Know Your Foundation Repair Options

What do you do when you suspect your foundation’s failing? Above all else, don’t panic. There are plenty of foundation repair solutions available to you when you work with the foundation repair contractors and foundation specialists in your area. How, though, can you go about choosing a solution, and how do your options differ from one another?

Let’s break down the different foundation repair solutions contractors like to use best so you can have a better idea of what to expect, should you need to call in the professionals.

Signs of a Foundation Leak

Telling the difference between a basement problem and a foundation problem is a challenge for the uninitiated. That’s why you’re going to need the input of a professional foundation repair contractor when determining whether or not something’s wrong with your home.

A foundation problem’s symptoms will often overlap with those of a basement issue, and one type typically begets the other. That said, professionals will be able to let you know what signs are unique to a foundation problem and when some are more concerning than others.

The signs contractors look for to determine whether or not your foundation is leaking or failing include:

• Bowing walls
• Shifting floors
• Gaps at the joints of your foundation
• Sticking doors
• Foggy windows
• Water-damaged belongings or furniture
• Mold

If you let a foundation problem go unattended, you risk seeing symptoms and long-term damage appear outside of your home. Some of the external signs of a foundation issue include:

• Vertical cracks in your walls
• A cracked chimney
• Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
• Sinking

What to Do When Your Foundation Cracks

Figuring out whether or not your home has a foundation problem is, for many, only the start of the stress. Once you know what you’re dealing with, you’re going to have to work with local contractors to determine which of the available foundation repair solutions will best suit your home.

The good news is that solutions are plentiful and varied in both installation time and cost. Some of the most common solutions a contractor will use to repair your foundation include:

• Push Piers – Many contractors use Push Piers to support a home suffering from foundation settlement. They are installed to more stable soil strata beneath the foundation to better support the structure. They can even help lift your home back to level.
• Helical Piers – Helical piers are similar to Push Piers, except they are manually advanced or “screwed” into the ground. They’re excellent if you’re only dealing with minor to medium foundation damage, and are ideal for lighter structures like porches, patios, and chimneys.
• Crawl Space Support Jacks – The support systems in your crawl space – whether they’re wooden or metal – can easily fall victim to water and moisture underneath the home. This will then lead to failing floor joists and sagging, uneven floors. But our heavy-duty IntelliJack supports will permanently reinforce these failing support systems. They are designed to help stop settling but can be adjusted if any settlement occurs, and they can help lift sagging floors back to level.
• Wall Repair and Reinforcement Systems – Wall damage can vary, so we offer a few different options for repair. Each system permanently stabilizes the walls and prevents any further cracking or inward bowing. Wall Anchors and IntelliBrace beams work best on walls in more severe disrepair, and their unique design allows them to be tightened for potential wall repair. Carbon Fiber supports are best for less severe walls, and they hold the walls in their current positions.

Calling in Professional Foundation Specialists

If you’re handy with a hammer and a wrench, it can be tempting to try and take challenges like a leaking foundation into your own hands. Unfortunately, even Macgyver couldn’t fix a foundation with the same skill as a certified foundation repair contractor. When in doubt, reach out to the professionals working in the Cincinnati, OH, area. Not only will your foundation thank you, but your repair budget will, too.

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.

Recommended Resources

Want a Dry Crawl Space? Avoid These 7 Things

There are many ways to dry your crawl space, but some don't last. Learn what to avoid and how experts fix crawl space moisture.

Crawl Space Flooding: Clean-Up Steps & 5 Preventative Measures

A flooded crawl space is a hotbed of mold, and the ponding water can lead to structural damage.

Is Mold In a Crawl Space a Health Problem?

Is mold dangerous? What health problems can it cause? What are the signs of mold allergy? How can I protect my loved ones? These questions are natural. After all, no one likes mold, especially if its growing right under your feet. On this page, you’ll find answers to these questions and learn how to fix […]

Crawl Space Ventilation: To Vent or Not?

Is crawl space ventilation necessary? This guide explains the effects of ventilation on your crawl space and how to curb moisture.