How to Choose a Carrollton MO foundation repair company Ensure that your foundation is safe Regardless of whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing home, you should ensure that your foundation is safe before choosing a company to repair it. Damaged foundations can not only be costly but also could devalue your property. It is easy and cheap to check the foundation's safety. Ask for a track record of foundation repairs. A well-established business will be able back their warranties and have a track record. You can also look for a company's reputation in your neighborhood. You should ensure that the workers are qualified and trained. Also, ensure they only use high-quality materials and equipment. Horizontal cracks should also be checked. Because this is an indicator of major problems, it is crucial to check. Cracks that are more than six inches long can cause serious structural damage. They can also be caused by excessive water pressure and other factors.
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Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.
Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.
Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:
French Drain
Interior wall and floor sealers
Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.
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10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten as bullet points:
Overwatering: This can cause soil to expand in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, leading to pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete.
Plumbing Issues: Leaks, especially from the mainline, can seep into the surrounding soil, causing the foundation to shift abnormally. Signs include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills.
Tree Root Growth: Overgrowth and water transpiration from tree roots can dehydrate the soil, causing the structure to settle and shift.
Invasive Landscaping: Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to damaging root growth below a home. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure.
Inadequate Drainage: Improper drainage can oversaturate the soil, destabilizing the foundation. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation.
Substandard Construction: Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can weaken the foundation and cause shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards.
Unprepared Ground: The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling.
Seasonal Conditions: Dramatic weather changes can cause the soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage.
Remodeling Gone Wrong: Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes.
Poor Soil Conditions: Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause the foundation to settle and shift excessively.
The solution to these issues is to monitor your home keeping these factors in mind. If you experience one or more of these issues, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help.
Having a safe foundation is essential for your home. There are many ways that you can prevent your foundation from getting damaged, even if it is rented. One simple way to do this is to regularly water your lawn. Water can damage a foundation, causing your home to settle unevenly. Naturally sloping your backyard away from your house can prevent tree roots from damaging your foundation.
Another way to ensure that your foundation is safe is to look for reviews of foundation repair contractors on sites like Angie's List. Review sites like this can reveal complaints about foundation repair contractors and unethical business practices. Building inspectors can help you assess the company's reputation. The inspectors will be able to direct you to contractors who are reliable and adhere to building codes.
Also, make sure to check the warranty offered by foundation repair companies. Generally, warranties are very important, but they only mean a lot if the company stands behind them. If there are small loopholes or caveats in the warranty, be wary.
Check your license and check for insurance
If you are looking for a company that can repair foundation issues, it's imperative to ensure that they are licensed and insured. Although it may be tempting to go with an unlicensed contractor in the beginning, you could be making the biggest mistake of your life. A Maryland Home Improvement Commission-certified company might also be worth your consideration.
To choose a qualified foundation repair contractor, look for their credentials, insurance, and licensing. A foundation repair contractor should be proud of their work and happy to provide references. However, be cautious about contractors who refuse to provide references. Check references online and find out whether past customers were satisfied with the work done by their team. Ask them questions about their crews. They should also be available to answer your questions in a reasonable time.
Foundation repair businesses should be licensed and insured. The customer reviews and references of satisfied customers can help you choose a good company. You can also contact previous customers to ask specific questions about the repair process. Make sure you only work with licensed, insured companies. These credentials can be confirmed by contacting the relevant agencies.
Ask for proof of their insurance before you hire a foundation company. A large-liability insurance policy is a must for any company. You can ask to see a copy of the insurance policy, but make sure that it covers the work performed. If there are any problems, you should ask for a written guarantee.
Also, it is important to verify that the warranty of any foundation repair service company is valid. This shows the company is invested in your home's long-term well-being and confidence. Also, warranties should be in writing, and you should ask about any terms that aren't clearly defined.
For a quote from a structural engineer, ask for a contract
It is important that you choose a company with a track record and satisfied clients when choosing foundation repair companies. To find out if complaints have been filed against the contractor, check with the consumer protection agencies. Even if there aren't any complaints, it's important to be wary of foundation repair companies that are operating under several different names.
