Your Questions Answered
If I notice foundation damage, can I get a free estimate on repairs?
A reputable company should be glad to visit and inspect the apparent damage without charge. Be prepared to allow a more extensive inspection in areas where damage may be less apparent.
What should one look for in a foundation repair contractor?
This is a fairly complex question
1. Look for a lifetime warranty that is valid for the life of the home. Be aware of additional service fees attached to the warranty.
2. Look for a good track record. Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints.
3. Look for longevity. Has the contractor been in business very long? Do they have a physical address or just a PO box?
How long do repairs typically take?
The repair process can take as few as 2-3 days, but be ready for longer durations if damage is extensive.
Once my foundation is fixed, will it stay fixed?
Unusual geological, weather, or man-made forces can always negatively impact your foundation, however… if you have a lifetime warranty on the job from a reliable contractor, your worries are minimal.
What are signs I can look for that my home has foundation problems?
Exterior Cracking
Cracking in the brickwork (or other masonry), especially in the mortar, is a sure sign of foundation problems. The foundation itself may be cracked or sinking. In any case, the foundation is no longer supporting the exterior masonry which tries to settle over the weak foundation area.
Cracking may be less evident on exterior surfaces such as wood frame. Here, look for bowing or gaps developing between joints.
Interior Damage
Cracking of sheetrock or other interior wall surfaces may well indicate foundation damage. Sheetrock is rigidand will react to uneven pressure by cracking or gapping at the joints. Interior tile surfaces react much the same way as brickwork, cracking along the mortar. Wooden flooring may be more flexible and not show cracking, but may seem uneven and tilted.
Take notice if doors and/or windows begin to stick or will not close easily. The frames may be twisted out-of-square by uneven pressure of a shifting foundation.
Watch the Soil!
If soil seems to be pulling away from the foundation, the foundation may be shifting or settling into a new and potentially damaging position. Periodically inspect where soil meets the foundation while gardening or performing routine house maintenance.