Structural Foundation Repair

What is foundation repair?

Foundation repair refers to fixing and addressing issues with a home’s foundation, such as cracks, settling, and bowing or leaning walls. The goal of foundation repair is to ensure the stability and safety of the home’s foundation.

What are the signs that my foundation needs repair?

Foundation problems can be severe. Address a broken foundation quickly to avoid future damage to your home. Here are some signs that yours may need repair:

Cracks in walls or floors: When a foundation moves, it can create pressure on the walls and floors, which causes them to crack. Changes in temperature and humidity can cause the materials in the walls and floors to expand and contract, which might indicate moisture is leaking into the home.
Sloping or uneven floors: Slanted floors often indicate foundation settlement or sagging floor joists, where part (but not all) has moved.
Sticking doors or windows: Doors and windows need 90-degree angles on each corner to open and close smoothly. A shifted foundation can twist the frame enough to cause them to stick.
Gaps around windows or doors: Doorways sometimes get stuck once misaligned; sometimes, there is enough space for them to continue to work, but they leave a gap where light and air pass through. This gap is just as valuable an indicator as if they got stuck.
Sagging or bowing walls: Walls become unlevel when the house shifts or settles. The attached walls can also move as the bottom moves, causing them to sag or bow.
Chimney leaning or tilting: Much like bowed walls, a chimney can lean or tilt when the foundation supporting it isn’t stable or level.

Noting the warning signs can help you address structural damage before it worsens.

What are the common causes of foundation problems?

There are several common causes, including:

Soil movement: Changes in the moisture content of the soil can cause the dirt to expand or contract, which can put pressure on the foundation and cause it to shift or settle. Expansive soil is typical in this part of the country.
Poor soil compaction: Insufficiently compacted soil during the building process is likely to cause the ground to shift.
Plumbing leaks: If there is a leak in your plumbing system, it can cause water to accumulate near the foundation, which can weaken the soil and cause it to shift or settle.
Poor drainage: Water accumulating can cause soil erosion, which removes the support under and around a foundation, leading to settlement or shifting. Drainage issues are made worse by heavy rainfall.
Tree roots: Large tree roots can grow underneath or another the foundation. As they grow, they can exert pressure, causing shifts or cracks, allowing water to infiltrate and weaken.
Construction nearby: Nearby construction or excavation can cause soil movement and change the pressure providing support.
Seismic activity: Earthquakes and other seismic activity can cause the soil to shift.

What methods do you use to repair foundations?

Foundation repair methods can vary depending on the type and extent of the damage. Some standard techniques used to repair foundations include:

Underpinning: Underpinning is a process used to strengthen and stabilize the foundation by placing additional support underneath the existing slab. Various materials, such as steel or concrete piers, lift and level the foundation.
Helical piers: Helical piers are steel shafts with helical-shaped plates screwed into the ground to support and stabilize the foundation. They are particularly effective for repairing foundations that have settled due to poor soil conditions.
Slabjacking: Slabjacking is a process used to lift and level a sunken concrete slab foundation by injecting a specialized grout mixture underneath the slab to raise it.
Carbon fiber reinforcement: Carbon fiber reinforcement involves attaching high-strength carbon fiber straps to the foundation walls to provide additional support and prevent further cracking or shifting.
Waterproofing: Waterproofing is a process used to prevent water damage to the foundation by sealing any foundation cracks or gaps and installing drainage systems to redirect water away from the house.

The specific foundation repair service used depends on the source of the problem.

How long does it typically take to repair a foundation?

The length of time it takes for repairs varies depending on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the type of foundation, and the repair method. Generally, a foundation repair project can take a few days to several weeks to complete.

Some factors that can affect the timeline include:

Foundation type
Extent of damage
Weather
Permits
Contractor availability

Once a foundation repair expert has completed an inspection and recommended an effective solution, they should be able to estimate how long the process will take.

Will the repair work cause damage to my home or landscaping?

Foundation repair work can be a significant undertaking, and homeowners may be concerned about potential damage to their homes or landscaping during the repair process. However, reputable foundation repair contractors take steps to minimize the risk of damage during the repair process.

Some steps foundation repair companies may take to prevent damage:

Preparing the work area: Foundation repair teams will remove any items or landscaping that may be in the way, such as shrubs or outdoor furniture. They may also use plastic sheeting to protect nearby structures or landscaping from dust or debris.
Using the right equipment: Specialized equipment, such as small excavators or hand tools, can minimize the impact and avoid damaging nearby landscaping or structures.
Protecting the foundation: Contractors will take steps to protect the foundation during the repair process by stabilizing it with temporary supports and carefully removing any damaged or weakened materials.
Monitoring for damage: Throughout the repair process, contractors will watch for any signs of damage to the home or landscaping and take steps to prevent or address any issues that may arise.

While there is always a risk of minor damage during a foundation repair project, taking proper steps can help mitigate the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Foundation Repair Cost?

The cost of foundation repair varies based on type of foundation, the extent of the damage, and more. One of our trained professionals can give you a free estimate.

Where do you provide foundation repair services?

Our service area includes Charlotte, Elizabeth City, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Lincolnton, Shallotte, and Greenville, NC.

Ready to go?

A foundation inspection is the first step of the process. Contact us to schedule a free inspection today!