When problems arise within a foundation, it can shift the home, allow water seepage and damage, and even lower the value. Things like cracks and biological growth may indicate serious problems and should not be ignored. These issues often require professional attention, rather than DIY solutions. Here are a few steps to take for effective foundation repair:
1. Identify Warning Signs
There will often be signs of foundation damage early on. Some early indicators could include cracks in the walls, slanting walls or floors, and excessive moisture. When the soil around a home becomes wet, it expands. This may be caused by rain or by melting snow. Identifying these signs early allows you to intervene before the problem worsens. Hiring a professional to inspect your basement or crawl space periodically is a good step for effective foundation repair.
Regular inspections not only help identify potential problems, but also allow a professional identify the root cause. They assess soil conditions and your foundation to determine where leaks are coming from or other problem areas. Experts review your current drainage system to determine whether it works well enough. After an inspection, they may recommend installing sump pumps to collect water that intrudes and divert it away. They could also encapsulate a crawl space, sealing it and preventing water from entering.
2. Address Drainage Issues
Poor drainage or improper grading can lead to flooding and foundation damage. If you have structural damage to your foundation, correct and repair drainage issues before you address foundational issues; if you don’t, the problems will return. Professionals may recommend simple fixes, such as addressing plumbing issues, or more complex ones, such as grading the land to slope away from the home’s foundation.
3. Begin Restoration Work
Once a professional addresses the root causes, they begin restorative work. This includes reinforcing the foundation’s structure, sealing cracks, and removing biological growths. You may need to replace gutters and downspouts as well, as they also help contribute to water damage around the outside of your home.
For sagging floors, professionals install strong support beams to lift the floors and prevent further sagging. These beams are made of corrosion-resistant materials, so they maintain their strength even when exposed to excess moisture. Using high-quality supports helps protect the structure from future damage.
4. Complete Preventative Measures
To prevent future damage, professionals install targeted preventative measures based on your home’s needs. Experts often recommend systems designed to control flooding, which is a leading cause of foundation problems. This usually includes sump pumps that actively remove excess water from basements or crawl spaces, reducing moisture buildup and protecting the foundation from weakening. Leveling supports can be installed to fix sagging floors and help prevent further structural issues.
Another key method to protect foundations is the encapsulation of crawl spaces or basements. This involves sealing these areas with vapor barriers and insulation to block moisture infiltration. By creating a dry, controlled environment, encapsulation stops mold growth, wood rot, and other moisture-related damage that can compromise your home’s structure over time. Sump pumps and encapsulation form an effective defense against water damage and foundation deterioration.
Get Foundation Repair Services Today
Damage to a building’s foundation impacts the structure, leading to long-term issues such as shifting and crumbling. By enlisting a professional, you can identify signs of foundational damage early; this allows you to be proactive in restoring the structure and protecting it from future damage. They install sump pumps, encapsulation seals, and new gutters and floor supports to help prevent future damage. Reach out to a professional today to learn how they will help with both interior and exterior foundation repairs.
