Gloucester, VA, is a great place to visit and a nice place to live. It offers beauty, history, and plenty of daffodils. It is also an area well-known for water.
The county is surrounded by water, with the York River to the South, the North River to the north, and the Chesapeake Bay to the east. Being near the water offers many benefits. It can also be problematic when water surrounds your foundation.
Water causes the soil to expand, putting pressure on foundation walls. Foundation problems can lead to cracking, settling, and even water intrusion. Water is only one issue in a list of problems that can jeopardize your foundation.
When foundation problems show up in your home, it’s time to call AMC911. We can inspect your foundation, let you know what is happening, and provide the solutions to get your home back in shape again.
Common signs of foundation problems in Gloucester, VA
Foundation failure is a serious problem that can occur in Gloucester County. It is generally caused by unstable soil, poor drainage, weather, plumbing leaks, or poor site preparation. Foundation failure also tends to show itself in some common signs. If you see them, contact us for a free inspection.
Cracks in the Walls and Floors
When a foundation settles, it doesn’t always do it evenly. This is known as differential settlement, which can lead to many problems, including cracks in the walls and floors.
If you do see cracks in the walls and floors, don’t panic. It is normal to see these problems, but they should prompt you to have them inspected. Sometimes, the cracks indicate that your foundation is settling and needs stabilization and repair.
Water Intrusion
Do you see water in your home? Standing water and excessive moisture are common symptoms of foundation shifting and possible failure. It can also lead to other serious problems, including rodent and insect intrusion or mold.
Window and Door Gaps
As foundation problems begin to occur, it often affects the windows and doors early in the process. You may see gaps around the windows and doors, or they may start sticking when you open or close them.
Bowed Walls
The soil around your home may be waterlogged, and it swells as a result. As the soil swells, it can put pressure on the walls and cause them to bow.
Sinking Foundation
A building foundation may sink in different ways. Uniform settlement is when the entire foundation is sinking at the same rate. That is not a serious problem in many cases.
Differential settlement, however, is another story. This occurs when the building rests on different soil types and sinks at different rates. As a result, you may see some or all of the above symptoms of foundation failure.
Common Methods for Foundation Repair
Just as your home is unique compared to others, any problems with your foundation will also be unique. That is why our foundation inspections at AMC911 always intend to find the best way to fix your home.
Foundation Repair Services in Gloucester, VA
Foundation Leveling
A sunk foundation needs to be returned to its original position. Underpinning is the most common method used for foundation leveling.
As described below, piers are pushed into the soil and down to the bedrock. This provides vertical support for your foundation.
Push Piers
This form of underpinning uses steel piers stacked on each other and driven into the earth hydraulically. They are then capped and attached to your foundation. Afterward, your foundation can be lifted to the maximum practical level.
Helical Piers
This underpinning is commonly used for lighter buildings or in very poor soil conditions. They can support the foundation and can be used to lift the foundation to an acceptable height.
Foundation Crack Repair
Foundation cracks appear as a common symptom of foundation failure. The gaps often close when the foundation is lifted and stabilized, but they may still need repair.
Carbon fiber straps may sometimes be used to stabilize the wall and help with any remaining cracks. We may, at times, also use an epoxy crack injection to seal the area and prevent moisture from coming through.
Free Foundation Repair Inspection and Estimate in Gloucester, VA
When you have foundation problems, they are only going to get worse. It may take some time, but waiting or ignoring the problem will typically cost you money and may result in more damage to your home.
Take the step now to have your foundation inspected. Our free foundation repair inspection and estimate is open to all homeowners in Glocester, VA. In fact, we offer a free inspection every year.
All you have to do is request the inspection by filling out our convenient online form. We will start the process and send a professional to your home for the inspection and estimate.
