The Ultimate Guide to Foundation Repair in Ohio: What Homeowners Need to Know

It’s hard for movie and comic buffs to forget the sage words Uncle Ben offered Peter Parker: “With great power comes great responsibility.” In its many interpretations, the same can be said of house foundations.

The foundation must uphold the entire structure along with everything and everyone inside it. That’s a big job, and damage can develop over time. You’re not alone; many Ohio homeowners face the same challenges, but they can be fixed with proper foundation repair.

Knowing when and how to repair house foundation issues can be complicated; we get it. We’re homeowners, too. We created this comprehensive guide to equip you with knowledge about common foundation problems, causes, and lasting solutions. Let’s get started!

Interior Problem Signs

• Basement wall cracks and bowing basement walls
• Drywall cracks or nail pops
• Uneven floors
• Sticking doors and windows

Exterior Problem Signs

• Foundation wall cracks
• Cracked bricks
• Cracked and leaning chimney
• Collapsing retaining wall

• Expansive Soil: Many types of soil throughout Ohio have significant amounts of clay. Clay is an absorbent and expansive soil, meaning it expands and contracts when exposed to fluctuating precipitation.
• Soil Movement: Expansive soil contributes to foundation settlement, foundation sinking, and hydrostatic pressure. These forces destabilize your foundation and result in cracks, inward wall bowing, and visible gaps in sinking areas.
• Soil Erosion: Clay is prominent throughout Ohio, but some areas like Cincinnati’s river valley location are prone to erosion that results in foundation settlement and sinking.

• Precipitation: Ohio is a rainy state, with many locations receiving more than 40 inches of annual rainfall and more than 50 inches of average annual snowfall in the snow belt.
• Other Weather Factors: Similarly, Ohio is classified as having a humid continental climate. The Buckeye State also experiences repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
• Poor Drainage: This is a lot of water for the expansive soil to contend with, and it can easily leak inside and cause foundation damage without properly functioning drainage systems.
• Tree Roots: Roots from trees and bushes planted too close to the structure destabilize the soil and contribute to cracks and other damage.

DIY Inspection Tips

• Inspect both the interior and exterior foundation walls for visible cracks.
• Test windows and doors, checking for sticking or misaligned frames.
• Use a level to spot any uneven flooring that might suggest settling.
• After it rains, see how water flows and drains near your home.
• Check your basement or crawl space for signs of moisture, mold, or bowing walls.

Preventative Measures

• Ensure gutters and downspouts move water away from the foundation.
• Slope the ground away from your home to reduce water accumulation.
• Use soaker hoses during dry spells to keep soil moisture consistent and avoid excessive movement.
• Keep large trees a safe distance from the home to prevent roots from drawing out too much soil moisture.
• Check hidden leaks beneath the ground that could wash away soil and compromise foundation stability.

• Helical Piers: Steel piers with helix-shaped blades on the end are screwed deep into load-bearing soil to anchor the home’s foundation. They are versatile and ideal for lighter structures.
• Push Piers: Slender steel shaft sections are driven through the soil using hydraulic equipment. The structure’s weight provides the necessary resistance to “set” the piers into stable soils.
• Slab Piers: Slab piers are targeted for homes with a concrete slab foundation. These specially designed bracketed piers are pushed through the slab at key uplifting points, allowing for floor foundation repair.
• Crawl Space Jacks: Heavy-duty crawl space jacks permanently stabilize sagging crawl space floor joists. They are adjustable, allowing for potential floor improvement and leveling.

• Carbon Fiber Reinforcements: Low-profile carbon fiber straps firmly adhere to basement walls with epoxy. They hold walls in their current positions and are ideal for walls with less than two inches of movement.
• Wall Beams: Our IntelliBrace™ wall repair system consists of beams installed along interior basement walls. Bolted to the floor and floor joist, they can be adjusted for potential wall improvement.
• Wall Anchors: Wall anchors off similar adjustability and improvements for walls with more than two inches of movement. A steel rod connects earth anchors and interior wall anchor plates, creating high-tension forces that fight hydrostatic pressure.
• Channel Anchors: Our channel anchors blend our wall brace and wall anchor systems together. The system includes exterior earth anchors and slender interior wall plates bolted to the floor. They are ideal for shearing basement walls.

Water Management Solutions

Waterproofing doesn’t directly fix foundation damage, but it plays a vital role in preventing moisture-related issues such as wood rot and structural weakening. These systems—like basement waterproofing or crawl space encapsulation—are designed to manage water effectively. They typically involve drainage installations that capture and redirect water, block moisture from entering, and help maintain balanced humidity levels.

Foundation problems can feel like a hassle, but you shouldn’t ignore those red flags. Promptly addressing foundation issues is key to protecting your home and family. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed or face them on your own, either.

Our experienced team at Ohio Basement Authority will be right there with you every step of the way. We understand the unique foundation challenges Ohio homeowners face, and we’ve got the best foundation repair methods to fix them.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection, and we’ll show you how to safeguard your home’s structural integrity and your family’s well-being for years to come.