Everything You Need to Know about Basement Foundation Repair

Basement foundation repair is an essential service that helps maintain the structural integrity of your home. The need for foundation repair arises from several sources, and there are resolutions that professionals can use to treat each one.

Why Foundation Repair is Sometimes Necessary

Below are some standard reasons a basement foundation might need repair:

1. Differential foundation settlement: Many homes experience settlement. However, some forms of settlement require repairs while others do not. A small amount of uniform foundation settlement is expected, especially in the first year after construction. By contrast, differential foundation settlement involves uneven shifts, resulting in cracks and other damage to your home.
2. Hydrostatic pressure: When there’s poor drainage in the ground outside your foundation, hydrostatic pressure can build up and exert a force on your foundation walls. If the pressure isn’t relieved, the wall can eventually bow inward and even crack.
3. Faulty drainage: Whether hydrostatic pressure is present or not, your existing basement can fail to drain water effectively. Drainage systems can become faulty due to clogs, breaks, and other problems. Regardless of the specific cause, an ineffective drainage system can allow water to leak into your basement.

Common Types of Basement Foundation Repair

1. Foundation pier installation: The best way to resolve differential foundation settlement is by installing foundation piers. Your foundation professional will likely recommend push or helical piers. The team will install push piers by forcing them into the earth using a hydraulic pump. By contrast, helical piers are like large screws that the foundation team twists into the earth. Once the piers are embedded in the earth, they connect to the foundation via a bracket. After the connection is formed, the foundation team can use the piers to raise the home to the maximum practical level. The piers also provide added stability to discourage future settlement.
2. Relieving hydrostatic pressure: Foundation repair teams resolve hydrostatic pressure by improving drainage. This often involves installing a drain tile system that will prevent excess moisture from building up in the ground around the foundation.
3. Enhancing drainage systems: Whether hydrostatic pressure is present or not, drainage systems can fail, resulting in foundation damage. When your drainage system is broken or clogged, the best option is to repair or replace the existing drainage structures.
4. Basement waterproofing: One of the best ways to resolve and prevent water-related issues in your basement is through basement waterproofing. This service removes all existing water, repairs water damage, enhances drainage systems, and includes a complete vapor barrier that seals your basement. The vapor barrier makes it difficult for water to enter a basement. The barrier also discourages pest infestations as well.

Signs You Need Basement Foundation Repair

Before deciding which basement foundation repair method is best for you, learn the signs that foundation damage has occurred. Below are some signs your basement foundation requires professional attention:

1. Cracks
2. Bowing walls
3. Sloping floors
4. Standing water
5. Jammed doors and windows
6. Drywall cracks
7. Separations between walls and ceilings
8. Excessive air moisture
9. Mold and mildew
10. Foul odors
11. Water damage
12. Pest infestations

How Much Does Basement Foundation Repair Cost?

There is no single average cost of basement foundation repair. Each scenario involves different causes of damage and requires different interventions from your foundation professional. Since that’s the case, the best we can do is estimate that it might cost several thousand dollars to complete the basement foundation repair. While that cost may be off putting to some homeowners, it remains best to spend money on these repairs, as damage can worsen and become more costly.

Can You Do DIY Basement Foundation Repair?

To avoid professional repair costs, some people attempt DIY foundation repair. However, this approach is unwise. DIY foundation repair is rarely successful and can be dangerous. Additionally, it can make your foundation problem worse than it was initially. The better approach is to hire a professional to complete basement foundation repairs for you.

Best Way to Identify the Need for Basement Foundation Repair

While there are foundation damage signs that an average person can notice, there is a better way to identify this type of damage. The most ideal way to gain a comprehensive understanding of your basement’s condition is by scheduling a foundation inspection.

During a foundation inspection, your inspector will evaluate your foundation and indicate what repairs are needed. At the end of the inspection, you should receive a written report that summarizes your foundation’s condition and any professional attention it requires.

What Happens if You Neglect Foundation Repair

Before concluding this article, let’s cover a few of the leading reasons why basement foundation repair is vital. The list below reveals a few adverse outcomes that are more likely when you neglect basement foundation repair:

1. Damages worsen
2. Repairs become more costly
3. Your home can lose its structural integrity
4. The value of your home can decrease

Get Help From a Professional for Your Basement Foundation Repair

If you suspect your basement foundation has damage that requires repairs, don’t wait to address them. Instead, reach out to a professional in your area who can accurately diagnose your foundation problems and match you to the ideal repair service.

At Atlas Master Companies 911, we serve Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and the surrounding areas with the best foundation services you can find. Next time you discover a problem with your foundation, contact us to learn more about how we can resolve it.