Common myths about foundation repair can make it a horrifying experience when homeowners descend into their basements and find a crack running across their concrete foundations or horizontal cracks in foundation walls. If you plan to sell your home or buy a new one, these cracks can cause enough dread to keep a deal from closing because of the fear of a lengthy home foundation repair process. So what are some of the myths about foundation repair, and are they issues you really need to worry about? Let’s consider some of those repair myths and see how a more accurate approach to them may impact your view of home foundation repair.
Myth #1: All Foundation Cracks are a Sign of Serious Damage
It’s perfectly natural for homeowners to think the worst when they see a crack in their home’s foundation or foundation walls. Prospective homebuyers also tend to use any cracks they see in a foundation as a reason not to buy a home. This is one of the top myths about foundation repair because homeowners assume major repairs are needed when they may not be. The reality is that some cracks in your foundation floors and walls do not indicate the home has severe foundation issues.
Generally, the length and width of any cracks can help determine if they are cosmetic issues or signs of a more significant problem that needs immediate attention. Typically, there will be other indicators, in addition to cracks, that point toward structural issues. Some of those indicators include the following:
- Doors and windows suddenly sticking or not closing properly.
- Floors becoming slanted, unlevel, or cracked.
- Cracks forming on door and window frames.
- Gaps forming between baseboard and floors or moldings.
- Bulging foundation walls that appear to be moving out of place.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s best not to guess whether they are signs of a foundation problem. Contact Davis Brothers Chimney Sweep and Masonry to have your foundation evaluated by a qualified structural engineer; we can determine the causes and assess what type of remediation might be necessary.
Myth #2: DIY Foundation Repair is Easier and More Affordable
Cosmetic foundation cracks in a concrete slab may be simple and relatively inexpensive for the do-it-yourselfer to repair. But an effective repair can be far more complex when a foundation problem impacts a home’s structural integrity. The project can require tools and manpower that could easily be beyond the scope of a typical DIY home project.
A thorough inspection is needed to determine the damage’s extent before developing and planning to repair it. Depending on the type and scope of the foundation damage, the soil around the foundation may need to be excavated. Several techniques can be used to repair the foundation, such as underpinning, slab jacking, or piering. These methods stabilize and support the foundation to prevent further movement and damage. Once the work is completed, any excavated areas need to be backfilled, and the work area will need to be cleaned up. Other areas of the home may also require modifications to address possible damages caused by the foundation. This type of project can become far more involved than homeowners are comfortable taking on themselves.
Furthermore, mistakes made during a foundation repair can also be costly. Not entirely or effectively addressing a compromised foundation can create more extensive and expensive issues in the future. That’s why this type of job should be left to professionals, like Davis Brothers Chimney Sweep and Masonry. We offer foundation repair in Atlantic County, NJ, and the surrounding areas, and can make sure a foundation repair is done right, saving you time and stress while getting your home back into shape.
Myth #3: Minor Foundation Repairs Can Be Ignored
Another common myth about foundation repair is that addressing minor problems can be put off until later. While small cracks in a home’s foundation or basement walls may not be a definitive sign of a foundation problem, larger cracks often start as smaller ones. As your foundation becomes more and more damaged, it could begin to have a ripple effect, causing additional damage throughout your house.
Often, homeowners don’t want to address cracks or damage to their home’s foundation because they fear the repair will be too expensive, so they want to put it off until later. However, addressing potential issues as soon as possible can keep those issues from deteriorating into more costly problems. It also may give you more repair options that don’t involve replacing the entire foundation, which can be a huge factor in saving money on the overall cost of a repair. Our artisans can evaluate your home and present you with affordable options to repair and reinforce your foundation effectively and affordably.
Myth #4: New Homeowners Don’t Need to Worry About Foundation Problems
Assuming that new homes are always free from potential issues is another myth about foundation repair. New homes generally take about a year to settle onto their foundations. However, problems can arise at any point during that year. Poor construction, weather damage, hydrostatic pressure, and natural disasters can damage foundations, impacting new and old buildings.
Additionally, since many foundation issues are caused by moving soil, new construction is not immune. Soil movement can occur because of soil shrinkage or expansion, settling, erosion, or even improper compassion during construction. As soil moves, concrete foundations can move with it, causing cracks, uneven floors, and other issues necessitating home foundation repair.
Take Action to Repair Possible Foundation Issues Now
If you’re concerned about your home’s foundation, you don’t want to be fooled by the myths about foundation repair. You also don’t want to waste valuable time stressing over what might be the problem or guessing at possible solutions needed to repair your foundation. Get a definitive answer by calling Davis Brothers Chimney Sweep and Masonry, a trusted foundation repair contractor with expertise in performing home foundation repairs on different types of foundations. We can help you dispel common repair myths, and our inspection will conclusively determine if you have a cosmetic problem or a more serious structural problem. In either case, we can also provide you with an estimate for the most efficient and cost-effective solution to repair any problems and prevent additional ones in the future.
If your chimney is damaged due to foundation issues, we can also provide stucco chimney repair in Cherry Hill, NJ, among our many other offerings. Call us right away for a free quote!