Some homeowners want the best that money can buy. Others prefer to save as much as they can while still getting quality work that will last.

The cost of Foundation Repair Plano depends on the severity of damage, location and the type of repair method. Some warning signs that your foundation needs repair include cracks in walls and floors that are wider than 1/4 inch and stair-step cracks.

Foundation damage can degrade a building’s structural integrity. It can cause drywall cracks, floors to buckle, doors and windows to jam, and a host of other issues that affect the entire house. It’s important to get a repair professional to evaluate the damage as soon as possible, so that the issue can be corrected before the problem worsens.

Structural damage can be caused by a variety of issues, including soil shifting or changes in moisture levels. It can also be caused by inadequate construction practices, such as improperly compacting soil before a foundation is built. In addition, hydrostatic pressure that builds up in the ground around a foundation can lead to a settlement of the structure. The best way to prevent hydrostatic pressure is by installing a drain tile system, either exterior or interior.

The structural damage caused by foundation problems can be addressed with a variety of repair methods, depending on the extent of the damage and its cause. Small cracks in the walls can often be sealed with epoxy, while more serious issues may require a more invasive approach. These can include steel piers, which are driven deep into the ground to support the foundation.

Another method is underpinning, which involves digging a series of holes under the foundation and filling them with liquid concrete to lift and stabilize the foundation. Some repair professionals use hydraulic jacks to create these piers, which can be used to quickly and effectively stabilize most foundations.

Once the structural damage is repaired, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the area for any new issues that might develop. In some cases, repairs can help prevent future damage to the home, but if there’s a major issue that’s not addressed quickly enough, it could cost a lot more to fix later on down the line.

Many homeowners worry about the duration of a foundation repair, wondering whether they’ll have to move out and stay with friends or relatives while the work is being done. It’s important to note that you can remain inside your home during the repair process. However, you’ll need to remove all furniture, plants, and other items that are located near the foundation to allow the repair crews unimpeded access.

Uneven Floors

Uneven floors aren’t just unsightly and difficult to navigate; they’re often a sign of a bigger problem that needs to be addressed. Ignoring uneven floors can lead to even more expensive problems in the future, and it’s best to have them repaired as soon as you notice them.

Unlevel floors are caused by issues with your home’s foundation. When foundations settle, they drag parts of the house along with them, creating slants and dips in the floor that can cause structural damage over time. Depending on the severity of the issue, there are a variety of repair methods that can be used.

The type of repair needed will depend on what is causing the floors to become uneven. For example, if your home’s foundation is sinking due to shifting soil, underpinning may be required. Professionals can install push piers or helical piers that connect to the footing and drive deep into load-bearing soil, lifting the house to its original position. Crawl space jacks can also be used to stabilize the floors in crawl spaces that are sinking due to poor support.

Another common cause of uneven floors is excessive moisture around the foundation. This can cause materials like wood to warp, which can then shift the foundation over time. If you have water seepage in the basement or crawl space, a waterproofing system can be installed to address the issue before it gets worse.

Uneven floors can be a safety hazard, especially for elderly or disabled members of your household. They can trip or fall, leading to serious injury. A reputable contractor will be able to identify the source of the uneven floors and offer the right solution.

Uneven floors can be a warning sign of a more serious problem with your foundation, so it’s important to have them repaired as soon as you notice any signs of damage. Uneven floors are a common problem that can be fixed with the help of a foundation repair specialist. By identifying the root cause of the issue, they can use a variety of solutions to permanently fix the problem.

Cracks in Drywall

As the foundation sinks or shifts, it can cause cracks in the drywall. These cracks are often a sign of serious structural damage that requires immediate attention and repair. Some cracks may be minor and can easily be patched or painted, but other types of cracks require professional intervention.

Drywall cracks are common in houses of all ages and can appear in any part of the house. The type and severity of these cracks depends on a number of factors, including the age of the house, its location on the lot, and how the soil has changed over time. Hairline vertical cracks that run up and down walls don’t usually pose much of a threat and can be monitored over time to see if they grow in width or length.

Wider horizontal or diagonal cracks in drywall are more severe and indicate that the foundation has shifted. These are typically caused by expansive soils that have pushed against the foundation, forcing it to shift. These cracks can also be the result of hydrostatic pressure, which occurs when water builds up in the soil around the foundation and pushes against it. Differential settlement is another possible cause of horizontal or diagonal cracks in drywall, and is generally accompanied by the presence of stair-step cracks in brickwork.

When a homeowner notices any of these types of cracks in drywall, they should contact a qualified foundation specialist immediately. A professional inspection will determine the cause of the cracks and a plan for repair will be developed. This can include the installation of piers, which are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock to provide foundation support and lift the foundation back to its original position.

The most important thing homeowners can do to protect their homes is to regularly monitor cracks in the drywall and take action as soon as they are spotted. This will help to prevent the need for costly repairs and will also ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable for you and your family. The best way to reduce the likelihood of future cracks is to control groundwater levels by keeping gutters clean and addressing moisture issues by improving drainage and reducing humidity.

Windows and Doors That Are Difficult to Open

A single sticking window or door may seem like a minor household inconvenience at first, but this problem can signal more serious structural issues. If left untreated, these issues can lead to additional problems like uneven floors and bowed walls. Foundation repair can help prevent these issues from worsening, saving you the hassle of dealing with expensive repairs down the road.

The most common sign that a house has a foundation problem is if the windows and doors are hard to open or close. This is because the house’s foundation is shifting, putting pressure on the window frames and forcing them out of alignment. This issue can be easily solved with a bit of lubricant, but it’s important to contact a foundation specialist right away if the problem persists.

Other signs of a foundation problem are cracks in the walls, especially when they appear at the corners of windows and doors. This is because these areas of the home are most impacted by shifts in the foundation, since they’re supported above it. These cracks can also be a sign of water leaks that should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage.

Lastly, be on the lookout for sagging floors and gaps around the edges of doors and windows. These are both signs that the foundation is shifting, which can cause the frames to warp and make it difficult to open or close the windows and doors.

If you see any of these warning signs, contact a foundation specialist for inspection and foundation repair. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the right solutions. Whether you need steel piers or mudjacking, they’ll use their experience and knowledge to provide the best solution for your foundation problems.