Your foundation was just repaired–congratulations! That’s a big job and an important investment in the stability and longevity of your home.
The doors are opening and closing again but you can still see a crack in the wall. It turns out that having your foundation repaired doesn’t mean all the cracks will close. Often times, homes are left in need of repairs to sheetrock. Considered cosmetic repairs, these cracks aren’t included in a standard service.
So what do you do now? Start by reading over any paperwork the company you worked with left behind. Work orders and warranty certificates describe the repair service and guarantees. Foundation repair services will stabilize the foundation but residual damage is common.
Keep reading to learn more about what damage to watch out for and tips on how to proceed.
What to do after your foundation repair is complete
Foundation repair companies use the utmost care in raising and stabilizing homes. Unfortunately, residual damage isn’t uncommon and you can’t count on all cracks to close.
In our experience, in about 70% of cases the cracks come together, 20% the cracks stay the same, and the rest worsen. In fact, as the foundation settles into its new position new cracks can appear.
Each situation is unique. Repair services stabilize the foundation so your home sits on a dependable surface. Structural damage and residual damage won’t disappear after the foundation service. The best way to avoid more damage is to have your foundation repaired as soon as you notice problems.
Whether you work with us or another company there are a couple of things you should do once the repair is complete:
1. Review your work order and warranty
Foundation repair companies should inform you about what you can expect during and after the repair. Our work orders include information about residual damages and foundation maintenance tips.
2. Make a list of the issues that need addressing
Look at the condition of the walls, floors, and landscaping. Watch for anything from cosmetic repairs to structural repairs. Note everything you see on a list so you can decide what to tackle first.
Post-foundation repair watch list
1 – Backfill soil
If your foundation required exterior repairs, check areas where the dirt was removed. If soil was removed, it should also have been backfilled.
Soil settles after some time but if the soil is high enough to touch the siding it’s too high, some of it should be removed. When the soil reaches the siding, moisture can get behind the siding and cause damage.
2 – Sprinkler systems and plumbing
Lifting the foundation can also affect plumbing and sprinkler systems. If issues arise check to see if the foundation company you contracted is able to help you. Depending on the circ*mstances most will recommend a plumbing expert.
3 – Walls
You may still have visible cracks in your walls or bricks after the repair. Wait a few weeks after the foundation repair to see if there are any changes to the existing cracks and to see if new ones develop. After the foundation settles you can begin filling in the cracks. These are cosmetic problems but exterior cracks need to be filled to prevent water or insect infiltration.
4 – Floors
When the slab requires interior repairs, tiles and boards may need to be replaced. It’s ideal to have extras of this material but it’s not always available and sometimes discoloration is a problem. There’s not a perfect solution to this situation but it’s good to be aware this could be something you encounter.
5 – Doors and Windows
Doors and windows that are difficult to open are usually a sign that there could be a problem with your foundation but each situation is different. Maybe your home didn’t have window or door problems until after the repair. Sometimes this happens when windows and doors are installed or adjusted while the foundation is unlevel. Keep the condition of your foundation in mind before taking on other remodeling projects.
Don’t put off your foundation repairs
Many companies offer financing plans making it easier for many homeowners to afford the cost of repairs. The sooner you take care of the repairs the less costly it will be.
Ecoscape Foundation provides foundation repair services and drainage services to homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
If you think your foundation needs some repairs, contact us to schedule a free in-home evaluation. Our detailed evaluations include foundation elevation readings, work order, and payment plan options.
FAQs
If your home's foundation has been raised and leveled, the joists and framing will move. As the wood adjusts to the position change, it may make popping or crackling noises. These sounds generally don't last for more than a few weeks. It's like the wood is your home's spine, and it cracks as it straightens out.
How long does it take for foundation to settle after repair? ›
Generally, it might take around two years internally before the building stabilizes. In most cases, a house should finish “settling” after a year. Usually, it goes through seasons of different humidity: hot weather, cold weather, wet weather, etc. DIY Foundation Repair – Is It Possible?
Are cracks normal after foundation repair? ›
You may still have visible cracks in your walls or bricks after the repair. Wait a few weeks after the foundation repair to see if there are any changes to the existing cracks and to see if new ones develop. After the foundation settles you can begin filling in the cracks.
Does foundation repair decrease home value? ›
Highlights. Foundation repairs won't add value to your home, but they can prevent your value from going down. Foundation repairs done without permits or by unlicensed professionals can decrease your value. Repairing major foundation damage before selling can speed up the sale by opening up additional buyer pools.
What season is best for foundation repair? ›
Consider Winter
Some experts would say this is the right time to repair your foundation. You have stable soil, the damage isn't worsening, and you can cut down on the cost by fixing cracks. But it also means that you might have to postpone vacation plans or have your holidays interrupted with home repairs.
Is it worth fixing the foundation of a house? ›
Foundation Repair Early Saves You Money in The Long Run.
As these issues grow, the integrity of your home's total structure could be at risk. Not only is this a safety issue, but an extremely costly one. The longer you wait, the more likely excavation will be needed for repairs which will make costs soar.
When should you walk away from foundation problems? ›
You can always figure the cost of the repair into your offer. However, there are situations where it's wise to cut your losses and move on: If the foundation damage is extensive, will cost a lot of money to fix, and the seller is unwilling to lower the price because of it, walk away.
When should I be worried about foundation settling? ›
When should I be worried about my foundation settling? You should be worried about your foundation settling if you notice cracks wider than 1/8 inch. More specifically, horizontal, diagonal, or stair-step cracks indicate different types of concerning foundation movement.
What does foundation damage look like? ›
Look for cracks in walls or exterior brick, uneven floors, bulging walls, and gaps around windows. Water seepage in the basem*nt may also indicate a problem. Adequate drainage is crucial. Ensure that water flows away from the house foundation.
Can foundation repair cause more damage? ›
Some finishes could “get worse” during the repair process because things have become misaligned all around. Bringing things back into alignment after being out of whack for so long can cause some cosmetic issues to appear. In mega-brief summary: Foundation repairs should not cause more damage to the home.
If you notice a thin break in your foundation, take care of it immediately to avoid further damage. Clean the area surrounding the crack with a wire brush and vacuum up debris. Use a caulk gun or syringe to inject an epoxy/polyurethane material into the crack until it is filled.
Will a bank finance a house with foundation problems? ›
The Bottom Line: Your Lender Won't Ignore Foundation Issues, And Neither Should You. Foundation issues are serious and can't be ignored, no matter how minor they may look and how much you love the house you're trying to buy. Even if you're willing to overlook them, your lender won't be quite so accommodating.
How can I save money on foundation repair? ›
Factors impacting repair costs include the issue's cause and extent, home size, repair type, materials and labor. You can save by regularly inspecting your foundation and repairing minor damage as soon as possible.
Should I fix the foundation before selling my house? ›
Some realtors suggest that you fix the foundation first. Many buyers would prefer to buy a home without significant problems. Their funds are already strapped, and they won't want to pour additional money literally “into the pit.” Should you opt to fix your foundation, it is essential to select a reputable contractor.
What do you do after building a foundation? ›
After the concrete is cured, the crew applies a waterproofing membrane to the foundation walls; installs drains, sewer and water taps and any plumbing that needs to go into the first-floor slab or basem*nt floor; and backfills excavated dirt into the hole around the foundation wall.
What happens if foundation problems are not fixed? ›
If ignored, foundation problems lead to severe structural damage. As the foundation shifts or cracks, your walls start to crack, floors become uneven, and doors and windows stop functioning correctly. Your entire home becomes out of alignment. And over time, this can compromise the stability and safety of your home.
