Needing foundation repair is a large and looming fear shared by just about every homeowner. Hearing that your home’s base has a problem may have you clutching your pearls thinking about the hit that your bank account will take in an effort to resolve it. That being said, try to refrain from panicking over the worst-case scenario until you know exactly what you’re in for. Becoming informed about the realities of foundation repair may alleviate some of the stress you’re having. Continue reading to learn about some common misconceptions surrounding foundation repair.
1. Foundation Repairs Can Be a DIY Project
If you’ve taken on home projects on your own before, then you may feel up to the challenge of foundation repair. All you’d need to do is quickly seal a leak or crack to save some cash, right? Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Without the proper tools and experience, you could unintentionally end up making the situation worse.
With DIY foundation repairs, not only do you risk worsening a leak or crack, but you’ll actually add work for the foundation business that you call in to amend your handiwork. Their contractor would have to undo the adjustments that you made before really addressing the problem — adding to the end total that you pay. Calling in a professional the first time around ensures that the job is done right and that the repairs will last for years to come.
2. Repairing Your Foundation Is Extremely Expensive
Many homeowners are under the assumption that any foundation repair will empty their life savings. In reality, the amount spent will always greatly depend on the scale of the required repairs. Different foundation issues will require different methods and tools to be used during the repair process. Keep in mind that even some of the more expensive repairs will be cheaper than the alternatives of needing your foundation replaced entirely or having to purchase a new house.
To save some money upfront, contact a foundation repair service like A-Proseal Basement Waterproofing & Concrete Lifting, which offers free estimates. Reaching out to a contractor sooner rather than later will also keep costs lower. Don’t wait to pick up the phone if you think something’s wrong.
3. New Homes Are Safe From Foundation Issues
According to Basement Guides, on average, new homes typically develop leaks between 10 and 15 years post-construction. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that new homes are immune to cracks or leaks in the foundation. This misconception can bring many unfortunate surprises during new home construction.
Newer homes built in areas that see plenty of rain may be just as likely as older homes to develop cracks. Other reasons that your newer home may see some issues would be that you neglected to invest in waterproofing during construction, your original contractor used improper materials, or the foundation was graded poorly.
4. Filling a Foundation Leak Is a Good Fix
When you see a crack in your foundation, your first instinct may be to fill the crack with caulk or a similar material. Though doing this will improve the look of your foundation, it likely fails to address the root of the issue. Even if filling a crack is the way to go, you need to be sure you’re using the best material possible for your individual foundation.
Using the wrong material could result in the fill suffering under the duress of water and making the crack even larger than it was originally. The material that you find may be either too low in quality or incorrect altogether for your home’s foundation. As was previously mentioned, DIY solutions are rarely long-term solutions. Should you identify a crack in your home’s foundation, a professional with experience can quickly detect and address the source of the issue.
5. A Home With Foundation Problems Is Unsellable
If you’re looking to move soon and can’t afford to completely replace your home’s foundation, then fear not. There are home buyers out there who don’t consider this a deal breaker, particularly if there are other benefits that your house offers. With that in mind, you may want to hire a professional to fix the current cracks in your home before listing. Investing in smaller repairs before listing could serve to significantly increase your home’s resale value. No matter what, it’s essential that you disclose the nature of your foundation problems before closing on the sale of your home.
6. All Foundation Issues Are the Result of Poor Construction
Upon learning of foundation troubles, many homeowners are swift to place blame on the original home builder for poorly constructing the foundation. While it’s definitely possible that poor construction is the culprit, many foundation complications are actually caused by the conditions of the soil beneath it. Having knowledge of the soil your home has been built on will help inform repair decisions and, more notably, help with crack and leak prevention. A foundation contractor may be able to give you information about how the current health of your soil is impacting your foundation.
7. Overwatering Your Lawn Endangers Your Foundation
You may have heard about how large amounts of rain have the potential to damage your foundation, but perhaps you don’t know why this happens. The rain that rests around your home post-rainstorm creates pressure known as hydrostatic pressure. This pressure has a cooling effect. Additionally, it can cause the materials in your foundation to compress. Your home’s foundation may crack in an attempt to adjust to these changes.
With this knowledge, you may assume that watering your lawn puts your home’s foundation at risk, but that would be incorrect! In actuality, keeping your landscape healthy and watered keeps your foundation safe. A dry lawn isn’t going to take in as much moisture from the rain. Should it start to pour, and the soil surrounding your home doesn’t absorb the rainwater, then the water will deflect and pool around the base of your home. You can take action to protect your building’s foundation and prevent leaks by keeping the soil around it in tip-top shape!
8. All Foundation Repair Companies Are Alike
Contrary to popular belief, not all foundation repair businesses are created equally! Some don’t offer free estimates, waterproofing services, or crawl space encapsulation. When looking for a foundation repair company, you want to find a good balance between cost and experience. Some businesses may offer low, low prices but don’t have as much experience as you need. Alternatively, their reviews might give insights into poor business practices. Do your due diligence when researching foundation repair companies to avoid low-quality service and needing to pay more for repairs in the long run.
Do you think you may be dealing with a faulty foundation? Clearing away the common misconceptions around foundation repair can give you confidence when requesting help from professionals. Calling in reinforcements quickly can mean the difference between small crack repairs and extensive structural damage. If you’re unsure of the extent of your foundation damage, then don’t wait to contact the experts at A-Proseal Basement Waterproofing & Concrete Lifting for a free estimate today! You can count on us to have your home fixed up in no time. We would love to assist you!