6 Foundation Repair Myths Debunked

Hand showing the space of a large gap in a block wall.

Think you’ve heard everything there is to hear about foundation repair? There are a lot of myths circulating from sources outside of the industry that make homeowners wary.

If these myths are keeping you from reaching out to a contractor, read on and see if this guide can’t dispel some of your worries.

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Common Foundation Repair Myths

Our team of experts has put together six of the most common foundation repair myths. We see homeowners ask about these often, and we want to let you know the truth!

Myth #1: Foundation Cracks Only Appear in Poorly-Made Homes

It is true that some foundation materials – brick and concrete, in particular – are more prone to cracking than others. That does not mean, however, that all homes with brick or concrete foundations are going to crack. Your foundation cracks when it’s exposed to an extreme amount of stress, such as shifting soil or hydrostatic pressure.

If you live in an area that takes on a lot of precipitation, like Cincinnati, OH, then your soil may not be able to absorb all of the rain that comes down. As a result, the soil will shift, water will build up against your home, and your foundation will move and crack as it tries to compensate. Most of the time, it has to do with forces outside of your control!

Myth #2: You Can Fix a Foundation Crack by Filling It

If you see a foundation crack, it’s probably simple enough to fill it and move on, right? Wrong. Filling a crack with caulk or another material might make the crack look better for a short time, but it won’t actually solve the underlying issue. Eventually, the crack will open up again.

Not only that, but using the wrong materials to fill a foundation crack could actually make damage worse. You need to work with a professional foundation repair company, like Ohio Basement Authority, who can install modern repair methods such as foundation piers or wall anchors. Only then will foundation cracks be properly repaired.

Myth #3: Overwatering Your Plants Will Make Foundation Cracks Worse

Watering your outdoor plants too much isn’t likely to weaken your foundation. In fact, the plants near your home can actually help protect your foundation. Their roots absorb extra water that might otherwise reach your foundation.

Also, during a drought, watering your plants actually helps your foundation. Dry soil shrinks and can’t absorb much rain, leading to more water near your foundation and possible cracks. So, keeping your garden watered not only makes it look good but also helps keep your foundation safe.

Myth #4: You Can Wait to Repair Your Foundation

Here’s the thing about delaying foundation repairs: you might be able to get away with doing so in the short-term, but the consequences in the long-term are going to be severe. The longer you let a crack grow, the worse it’s going to get. By the time you do eventually get around to fixing your foundation, you’ll find yourself paying far more than you would have if you’d called a contractor sooner.

Myth #5: Foundation Repair Costs Too Much

On one hand, yes, fixing your foundation is going to cost money and given the type of work performed by foundation repair companies, it can cost a lot. But think about it this way: fixing the problem sooner rather than later will actually save you money in the long run.

The longer you allow foundation damage to linger, the worse it will get—and the more expensive. If you’re really worried about your budget, pull together free quotes from several different contractors so you can negotiate costs. You may even be able to sign up for a payment plan!

Myth #6: You Can’t Sell Your Home if Your Foundation Has Cracks

Who would want to buy a house with a bad foundation? It seems like a bad deal, right? But actually, you can still sell a house like this. You need to either fix the cracks before selling or tell buyers about the problem upfront.

If you don’t fix the foundation, your house could lose up to 30% of its value. So, while skipping repairs saves money at first, it could cost you more when you sell. It all depends on your needs and specific situation.

Ohio Basement Authority: Foundation Repair You Can Trust

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You can’t believe everything you hear about foundation repair, and it’s best to work with a trusted repair company, like Ohio Basement Authority. With accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and a “Super Service Award” from Angi, homeowners across Ohio trust us to repair their foundations. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection, and we’ll make sure you receive truthful and exceptional service.

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.