Getting your foundation repaired is an important home improvement project. It’s vital that homeowners choose the right contractor for the job to save time, money and headaches.

Cracks on exterior walls are the most obvious sign of a problem. Interior wall cracks can also indicate a serious structural issue. Contact Foundation Repair Greensboro NC for professional help.
A home’s foundation supports it and keeps it firmly on the ground. When that foundation shifts or sinks, it can damage everything in its path. A damaged foundation can cause your doors to bind or jam, windows to leak, and your floors to crack. These problems are not only expensive to fix but also make your home unsafe. A professional can evaluate your foundation and recommend the right repair method for you.
A faulty foundation can affect the overall look of your home and even lower its value. To protect your investment, get the repairs done promptly. The sooner you detect and address a problem, the less it will cost to repair and the more likely your home will remain stable.
There are several methods of foundation repair, including steel piers, bell-bottom piers, and mudjacking. These approaches are designed to stabilize your home’s foundation and restore it to its original position. They are usually recommended for homes with sunk or settled foundations that are experiencing significant movement.
The first step is to develop a repair plan. The repair plan will pinpoint where the supports should be placed, which is typically along the perimeter of your home. In some cases, the supports may be needed under the middle of your home as well.
Next, the professionals will begin working on your foundation. They will start by clearing away all debris and landscaping near your foundation. This is necessary to ensure unencumbered access and facilitate the process. They will then dig holes under your foundation. The number and depth of these holes will depend on the type of foundation your home has and the extent of the damage.
If your home has a pier and beam foundation, the professionals will dig out any faulty piers and install new ones. They will use concrete to build the replacement piers, which is called underpinning. The piers will then be used to lift your home. The professionals will use shims to hold your home in place once it is in the correct position. If your home has a slab-on-grade foundation, the professionals will use hydraulic jacks to raise your house.
Time
The time it takes to complete a foundation repair job depends on the extent of the work. Structural work generally takes longer, because experts take great care to preserve the integrity of your home while they’re working. A good contractor will have a plan and a timeline for how long it will take to complete the repair, and they’ll be honest with you about what to expect.
Whether the repairs are cosmetic or structural, it’s important to get them done quickly. The longer you wait, the more damage your home will suffer and the costlier it will be to fix. For example, cracks that widen over time let moisture into the walls and concrete, causing them to weaken over time. This moisture will also cause mold to grow, which is not only unsightly, but it can affect the air quality in your home.
Some signs of a failing foundation include sticking doors and windows, sagging floors or ceilings, buckling or separating exterior brick walls, and sloped floors or ceilings. If you see any of these symptoms, contact a foundation repair specialist to schedule an inspection.
A professional will provide you with a report after the inspection and recommend the best solution for your needs. Depending on the extent of the repairs, it will take a few days to several weeks to complete the work. The process can be noisy and messy, so it’s a good idea to move furniture and wall decor away from the area where the work is being done. You should also use plastic tarps to protect your possessions from dirt and debris.
There are several different methods of foundation repair, including piers and pilings, and the type of support you need will depend on what kind of movement your home is experiencing. For example, if your home is sinking, the contractor will use shims to stabilize the house and may need to remove part of the foundation. For sagging homes, the contractor may need to raise the foundation with hydraulic jacks and shims. For steel pressed pilings, the contractor will push the pile sections in until they’re no longer visible or until they reach bedrock.
Expertise
The most crucial component of foundation repair is the work of qualified professionals. Trying to repair foundation problems without this expertise often exacerbates existing issues, creating more expensive repairs down the road. A professional can identify the root cause and recommend tailored solutions to ensure a long-lasting repair.
This can involve a variety of methods, depending on the specific issue. For example, if the home’s structural integrity is in jeopardy because of poor construction or unstable soil, an expert can implement specific stabilization methods to prevent future deterioration. This might include helical piers or pressure grouting, both of which are effective in strengthening a home’s foundation.
Experts can also help identify signs of potential problems, such as a gap between the foundation and interior walls. This is a common sign of unstable soil or improper construction, and can be easily corrected with steel shims. It is important to address such gaps as soon as they appear, as they may lead to more serious damage to the foundation in the future.
A professional will also understand how a damaged foundation impacts the functionality of your home. For example, a crack in the foundation can affect doors and windows, making them difficult to open. It can also let in moisture, pests, and other undesirable elements. This is why it is vital to find a contractor who understands the full scope of your repair needs and can explain them clearly.
The cost of repairing a foundation can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your home, the extent of the damage, and the location. In addition to the actual labor and materials needed for the job, there are other costs involved such as permits, insurance coverage, and disposal of old concrete. These additional expenses can add up to a significant amount of money.
It is also important to consider the time needed to complete the work. While the exact length of time varies, it can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, the process can be more complicated and require the use of specialized machinery. The longer the project takes, the more extensive the costs will be.
Insurance
Homeowners insurance is often able to cover some or all of foundation repair costs depending on the circumstances. However, there are also other considerations. For example, homeowners insurance typically only covers sudden or accidental damage that could not have been prevented with regular maintenance or other preventative measures. As such, routine foundation repairs are usually not covered by homeowners insurance. It is important to consult a foundation repair specialist for a free inspection and estimate to determine the cause of the damage and whether it is eligible for coverage by insurance.
If you have a homeowners insurance policy that includes dwelling coverage (also known as an HO-3 or HO-5), then foundation damage may be covered. This type of coverage generally offers up to 10 percent of the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home’s structure and attached structures. This amount is often capped at about $500,000 in total coverage. This is a significant benefit that can help ease the financial burden of major repairs like foundation repair.
Another possibility for foundation repair coverage is to add an endorsement or rider to your homeowners insurance that specifically covers foundation damage. However, this is a costly option and typically requires an extensive and detailed home insurance policy review by an expert.
Alternatively, you can consider financing the cost of foundation repair through a home equity loan or other form of debt. You can also work with a contractor to create a payment plan to make the repairs more manageable. In some cases, government grants are available to assist with the cost of foundation repair.
It is important to keep in mind that if you are reimbursed for your foundation repair expenses, then you cannot use those expenses as a tax deduction. This is due to a legal technicality and can be an important consideration before making major repairs or adding an addition on to your home.
If you are experiencing foundation issues, it is important to act quickly. This can minimize the impact on your home’s value, safety and comfort. It is also important to document the problem with photos and other information. This documentation can be helpful in filing an insurance claim.