Many factors can contribute to foundation problems. Some are more severe than others, and spotting the early warning signs is key.

Wall cracks, sloping floors and sticking doors/windows are some of the most common indications of foundation issues. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly will help to reduce future damage and cost. For professional help, contact Sugar Land Foundation Repair Solutions.

A foundation crack is one of the first signs that your home’s structure may be in trouble. A few cracks are not a big deal, but a sudden increase in the number of cracks could indicate that there is a serious problem. It’s also important to recognize which cracks are normal and which ones signal a need for professional attention.

Hairline cracks are natural in most foundations, and they typically don’t cause much of a problem until they get bigger. However, they can indicate that the soil is shifting, causing the foundation to shift. If the cracks are wider than a quarter inch, it is time to call in a professional.

Diagonal cracks often indicate that the foundation is settling. They aren’t necessarily a sign of a serious problem, but they should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid a more significant issue like water leaks. Homeowners can often fix these types of cracks with epoxy injection.

When repairing these cracks, it is essential to choose the right type of epoxy to ensure that the crack is properly reinforced and sealed. Injections can be done in the home, but it is also recommended that a professional repair contractor be hired for larger crack repairs. Carbon fiber is an excellent choice to strengthen cracked concrete and can be used in combination with epoxy injections.

Non-structural cracks do not pose a threat to the structure of the house but can result in leaks from the basement during rainstorms or snow melting. It is a good idea to repair these cracks as soon as they appear and to monitor them for new problems. The best way to keep your home safe and dry is to keep gutters clear, redirect storm drains away from the foundation, slope yard grade away from the house, and make sure the foundation walls are well-insulated and waterproofed.

Slabs

If your home is built on a slab foundation, there are certain warning signs to watch out for that indicate it needs repair. Cracks in the corners of your foundation is one, along with doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open and close. Water leaks, mold and mildew are also possible indicators of slab problems.

Slabs are constructed of concrete, and this type of construction is susceptible to cracking due to moisture and ground movement. These issues are more prevalent in colder climates, where ice can cause serious damage to the structure. In addition, a slab foundation does not have space for plumbing, so if you do have pipes they will need to be run underneath the concrete.

To fix a sinking or settling slab, contractors can use a process called slabjacking. This involves drilling access holes into the slab and injecting high-density polyurethane foam. The foam expands quickly, lifting the slab back into place and filling in the gaps. This method of repair is quick, cost effective and requires minimal cleanup.

A more permanent solution for a sinking or settling slab is to use steel pressed pilings. These are cylinders six inches in diameter and 12 inches long that are made of pre-formed concrete. These are inserted into the soil to lift the foundation back into place, and they can be installed in either clay or sandy soil.

In some cases, a foundation may need to be lifted by hydraulic lift piers that are set in the ground and then hydraulically lifted until the foundation is leveled and secure. This type of pier is best suited for homes in more stable soil that does not have a lot of voids or rock and can hold the weight of a house without a problem.

While no foundation is indestructible, proper maintenance and regular inspections can help minimize the risk of severe structural issues. Thoughtful landscaping and irrigation plans can prevent water accumulation near the foundation, reducing erosion and moisture-related issues. In addition, a premium concrete sealant can be applied to the surface of a slab to fend off moisture and environmental damage, helping to keep the foundation strong for as long as possible.

Crawl Spaces

Unlike slab foundations, crawl space foundations are often exposed to the elements. This means that it is very common for these spaces to develop moisture problems, which can have a big impact on the overall integrity of the house. Moisture can weaken wood and damage floor joists, which in turn can compromise the quality of the house’s foundation. In addition, moisture in crawl spaces can cause mold and mildew, which can also affect the foundation.

A professional foundation repair contractor will thoroughly examine a home’s crawl space to identify any signs of structural damage. This includes checking for sagging floors, weakened floor joists, and damaged beams. It is also essential for a professional to check the condition of the crawl space walls. If the walls are sagging, they may need to be reinforced. This can be done by sistering the joists or adding additional support posts. Alternatively, adjustable steel crawl space screw jacks can be installed to lift and support sagging floors.

Because crawl spaces are open to the exterior, they are also prone to pest infestations. It is important to regularly inspect the area for signs of rodent activity. Additionally, the crawl space can be insulated to help keep moisture and insects away from the space.

Moisture issues in crawl spaces are usually caused by poor drainage or leaking pipes. If not addressed promptly, the water can start to rot and weaken the wooden structures of the house, which can eventually lead to structural instability.

Crawl space insulation is an effective solution for preventing moisture from infiltrating the space and damaging wood. Insulation can be blown in or spray foamed onto the walls to create a thick barrier that blocks moisture, mold, and mildew from infiltrating the home.

In addition to installing an insulated barrier, professionals can improve drainage by regrading the soil around the foundation. Ideally, the soil should slope away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling in that area. If this isn’t feasible, French drains can be installed to redirect the water elsewhere.

Piers

Foundation piers are used in a variety of situations. They’re usually installed in a new construction project that requires a deeper foundation system or to repair lightweight structures experiencing foundation settlement. They’re shaped like corkscrews and turned into the soil to a depth and torque specified by a geotechnical engineer. Once they’re in place, synchronized hydraulic jacks raise the structure. There are different kinds of piers, including helical and push piers. Helical piers are often used for new construction projects that require a deep foundation system because they don’t need to be driven into the ground. They’re also more cost-effective than other pier types.

Many pier and beam foundations need regular maintenance to prevent more severe issues down the line. For example, if a crawl space doesn’t have proper ventilation and drainage, excessive moisture can cause problems with the wood materials in the foundation system. This can lead to rot, mold, and even disintegration. Moisture can affect every part of a pier and beam foundation, from the sill to the subfloor, so it’s important to make sure the area is well-ventilated and insulated.

Another problem that pier and beam homes can experience is shifting and sinking of the floors. This is due to expansive clay soil that expands when it gets wet and contracts as it dries. This shift puts pressure on the piers and can damage walls and doors in the home. Shifting of a pier and beam foundation can be corrected with reshimming. This process involves refilling gaps between the sill and settled support piers to evenly distribute weight.

Whether you have a slab or a pier and beam foundation, you can trust The Real Seal to inspect your home’s foundation and provide recommendations for the best solution for your needs. We’re a local, family-owned and operated business with over 30 years of experience. We’re committed to providing honest, quality service and will never recommend a repair that isn’t necessary. If you’re having foundation issues, call us today to get started! We’re proud to offer flexible financing options to help bring the upfront costs down.