Home > Blog > Foundation Repair Before And After: What You Should Know
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Austin Werner
If you’re wondering what happens before and after foundation repair, you’re in the right place. This article answers basic questions about foundation repair, such as what you can expect, if foundation repair is worth it, and more!
What Can I Expect Before Foundation Repair?
There are two things you can expect before foundation repair: foundation problems and standard prep work.
- Foundation problems – Of course, there are some issues you might spot before your foundation is repaired, and that’s why you called in an expert. Common foundation problems include sticking windows/doors, drywall cracks, foundation cracks, bowing basem*nt walls, sagging floors, and more. Read more: The Most Common Signs Of Foundation Problems.
- Prep work – Before foundation repair professionals start working on your home, you might want to relocate plants, containers, patio furniture, and anything else outside your foundation. If work is being done inside your basem*nt, you might need to remove drywall or paneling from your walls to make way for repairs. The more experts can see, the better.
What Can I Expect After Foundation Repair?
Once your foundation has been repaired, whether you had a bowing wall fixed or your home was lifted using underpinning, you can expect a few things.
- Small cracks may form – As your walls and joists adjust back to their original positions, new cracks may form inside your home. These small cracks are perfectly normal, though. That’s why experts only lift your home back to the Maximum Practical Level (this is the ultimate amount of lift achievable before the repairs cause damage to your home).To repair these small cracks, just apply some caulk or putty.
- You might need to repair any mortar – If foundation settlement caused your brick fascia to crack or separate, you might need to replace the weakened or cracked mortar once the repairs are over.
- What experts take care of – Experts will gain access to your foundation by digging where the repairs are needed. After the repairs are completed, they’ll tamp the dirt back down, rough grade, and replace any grass they can. Other things include repairing foundation cracks, installing a drainage system, diverting downspouts, and making sure the work passes inspections.
How Long Does Foundation Repair Last?
Foundation repair can last well beyond 150 years or the life of your home. But, it’s important to prevent further foundation problems from developing. Experts recommend keeping water from draining toward your foundation, which can lead to issues such as hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is most likely what caused your walls to bow in the first place, so you’ll want to avoid that.
Is Repairing A Foundation Worth It?
Yes! Foundation repair is worth it. Your home rests on your foundation. If your foundation fails, your home is put at risk. A failing foundation can also decrease your home’s value and will pop up during a home inspection or property appraisal. Overall, foundation repair is a huge necessity when it comes to returning your home to its original state and keeping your family safe.
How Long Does Foundation Repair Take?
The time it takes to complete a foundation repair job depends on the work being done. Structural work takes the longest. The average structural job takes around 3 – 4 days to complete, but it can last as long as two weeks. This is due to the intricate detail and care taken to preserve your foundation while it’s being worked on. Experts don’t want the issues to grow worse because of any repair mistakes. That’s why it matters who you call for your foundation repair.
Can You Live In A House While The Foundation Is Being Repaired?
Yes, you can stay in your home while the repairs are being done. You are going to want to give the professionals some space and move any furniture or belongings away from your basem*nt walls. Some homeowners choose to vacate their homes while repairs are being done. It’s up to you.
Read more: Is It Safe To Live In A House With Foundation Problems? What Experts Say.
How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?
The average foundation repair cost is based on what type of solution is needed. If your basem*nt walls are bowing, you’re going to need wall anchors, c-channel anchors, or carbon fiber straps. These are usually priced around $800 to $1,000 per anchor/strap. If your foundation is settling and you need underpinning solutions such as push piers or helical piers, the cost is based on how many piers you need. Underpinning can cost around $2,000 per pier.
Note: When it comes to underpinning, make sure the company you hire doesn’t have a “depth clause.” A depth clause in your contract states the piers will only go to a certain level. Once they go past that level, the company will begin to charge you extra per foot. This could double the overall price of your project.
What Foundation Repair Company Should You Choose?
If you need foundation repair, call The Real Seal. Since 2011, we’ve repaired thousands of foundations across the Chicagoland area. We’ll come out and inspect your foundation for free, find out the root of your problem, and give you the best solution in the market. Our prices are upfront, and we have no hidden terms, such as the depth clause. Call now and save your foundation!
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WRITTEN BY
Austin Werner
Austin Werner is the Owner of The Real Seal LLC, a basem*nt waterproofing and foundation repair company. Austin believes that having a highly trained and happy team is the key to success. This is reflected through hundreds of 5 star customer reviews his company has received online.
Due to the impact on it of pressure and atmospheric pressure with the speed of the base, it is formed or settles. However, each owner of a private house can independently repair or reconstruct the foundation. At the moment, there are three main reasons that provoke the destruction of the foundation of varying degrees:
human activity;
shortcomings in the process of work, careless attitude to installation, violation of technology, use of cheap low-quality materials;
the influence of natural phenomena (rain, frequent temperature changes, groundwater rise).
Most often, it is water that becomes the main cause of the collapse of the foundation of the house. Groundwater or tap water can enter the ground under the building, while in winter they freeze, increase in volume, and in the warm period cause the destruction of the foundation of the house.Reply
Hi Fluix!
Good points! Water mismanagement is the most often cause we see of foundation issues. It’s usually possible to repair most issues, unless they are left too long and are allowed to get worse. Like anything else, there is a point of no return where it becomes necessary to replace the foundation wall.
Reply
It’s nice that you mentioned how the time it takes to complete a foundation repair job depends on the work being done. I saw some signs that the foundation of our house is in a pretty poor state, so I think we need to have it repaired now. I heard you could even ask for commercial structure foundation repair services now, which is really nice to hear.
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