Professional engineers are trained to look for structural defects and make recommendations on solutions. Their clients' best interests are their duty. They are also legally required to put the interest of their employers first. Choosing a Carrollton MO foundation repair company that has a contract with a structural engineer means that you can trust the company's expertise. In addition, a structural engineer will also have a professional license to carry out inspections.
A structural engineer is an expert in foundation repair and can give you an expert's perspective on the best methods to lift your building. An engineer will also be able to explain all the benefits and risks involved in lifting your home. He will make sure that the lifting is safe and effective and that you get the best possible outcome.
The cost of hiring a structural engineer will vary, but most homeowners will spend around $300 to $650 for their services. This amount includes a structural engineer's time, which may range anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour. They can help ensure your foundation is sound.
Foundation repair companies should have insurance and be licensed. They should also offer a warranty. A warranty is essential, but it's only as strong as the company that issued it. If you have any questions, a nationally-recognized company should be able offer follow up service or warranty service.
You should look for companies with at least 10 year experience
Before choosing a Carrollton MO foundation repair company, do extensive research to determine their experience level and references. A Carrollton MO foundation repair company with more years of experience is more likely to be able to handle multiple industries and has a track record. This type of work could cause serious damage to your house so make sure the company you select is licensed and insured. Also, ensure that references and certifications are available.
Reputable foundation companies will offer warranties on all work, as well as free estimates and inspections. They will also have an established process, and experienced engineers who can guide them throughout the entire project. Referring homeowners, who had foundation repairs done by the company in their own homes is another option. After all, you don't want to pay for an expensive repair that won't be effective.
10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten in tables:
Risk Factor | Description |
---|---|
Overwatering | Overwatering, especially in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, can cause soil to expand, putting pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete. |
Plumbing Issues | Plumbing leaks, particularly from the mainline, can seep into the soil surrounding a home, leading to abnormal foundation shifting. Signs of plumbing issues include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills. |
Tree Root Growth | Tree roots can cause foundation damage by affecting the soil. Overgrowth and water transpiration can cause soil dehydration, leading to structural settling and shifting. |
Invasive Landscaping | Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to root growth below a home, potentially damaging the foundation. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure. |
Inadequate Drainage | Improper drainage can lead to soil oversaturation, making the foundation unstable. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation. |
Substandard Construction | Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can cause weakness in the foundation and shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards. |
Unprepared Ground | The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling. |
Seasonal Conditions | Dramatic weather changes can cause soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage. |
Remodeling Gone Wrong | Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes. |
Poor Soil Conditions | Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause excessive settling and shifting of the foundation. |
To help prevent future foundation problems, consider these measures:
Maintain Proper Drainage: Ensure that the soil around your home is properly graded to direct water away from the foundation. Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation near the foundation.
Manage Moisture Levels: Avoid excessive moisture levels in your home by addressing plumbing leaks promptly and ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control.
Foundation Maintenance: Monitor the condition of your foundation regularly. Fill any visible cracks promptly, and address any signs of foundation movement or shifting early on.
Tree Placement: Plant trees and large shrubs a safe distance away from the foundation to prevent root intrusion and excessive moisture absorption from the soil.
Professional Inspections: Schedule periodic inspections by a professional foundation specialist to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
Remember, prevention is key, and proactive maintenance can help preserve the integrity of your home's foundation.
Foundation repairs, when conducted by experienced and reputable professionals, should not cause additional damage to your property. However, it is important to note that certain repair methods may involve excavation or heavy equipment, which can temporarily disrupt the surrounding landscape. A reliable contractor will take necessary precautions to minimize any potential disturbances and protect your property during the repair process.
The choice of foundation repair method depends on the specific foundation issue and its severity. Some commonly used methods include concrete piering, steel piering, helical piering, mudjacking or slabjacking, and carbon fiber reinforcement. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different situations. It is recommended to consult with a professional foundation repair contractor to determine the most appropriate method for your specific needs.