Whether you’re a homeowner or a seasoned professional, the idea of having your foundation repaired can be daunting. Many of us have heard horror stories of foundation repairs running into the tens of thousands of dollars, or a perfect real estate deal falling apart at the hands of a crack in the foundation. The truth is, when addressed properly and in a timely fashion, most foundation repairs aren’t as horrific as one might think. However, some common misconceptions about foundation repairs can make the process seem more complicated and dangerous than it actually is. To help put your mind at ease, let’s address 3 of the most common misconceptions about foundation repairs.
Even a Tiny Crack Can Be a Deal Breaker
While a cracked foundation is not to be underestimated, the fact is that most houses in the Houston-Galveston area experience some cracking in their foundations sooner or later. This is because the soil underneath the foundations built in this location tends to shift and settle over time due to repeated expansion-contraction cycles. Unless you have a foundation watering system installed to maintain a constant level of moisture in the soil around your home, it is very likely that cracks will develop in the foundation at some point.
If you’re planning to buy a house in Houston, TX, it’s important to pay attention to the overall condition of its foundation, so you don’t get in over your head. While older homes with strong foundations are still available for purchase, foundation problems are quite prevalent in the area. But even if you see one or more cracks, gaps, or any other type of damage affecting the foundation of the home you’re interested in, it doesn’t mean you should walk away from the deal. Modern technology makes it possible to fix different types of foundation damage in as little as one day, depending on the severity and extent of the problem. While it’s important to have a foundation assessment done by an experienced foundation repair contractor to determine how serious the issue is before closing on the house, one thing to remember is that not all foundation problems indicate structural damage.
Foundation Repairs Can Wait
We already talked about the fact that most foundation cracks can be repaired fairly easily using modern technology, and even for a lower cost than you might expect. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait to make the repair. The reason is that a small crack can grow exponentially worse with only a single weather event. For instance, a bad storm that washes away some of the soil supporting your foundation or severe drought conditions, where most of the surrounding soil contracts due to lack of water, could rapidly worsen a foundation problem. Therefore, don’t let the fear of potentially high repair costs stop you from calling in one of our professionals to assess your foundation. Not only are the foundation inspections and estimates we offer free of charge, but dealing with foundation problems today may also cost you a lot less than if you’d allow them to progress into more extensive damage.
The Foundation Is Always the Culprit
When Houston homeowners are faced with foundation damage, the foundation itself is rarely the problem. As mentioned above, most foundation problems are actually the result of a problem with the soil surrounding the house, not the concrete foundation itself. Most foundations in Houston are made of concrete sections, which are interlaced and supported by wood framing. In general, steel rebar and/or welded wire mesh is also used in concrete to add strength to the foundation and supporting elements.
Most foundation cracks occur when the soil expands, contracts, or is washed away from the supporting elements, leaving the foundation unsupported and prone to moving and shifting. However, cracks don’t always appear at exactly that point. Instead, they may appear somewhere else, typically near other supporting elements that haven’t shifted with the rest of the structure. When cracks appear in different locations along a foundation, a homeowner may think there’s something wrong with the foundation itself. Even worse, the underlying problem can be misdiagnosed because of that. The easiest way to prevent or fix this is to keep the moisture levels around your foundation relatively constant year-round. As well, having your foundation inspected by trustworthy experts once in a while will allow you to catch problems early. If foundation issues are identified at some point, hiring the right team of professionals to fix the problem is the only way to restore your foundation to its best condition.
Now you know the first thing to do when you spot a crack in a foundation: instead of walking away from what could be the deal of your lifetime, call in a reliable contractor who can correctly identify and repair foundation problems. You may be surprised to learn that you can have a foundation repair done in no time and even for less than you would expect. But the really good news is that you can trust our experienced professionals to tell you where the problem really lies and how it can be fixed. To have your foundation assessed for free or to find out more information about our services, feel free to contact Allied Foundation today!
