Foundations are essential to the structural integrity of any house, and yet they often go unnoticed until problems arise. If you think your home may be in need of foundation repair, here are five signs that can alert you to potential issues.

What are the signs that my home needs foundation repair?

1. Cracks in Walls or Flooring

One of the most common signs that you may have foundation damage is if there are cracks in walls or flooring. These cracks will usually start small and become larger over time, so monitoring them is important. If the cracks widen more than an eighth of an inch, it could cause concern, and you should call a professional for help. 

2. Uneven Floors

Uneven floors are another sign that your home may be in need of foundation repair. This can happen if the ground underneath your house shifts or if there is too much water around the foundation, causing it to weaken over time. Suppose you notice that some areas of your house feel higher or lower than others. In that case, this could indicate underlying foundation issues and should be examined by a professional as soon as possible.

3. Doors & Windows Stick

Another warning sign that something might be wrong with your home’s foundation is if doors or windows start sticking when they didn’t before. This could mean that the frame has shifted due to environmental changes or weak support from beneath, making it difficult for them to open and close properly without sticking.

4. Interior Wall Separation

In some cases, interior walls may start separating from one another due to shifting foundations below them. Not only does this look unsightly, but it can also make your home unsafe if these walls don’t provide enough support for load-bearing areas of your house, like ceilings and roofs. An experienced contractor can assess the problem and determine what type of repair is needed to fix the issue safely and effectively long-term.

5. Leaning Chimneys & Porches

Lastly, suppose you notice any visible leaning on chimneys or porches outside of your home. In that case, this could indicate serious underlying problems with your foundation below them that require immediate attention from a qualified professional. Leaning structures put extra strain on other parts of your home, which could lead to further damage down the road if not addressed right away by an experienced contractor who knows how to fix these types of issues correctly and safely without putting additional stress on other parts of your property’s structure in the process 

What causes foundation problems?

Foundation problems are some of the most common and costly repairs a homeowner can face. Understanding what causes foundation problems and how to avoid them is the best way to keep your home’s foundation in good condition. Let’s explore the most common causes of foundation issues and how you can prevent them. 

Soil Shifting or Settling 

The soil around your home is constantly shifting, settling, and eroding due to various environmental factors like temperature, moisture levels, and pressure. When these changes occur rapidly or unexpectedly, your home’s foundation may be affected. This could cause cracks in your walls or floors and other structural damage over time. To avoid this issue, make sure that you regularly check the soil around your home for signs of erosion or rapid settling. Also, ensure that any new landscaping projects are done carefully so as not to disturb the existing soil too much. 

Plumbing Leaks 

Plumbing leaks are one of the most common causes of foundation problems. If left untreated for too long, water from a plumbing leak can cause excessive moisture around your home’s foundation, leading to cracks or other structural damage. Make sure you have regular plumbing inspections done by a professional plumber who can identify any potential issues before they become serious problems. It’s also important to have any plumbing repairs done quickly once an issue has been identified. 

Poor Drainage 

Poor drainage around your property can lead to pooling water near the foundation, which can put undue stress on its structure over time. Poor drainage issues include clogged gutters or downspouts that do not direct water away from your home properly and low-lying areas, which tend to collect water after rainfall or heavy snowfall. To avoid this issue, ensure all gutters and downspouts are regularly cleaned out, so they function properly during periods of heavy precipitation or snowfall. You should also consider investing in proper landscaping techniques, such as grading the land around your property so there is proper runoff into appropriate channels away from your home’s foundation.

How much does foundation repair cost?

If you’ve noticed any signs of foundation damage in your home, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost to repair. Understanding the factors that affect the cost can help you make an informed decision about your repairs, so let’s take a look at what goes into pricing foundation repair. 

Types of Damage 

The type of damage affects the cost of repairs. Minor cracks may not require professional intervention and can be addressed with do-it-yourself solutions like epoxy injections or crack fillers. On the other hand, larger cracks require more extensive repair and can necessitate additional structural support. The extent of these repairs will vary depending on the severity and location of the damage, so it is important to have a qualified professional assess your foundation before attempting any repairs. 

Material Costs 

The materials used to carry out repairs will also impact the overall cost. Depending on the extent of the damage, contractors may need to use concrete, steel reinforcements, piers, or other materials. Generally speaking, more extensive damages will require higher material costs, resulting in higher homeowners' expenses. It is also important to note that some contractors offer discounts or specials on materials used for foundation repair projects. 

Labor Costs 

Labor costs are typically calculated based on hourly rates or flat fees, depending on whether you hire a contractor or handyman service. Contractors tend to charge higher rates for their services since they have experience dealing with complex foundation problems and offer long-term warranties on their workmanship; however, a handyman service might be able to provide a more affordable solution if your problem is relatively straightforward. Ultimately, it’s important to shop around and find someone who can provide quality work at a price that fits your budget.

Do I need to move out during foundation repair?

Foundation repair is an important part of keeping your home safe and secure. But, when it comes to foundation repair, one question always arises - should you stay in your home while the repairs are being done? The answer can vary depending on the circumstances, but let’s look at some factors that go into this decision. 

Safety Considerations 

The first thing to consider when deciding whether or not you should move out during foundation repair is safety. Safety should be your top priority in any construction project, and foundation repair is no exception. Depending on the severity of the issue, there may be times when it’s simply too dangerous to stay in your home while repairs are being made. If this is the case, you should definitely plan to move out until all work has been completed and the area has been deemed safe again by a professional contractor. 

Time Frame 

Another factor that must be considered when deciding whether to move out for foundation repair is the time frame. How long do you expect the repairs to take? If you’re expecting them to take several weeks or even months, it might make sense to find temporary accommodations during this time frame. On the other hand, if you’re expecting the work to be completed relatively quickly (a few days or less), then it might make more sense for you to remain living in your home so as not to disrupt your normal daily routine too much.  

Cost Considerations 

Finally, cost considerations must also be considered when making this decision. If staying in your home during foundation repair costs more than finding temporary accommodations outside of your house, moving out might make more financial sense to save money in the long run. On the other hand, if staying put costs less than moving out and finding alternative housing arrangements, it may be best for you financially and logistically speaking if you remain living in your house while repairs are being made. 

Conclusion 

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to move out during foundation repair depends on several factors, such as safety considerations, the time frame of repairs, and cost considerations. It’s important that homeowners weigh their options carefully before making a decision to ensure that their best interests are met economically and logistically during their foundation repair project. Consulting with experienced pros at Metric Marketing can help provide additional insight into what option will best suit each homeowner's specific situation for the successful completion of their project with minimal disruption possible!