation as well. Newly constructed homes may have hairline cracks that come from traditional settling, but if they continue to worsen, it’s important to have professional inspection. 

Uneven or Sloping Floors

Another way to tell if your foundation may need repair is if you notice that a section of your home is no longer level, or if there are slopes that have appeared. Another recognizable sign is when opening a door or window, you feel friction that was not there before. A shift in the foundation could have caused them to misalign and shift. If you find yourself frequently forcing windows and doors, it may be time to have your foundation inspected. 

Water Damage and Mold Growth

Wetness along cracks in your foundation can be another easy sign to detect that your foundation may need repair. This additional moisture can begin pooling, allowing bacteria growth which may cause further damage to your home if not addressed in a timely manner. The wood in your home may develop wood rot.\, which occurs when fungus breaks down wood and weakens the overall integrity. When inspecting your home, look for any signs of moisture. If detected, it may be time to consider getting your foundation professionally inspected.

The Foundation Repair Process:

Initial Inspection

The first step of the foundation repair process is a rigorous inspection from a qualified professional. When conducting the inspection, contractors will be looking at the state of the damage, what may have caused it, and the best approach of getting it repaired. This is the most crucial step, as the diagnosis of the repair should address the chief complaint to ensuring the problem does not come back.

Determining the Right Repair Method

Based on the inspection, a team member will recommend a repair method to address your specific foundation issues. Depending on the factors, like the type of foundation you have, the severity of the damage, the extent of the movement, and the soil, the contractor will quote which repair technique will be needed. 

Cost Considerations

The cost of the repair of the foundation can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the cost of the repair, and the size of the home. Some minor repairs may be relatively affordable, however foundation repair can become a costly expense. It’s important when communicating with the inspector to get estimates before completing any repairs. 

Timeframe and Disruption

Foundation repairs can take 1-2 days on average. With a reputable foundation repair company, like Maestro’s Foundation repair, you will not experience disruption while the repairs are happening. Most repair jobs are noninvasive and don’t require you to relocate.  

Importance of Hiring a Professional:

Can I Repair My Own Foundation?

Foundation repair is a complex job and should be done by a trained professional with expertise and experience. Professional inspectors are trained to diagnose foundation issues accurately and determine the best repair approach. Attempting to repair foundation problems yourself, or hiring an unqualified contractor can lead to incorrect repairs, potentially risking your personal safety and making the problem worse.

Preventative Measures for Foundation Health:

Regular Inspections

One of the best ways to prevent expensive repairs is by regularly scheduling an inspection of your home once a year. With this, inspectors can detect minor issues early and can lead to simpler and less costly repairs. For homes in Fort Worth expansive soils or significant seasonal changes can make foundation cracks more common. 

Proper Drainage Around Your Home

Having proper water drains away from your home’s foundation is helpful in preventing water-related foundation damage. To ensure proper drainage, it’s vital to keep clean gutters, which direct downspouts away from the foundation.

Maintaining Stable Soil Moisture

In regions of Texas with expansive clay soils, such as Fort Worth, maintaining soil moisture levels can help prevent foundation damage. By preventing the soil around your home from drying out during the hotter months, you can ensure that it does not have a chance to expand and contract. Texas experiences long durations of drought. Having an automated sprinkler system keeping the perimeter of your home moist could greatly reduce your risk of needing foundation repairs. 

How Long Do Foundation Repairs Last?

The longevity of foundation repairs depends on multiple factors. The first being the type of repair performed, next being the quality of the materials used, and lastly the workmanship of the contractor. Most professional repairs can last for decades if properly maintained. It’s important to follow maintenance recommendations provided by your contractor for prolonging the durability of the repairs.

The Importance of Addressing Foundation Issues Promptly

Foundation problems are a serious concern for any homeowner, but they are not too great to overcome. Having inspections done, finding issues early, and repairing them are crucial to preventing minor issues from becoming major structural damage which would necessitate more expensive repairs. By understanding what signs to look out for, you can take the appropriate steps to protect your home.

Choosing the Right Foundation Repair Service

When it comes to foundation repairs, choosing a reputable and experienced company is crucial. Maestro’s Foundation repair has the professional expertise to ensure that the repairs are done correctly to keep your home is safe and secure.