The Top 3 Foundation Repair Methods Fenton, MI

A home is a big investment, and the foundation is a crucial part of that investment. If your foundation is damaged, it can cause all sorts of problems for your home—and your wallet. That’s why it’s important to know the different types of foundation repair methods so you can make the best decision for your home.

1. Pier and Beam Foundation Repair

One of the most common types of foundation damage is settlement. This happens when the soil underneath your foundation shifts or settles, causing the foundation to sink. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor drainage, expansive clay soils, or even tree roots. If you notice cracks in your walls or doors that won’t close properly, these could be signs of settlement damage.

If you have a pier and beam foundation, the good news is that this type of damage is usually fairly easy and less expensive to repair. In most cases, piers can be installed to stabilize the beams and joists and level out your foundation.

2. Slab Foundation Repair

If you have a slab foundation—which is a type of concrete foundation where the floors are poured directly on top of the slab—settlement isn’t the only type of damage you need to worry about. Cracks in the slab itself can also occur, which can lead to even more serious problems like water leakage.

Slab foundations are typically repaired by mudjacking or polyjacking. Mudjacking is a process where concrete is injected underneath the slab to raise it back into place. Polyjacking uses polyurethane foam instead of concrete, which is less messy and causes less disruption than mudjacking.

3. Retaining Wall Foundation Repair

If your home has a retaining wall as part of its foundation, then that’s another potential area where damage can occur. The most common type of retaining wall damage is called “toeing out,” which happens when the wall starts to lean outward at the bottom due to soil erosion or poor drainage. This can cause cracks in the wall and eventually lead to collapse if it’s not repaired quickly enough.

To fix a toeing out retaining wall, crews will excavate around the base of the wall to expose the roots. Then they will install new drainage systems and backfill with new soil to stabilize the area around the wall. In some cases, steel rods may also be used to reinforce the wall from within.

These are just three of the most common types of foundation damage and repair methods. If you think you may have damage to your foundation, it’s important to call in a professional as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action for your home. Ignoring foundation damage will only make it worse—and more expensive to repair—so don’t wait!

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

4 Types of Foundation Cracks and The Damage They Cause Fenton, MI

There is little doubt that you are unnerved when you see cracks in your foundation. It is common for many people to associate the appearance of cracks on a building with a poor design or construction of the building. However, this is not always true. Foundation cracks and other types of cracks occur due to various reasons. Different types of cracks also mean different things, and not all types of cracks should be a cause for concern.

Here are some points that you need to know about different types of foundation cracks and what they mean when you see them in your house.

1. Vertical Cracks

Most vertical cracks run up and down the foundation, though some of them slant up about 30 degrees. It is common to see vertical cracks on the foundation during the foundation’s curing process. The reason why vertical cracks are common, especially in new buildings, is that they are caused by the concrete shrinking process.

Most vertical foundation cracks are small and, therefore, harmless since they are usually just at the surface of the foundation. But you should be concerned if you see vertical cracks that are wider than 1/8 inch or 3 mm. You need to call a foundation repair expert if you see such cracks.

2. Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal foundation cracks are caused by uneven settling of the foundation. They usually have a slanting orientation, with an angle of between 30 and 75 degrees. At the start, diagonal cracks are usually narrow and are commonly known as hairline cracks. But if left unrepaired, these cracks can expand and provide an easy route for water to penetrate the foundation. As water seeps through these cracks, they become even wider.

Therefore, if you see diagonal cracks, especially those that are becoming wider, you should consult a professional foundation repair company to avert any further damage to your building.

3. Stair Step Cracks

Stair step cracks are a combination of diagonal and vertical cracks. They are referred to as stair-step because they take the form of a staircase. These cracks appear diagonally and are clearly visible along mortar joints. Like diagonal cracks, stair step cracks are also caused by the non-uniform settling of the foundation.

You should consult a professional foundation repair company when you see stair step cracks. The technicians will determine whether the cracks simply need to be filled or there is a structural issue that needs to be addressed.

4. Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks occur due to lateral pressure exerted on the foundation. This can be a result of hydrostatic pressure, frost heave, large roots, or other occurrences. These cracks indicate a severe structural problem and may be associated with other issues, such as foundation wall bowing. You should contact a foundation repair contractor immediately if you see horizontal foundation cracks.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks & Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

What Happens When You Ignore Foundation Wall Cracks Fenton, MI

Have you noticed cracks in your foundation walls? Many homeowners would rather ignore foundation wall cracks especially if they are small and show no signs of water seepage. Some even simply paint over them or fill them in to improve the aesthetic appearance of the wall. However, this isn’t actually dealing with the wall cracks.

While your home is not likely to collapse in the next few weeks, it is still not a good idea to ignore foundation wall cracks. Here’s what is likely to happen if you do.

1. The cracks will grow

Foundation wall cracks are often a sign of another problem with the foundation. In many instances, cracks are formed as a result of the movement of the soil around the foundation. Cracks may form when the soil expands or shrinks. This is likely to continue if it is not dealt with. The cracks in your foundation will therefore grow larger and spread further. You may even notice more cracks forming on other parts of your foundation.

2. Water seepage

Cracks in your foundation are an entry point for moisture and water in the soil around your foundation. If the cracks in your foundation aren’t showing signs of water seepage right now, they will most likely begin to let water into your basement in the future if they are not repaired. Water seepage can in turn lead to various problems. It will create a damp environment in the basement where mold and mildew will thrive. Water seepage can also lead to flooding.

3. Pest infestation

Cracks in the foundation are not only an entry point for water but also for pests. Rodents and crawling insects such as cockroaches will use the cracks to gain entry into your home. They will also hide in the cracks and crevices to breed and multiply. You will soon find that you’re dealing with a pest infestation that is not only a nuisance but also a risk to the health of the members of your household.

4. Gas intrusion

Another risk of not attending to foundation wall cracks is a gas intrusion. There are various toxic gases that occur naturally in the soil around your foundation. Some of these gases such as methane are explosive when in an enclosed space. Others such as Radon can cause serious health concerns. These gases will seep into your basement through the cracks and can be a cause of concern.

Protect the health of your household and the structure of your home by investing in repair for your wall cracks.

Contact the Professionals at Basement Cracks and Leaks Today! 800-639-1131

7 Signs Your House Needs Foundation Repair Fenton, MI

Any kind of damage to your foundation can lead to serious structural issues. That’s why you should fix any foundation problem as you notice signs of foundation damage. Here are signs that your house needs foundation repair.

1. Exterior Walls Cracks

Uneven settling of the foundation can cause different types of cracks on the walls of your home. While small vertical cracks may be nothing much to worry about, you need to seek help from a foundation repair expert if you spot horizontal or vertical cracks that keep on widening.

2. Warped Foundation Walls

A bowing or warped foundation wall can occur as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure from the soil that surrounds the foundation. When this occurs, horizontal cracks can develop on the foundation and lead to serious structural issues. You urgently need to do foundation repair if you spot warped foundation walls.

3. Uneven Floors

The floors of your house may slope, move or start to form bumps over time. This problem may be caused by normal wear and tear. However, notable changes in the structure of the floor can also be a result of a problem with the foundation of the house. If this problem is not fixed, it can worsen and lead to more costly repairs.

4. Sinking Ground around the House

If you notice that the ground around the foundation of your house is sinking, you need to be concerned because this is an indication that the foundation is sinking.

5. Damp Crawlspace or Basement

A damp crawlspace indicates that water is seeping in through the foundation. The seepage could be due to cracks in the foundation walls. If you don’t fix this problem, the cracks can expand and cause severe foundation problems. The foundation walls can also start bowing and this will damage your house.

Therefore, you should call a foundation repair company if you spot signs of humidity or moisture in your crawlspace or basement.

6. Cracking Floor Tiles

If your floor tiles are cracking and there is no other explanation for this problem, it is highly likely that the house could be having a foundation problem. You need to call a foundation repair technician to diagnose the problem so that you can know how to fix it.

7. Sticky Windows and Doors

Sticky doors and windows can occur as a result of the accumulation of dirt and grime, which increase friction in the hinges and other sections of these structures. This problem can easily be fixed through cleaning and the use of lubricants.

Doors and windows can also become sticky due to foundation movement, which alters the position of the walls that hold these structures. So if your doors and windows suddenly become sticky and there is no sign of dirt or rust, you should call a foundation repair company.

Contact the professionals at Basement Cracks And Leaks Metro Inc! 1-800-639-1131