For every homeowner or property owner, the words “foundation repair” conjure up images of a nightmare. When the actual foundation of a home, building, or structure has been demolished and must be rebuilt, foundation repair work is required. This kind of work is known as foundation restoration. When the essential structure is compromised, or if the concrete is in bad condition, the foundation will need frequent maintenance and repair to remain functional. And foundation repair is not something that can be postponed or engaged in the principle of DIY since the foundation’s integrity is critical to the structural integrity of the building and the value of the valuable items contained therein.
It is necessary to hire professionals at this point. We will look at common questions asked by homeowners concerning foundation repair. This article was brought to you by our foundation repair company. We offer house foundation repair Denver if you require services in the Colorado area.
What Causes Foundation Damage?
The degradation of a foundation may occur abruptly or gradually. The reason may be natural or artificial. Some of the reasons for foundation degradation include:
- Wooden foundations that have been infested
- Burrows made by rodents
- The heat and flames of a home or a wildfire
- Infiltration of water into concrete (soaking, absorbing, or seeping)
- Flooding is a problem.
- Earthquakes
- Droughts and aridity are two terms used to describe the same thing.
- Roots of trees or soil that is sinking
Does Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?
Unforeseeable disasters like fire or flooding are responsible for most foundation repairs covered by homeowners insurance. For example:
- During a storm, a tree comes down and damages the foundation of your home.
- When a home is destroyed by fire, the foundation is also damaged.
- When the foundation is destroyed by an explosion caused by a gas leak.
Your homeowner’s insurance policy may or may not cover specific hazards depending on where you live.
Foundation Damage That Homeowners Insurance Doesn’t Cover
However, homeowner’s insurance covers the majority of unforeseen incidents, not all of them are covered. The following are examples of standard exclusions:
- Flood
- Wear and tear, such as cracks caused by natural settling or neglect damage
- Earthquakes
- Erosion and landslides are two examples of this.
- Damage caused by termites, rodents, or insects
- Damage caused by seepage or leaks
- The foundation has been damaged by snow and ice.
In these types of situations, you may be required to pay for foundation repairs out of your own money. To protect the safety of family members and property, the following actions must be followed before having your house’s foundation repaired.
1. Start with a Foundation Inspection
The first step in resolving unanticipated problems is to schedule an inspection with your go-to foundation repair provider. Most homeowners ask, “When it’s broken”, why do I contact a maintenance specialist? That’s a good one! No two foundations are the same.
There may also be a higher worry if the concrete or the door and window frames are damaged. Filling a small hole in concrete might be like reattaching a limb that has been cut off. It’ll help your home’s repair professional determine the source of the damage and devise a plan of action!
2. Prepare Your Landscaping Before Foundation Repair
Plants may need to be removed from the property’s perimeter, depending on the depth of foundation repair. Suppose you have a lot of landscaping on your property. In that case, you may want to hire a professional to remove the plants or trees and then replant them after the project is done.
3. Clear the House or Basement
The expert crew will need total access to the inside and outside of the building to accomplish this project. Physical obstructions such as wood or metal debris, cars, garbage, and furniture should be removed to free up space.
It’s more than just rearranging furniture to create extra space. Crawl spaces are often utilized for storing things. If you have structural problems, the first thing you should do is clean up your crawlspace. It is easier and safer for repair professionals to get the job done in a clean, uncluttered area.
4. Secure Your Furniture and Interior Items
One can’t be too cautious when it comes to delicate home décor. Foundation repair is as though the whole foundation of your house has been shifted! Ensure that any sensitive items, such as furniture, are protected before the process begins.
Now you are ready to begin the process of repair.
What are the types of foundation repair?
The options for restoring a foundation rely on various factors, such as the location, the nature of the site, and the like. Among the most common ways of foundation restoration are:
Slab jacking
As the name suggests, Slab jacking involves pumping material into the concrete to raise any hollow sections of concrete slabs, essentially lifting the section of concrete that has fallen. Polyurethane foam is one of the most common substances used in the construction of products. Holes are drilled in concrete, and empty spaces are filled in. It is the most often utilized foundation repair method because of its several advantages, including cost savings, timeliness, and aesthetics.
Steel pier
This refers to the technique of driving a large number of steel pipe pilings into the ground to repair the settling of a building’s foundation. Steel piercing is typically employed in situations when the building tends to collapse in a downward direction. In conjunction with the steel piers, a hydraulic lifting system is used to raise the foundation and rectify its height, making it more stable.
High-density polyurethane foam
High-density polyurethane foam is the best material to use when creating robust designs with exact surface detail and a high-quality surface finish. It is pretty popular because of the low cost of repair and the speed with which it can be completed.
Sealant repairs
Sealant repairs are the most common method of repairing damaged foundations since they are pretty simple. Sealant repairs are often performed by caulking or filling the cracks using hydraulic cement.
Helical tieback anchors
Helical tieback anchors are used to fixing walls that are bending or leaning. They are joined in the inner area of the wall, and then the wall is straightened by applying tension.
Spot piers
Spot piers are the most effective method of rehabilitating foundations in light-weighted environments. They are shallow piers that have been excavated by hand and are filled with concrete.
Segmented piers
Segmented piers are a new product on the market that has just recently been available. Because segmented piers are inexpensive, they are a good option if you have a limited financial budget.
Call a Foundation Repair Company at the First Signs of Trouble
It is essential to have experts undertake the responsibility of foundation repair, as the integrity of the whole structure is dependent on the foundation. According to HomeAdvisor, the average quote for foundation repair is about $2,138 to $7,437.
short url:
