How Foundation and Structural Repair Can Save Your Home
Water is a symptom. Sometimes of poor drainage, or something critical. (For more info on water issues, see Causes and Solutions) Water in your basement or crawl space is a foundation problem which normally requires a waterproofing solution. Failure to address this problem can often lead to foundation and structural problems.
Foundation and Structural Repair Vs. Waterproofing: What’s the Difference?
The difference between waterproofing and foundation and structural repair is degree. If you have water coming though your floor, or wall, or through a crack in the wall, then you have seepage. If the foundation wall starts to bow, or if the crack is displaced a certain degree (e.g. an inch or more), then you may have a foundation structural issue, which can no longer be ignored, or you risk foundation failure, and tremendous loss of property value.
What Kind of Structural Repair Do I Need?
The repair to a structural problem is determined by its magnitude – the stage that it happens to be in. If your wall has a small crack, which is structural, then the repair is not prohibitive. If the crack widens, and the wall is displaced by a few inches, the repair cost increases. If your wall is about to fall down or collapse, then the repair is expensive, as a wall rebuild is now necessary.
Listed below are indicators you can look for to determine possible expansive soil-related movement and/or structural damage. The probability that your foundation has experienced some movement increases with the number of indicators observed, their frequency, and location in the structure.
Exterior Indicators:
- Diagonal (stair-step) cracks in brick walls. Cracks may go through brick or mortar and vary in width
- Sagging brick lines when sighting along a wall
- Bowed or non-vertical walls
- Separation of wood trim joints at corner
- Separation of concrete driveway, patio, or sidewalk from foundation
- Tilting of landscaping/retaining walls
Interior Indicators:
- Cracks in sheetrock walls or ceilings
- Bowed or non-vertical walls
- Bottom of wall separating from the floor
- Cracks at wall corners
- Cracks above doors
- Sticking doors (warped door frames)
- Sticking windows
- Sloping floor surface
- Cracks in ceramic or vinyl tile
- Cracks in concrete floor
Do You Need Structural or Foundation Repair in Texas?
Foundation repair may be complicated and when we diagnose a structural issue, then we require a report from an engineer with specialized knowledge to both analyze and develop repair plans.
They will determine the amount of foundation movement that has occurred and what the recommended course of action may be. For example, if the foundation wall has shifted or bowed inward, we may recommend a wall bracing to restrain and stabilize the wall to prevent further inward movement. If it is determined the foundation footing has cracked, we may recommend a foundation underpinning system to prevent further vertical settlement.
Water damage to your basement can eventually result in a weakened foundation and may lead to other problems like mold growth and development of various bacteria in your home. Not to mention the steep fall in property value. If you are looking for reliable basement foundation repair in Texas, give us a call! We also offer structural foundation repair and additional repair services for your structured buildings.
Regardless, if left unattended, foundation structural problems will only deteriorate further, leading to higher costs, and a loss of value in what is likely your largest and most valuable investment. We have qualified inspectors with over 30 years experience. Don’t let the problem continue. Call our office today for one of our Licensed Structural Inspectors, or fill out the form to the right.