How Long Does It Take to Repair Foundation Damage?
If you notice signs of foundation damage, such as sloped floors or walls, sticking doors and windows, or sagging crawl spaces, it’s important to call Foundation Repair Tulsa for professional help. The sooner the problem is fixed, the more likely it is to stay stable.
But how long does it take to repair your foundation? The answer depends on several factors.
Repairing Cracks
When a foundation cracks, it's important to have the crack repaired immediately. Untreated, these cracks allow water and soil gases (like radon) to enter your home and cause structural instability. This can lead to slanted doors and windows, buckling floors, and even building condemnation. Foundation crack repair keeps you safe from these issues, as well as prevents mold and mildew growth in your basement or crawl space.
First, it's important to identify the type of crack you have. A horizontal crack is caused by heaving, which means the ground beneath your foundation has moved and changed shape. Vertical cracks are a common sign of normal settling, while bowing or tipping walls suggest more serious problems.
Cracks less than a hairline in width can often be fixed using an epoxy repair kit purchased at your local hardware store. The kit typically includes a crack filler, application tool, and instructions. First, clean the crack of any debris, then apply the filler and let it dry. The repair may be visible, but it will stop further damage to your foundation and keep moisture out of your crawlspace or basement.
If the crack is wide or appears to be extending downward, then it's time to call a professional. This is typically a sign that the foundation has settled and is shifting, and it needs to be corrected before it worsens. Professionals can use push piers, which are steel pipes that are driven into load-bearing soil up to 100 feet away from the foundation. The piers are then connected to the foundation using steel brackets. The piers help stabilize and lift the foundation, stopping it from shifting and sinking over time.
Another option is helical piers, which are driven into the ground and connected to the foundation with steel brackets. These are a more permanent solution, but they require extensive excavation to install. They are a good option for homes that require substantial structural lifting.
It's also a good idea to monitor your foundation cracks, especially over the winter. If the cracks don't increase in size, it could mean they are simply due to natural settling and don't need to be addressed. If they do, however, tracking the progress will provide useful feedback for your repair professionals.
Repairing Sagging Floors
Sagging floors in a foundation can indicate a serious problem that needs to be repaired as quickly as possible. These problems can include damage to floor joists and structural beams. They can also be caused by fungal growth in crawl spaces that are causing the wooden support beams to rot away.
If you have sagging floors, there are several different ways to repair them. One option is to pour self-leveling underlayment. This is a quick and inexpensive way to fix a floor that has a slight slant or dip. However, this is only a temporary solution and may need to be repeated.
Another option is to install a series of jacks that are used to raise the foundation. This can be done with the help of a foundation repair Tulsa Oklahoma residents rely on. The foundation company will first evaluate the sagging floors to determine what is causing them. They will also look at the drainage conditions around the home.
A third option is to replace the joists and beams that are in the crawl space. The joists can be sagging because they have been damaged by water or because the house was built over them. If the joists are rotting, they need to be replaced with new wood.
If the sagging is being caused by a rotting center beam, it will need to be replaced. In addition, any shims that were used to even out the beams when the house was constructed will need to be replaced. This can add up to a significant cost.
Another issue that can cause sagging in a foundation is damage to the subfloor. This can be caused by a variety of issues including termite and water damage. The damage can weaken the subfloor and cause sagging or cracking in the walls and floors.
A final issue that can cause sagging in sagging is damage to the foundation walls. These walls can bow inward due to pressure from the outside of the house. This can be fixed with a wall plate system, which consists of plates that are installed on the inside of the foundation walls. These plates are connected by threaded rods that are tightened to keep the walls from bowing inward.
Repairing Crawl Spaces
The crawl space of your home is a tricky place to work, and it should be left to professional foundation repair contractors. Attempting to fix the issues yourself could lead to more damage to the structure, safety hazards and potentially long-term structural problems for your home.
A common problem that occurs in crawl spaces is water intrusion. Because they don’t have a concrete floor to impede water, it is much more likely to enter the area and cause problems. A problem with moisture can cause wood rot, mold and mildew, and more. This can also affect the structural support beams and cause a sagging floor.
One of the most effective ways to prevent crawl space issues is to schedule regular inspections and maintenance. This will catch any issues before they have a chance to develop into serious problems that will cost more to repair.
If you notice moisture in the crawl space or signs of sagging floors, it is important to have the issue fixed right away. If the issue is caught early, it can often be repaired using less invasive methods than those that require excavation. For example, epoxies can be used to repair minor damage to wooden floor joists and sill beams. However, if the joists or sill beams are degraded and need to be replaced, it will take more work and will likely require digging.
Other solutions include installing a sump pump and a crawl space vapor barrier. The sump pump will help to eliminate standing water and the vapor barrier helps keep the area dry. This can help prevent water damage, mold, and other issues.
Another common solution for sagging floors is to use concrete blocks with wooden “shims” wedged in at the top to fill in any empty space. This is a short-term solution that will need to be re-shimmed regularly and won’t compensate for poor supporting soils.
A complete rebuild of the entire pier and beam foundation is the most extensive type of foundation repair and usually requires the home to be evacuated during the repair project. This is typically needed when dry rot or termites have destroyed most of the wood material under the house.
Repairing Walls
Foundation problems often manifest as a series of warning signs. If you know what to look for, you can take steps to head off bigger issues that require more extensive — and costly — repairs. Look for things like doors that won't open or latch, cracks in the walls, and drywall that has popped up.
A wall that begins to buckle or bow inward is a serious problem that, left unchecked, can lead to complete foundation failure and collapse. A foundation specialist will likely recommend the use of wall anchors to stabilize and tighten bowing or buckling walls.
These long-lasting support systems are designed to counteract hydrostatic pressure from outside the home and the soil below. They typically involve a plate placed along the inside of the foundation wall and another plate buried in load-bearing soil outside. Threaded rods connect the two plates and allow for gradual tightening of the bowed or tilted wall to bring it back into its original straight and plumb orientation.
Depending on the size of the foundation and the scope of the repair, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It's important to work with a trusted contractor that has experience with this type of repair, and the right equipment for the job.
This type of repair is more advanced, but just as effective, as traditional methods. Instead of replacing the entire foundation, our technicians will dig a tunnel under the foundation and install steel push piers that are driven into the load-bearing soil underneath. This will help to rebalance the forces on the foundation and potentially lift it.
If you're thinking about buying a home, it's crucial to be aware of potential foundation problems. A professional inspection can spot early signs of foundation trouble and give you peace of mind before moving in. This way, you can negotiate a lower purchase price or ask for a warranty from the seller if any foundation damage is discovered. It also ensures that you'll receive proper repairs before the issue gets worse. Leaving foundation damage to manifest into major structural issues will increase your costs and leave your family vulnerable to moisture-related health issues. Call today for Tulsa Foundation Repair estimates!
If you notice signs of foundation damage, such as sloped floors or walls, sticking doors and windows, or sagging crawl spaces, it’s important to call Foundation Repair Tulsa for professional help. The sooner the problem is fixed, the more likely it is to stay stable. But how long does it take to repair your…