Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned professional, the idea of a foundation repair 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 tiny crack in the foundation. The truth is, when addressed properly and in a timely fashion, most foundation repairs don't have to be this big of a deal. We're here to address three of the most common misconceptions about your home's foundation and repairs so you can plan accordingly.
A Single Crack is a Deal Breaker
While a cracked foundation is not to be underestimated, the fact is that most houses experience some cracking in the foundation sooner or later. This is because the soil around the house's foundation shifts and settles over time. Unless you are knowledgeable in foundation maintenance and have a foundation watering system installed to keep your soil properly hydrated, it is likely that you will experience a cracked foundation at some point. When buying a house, it's important to pay attention to foundation cracks, so you don't get in over your head, but even if you see a crack it doesn't mean it's time to walk away from the deal. Modern technology makes it possible to repair many types of foundation cracks for under a few thousand dollars, and in as little as a few hours. It is important to have an assessment done to determine the severity of the damage, but don't lose hope at the first signs of a crack.
It Can Wait
We already talked about the fact that most foundation cracks can be repaired fairly easily using modern technologies, and for much cheaper than you might expect, but that doesn't mean you should wait on making a repair. In fact, a single crack can grow exponentially worse with only a single weather event. For instance, a bad storm that washes away soil, or a period of drought where all the surrounding soil contracts, could rapidly worsen a problem. Don't let the fear of the cost stop you from making the call. You may be shocked to find out that dealing with the problem today will cost only a few hundred dollars, instead of paying thousands after you've put it off.
The Foundation is Bad
In nearly all cases, the foundation itself is not the problem. As mentioned above, most foundation problems are actually a problem with the soil surrounding the house, not the concrete itself. Your foundation is actually made up of concrete sections that are interlaced with a supporting lattice made of wood framing and rebar of some type. This adds strength to the foundation and provides a few pressure points for the foundation to rest on. Cracks in the foundation happen when the soil washes or pulls away from these critical pressure points, leaving the foundation unsupported. However, the crack may not appear at exactly that point. Instead, the crack may appear somewhere else along with a different supporting member, which is unable to shift. This can cause a misdiagnosis of the problem, or even make you think that the whole foundation is bad if cracks are appearing in a variety of places when the problem is still just soil moving around your home. The quickest way to fix this is to keep your soil properly watered year-round, and hiring a professional to use compacting foam to fill the space and lift the unsupported section back into place.
Now you know, the first thing to do when you spot a crack in a foundation, is to call for a consultation. You may be surprised to learn that you can have a repair done in no time and for much less than you would expect. Don't let your dream home getaway, or walk away from the deal of a lifetime, just because of a foundation crack. Trust an expert to tell you where the problem really lays and how it can be fixed. Call Allied Foundation today to learn more.
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