5 Foundation Repair Tips from the Pros
Dealing with foundation damage can be a nightmare for any homeowner. Indeed, foundation damage will often prove to be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. Unfortunately, there’s no great trick for restoring a foundation that requires serious repairs. At a certain point, fixing a home’s foundation will necessitate plenty of man-hours and a significant chunk of money. Don’t fret, though –– it’s not all bad news. Today we’re going to share five of our favorite tips to prevent foundation issues, identify them, and mitigate your costs and risks associated with foundation repair. Check them out here:
Manage Your Drainage System
Water causes almost all cases of foundation damage. Note, even homes in areas that don’t receive excessive rain or are typically at risk for flooding can still be affected by water if they have a poor drainage system. With that in mind, it’s crucial for all homeowners to regularly check their gutters and schedule plumbing inspections regularly. In addition, it’s a smart idea to try and keep moisture levels consistent around your home. “Watering” your home’s foundation during a dry period can prevent the soil from shifting under your house. Lastly, avoid planting large trees close to your home. Their roots can affect soil makeup and compromise your foundation.
Fix “Little Problems” ASAP
It’s easy to overlook “small” issues around your house. Perhaps you’ve noticed a few cracks in your basement walls. Or maybe one of your windows gets stuck from time to time. The reality is, though, these little problems can be indicative of much bigger foundation trouble. If you spot any potential signs of foundation damage, call a professional immediately. It’s much cheaper and simpler to get a few cracks filled than to wait and potentially face full-scale foundation damage.
Partner with a Trusted Property Restoration Company
For many people, their home is the most important investment they’ll ever make. As such, it only makes sense to partner with a trusted property restoration business when foundation issues arise. Make sure to do your homework when selecting a foundation repair company. The last thing you want is further foundation damage in a few years due to shoddy workmanship.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Once you’ve found a home-improvement professional that you trust, make it a point to schedule regular inspections with them. These inspections are a cost-effective way to protect your home for years to come!
Talk to Your Insurance
Sometimes, homeowners don’t have any choice but to pay for expenses related to foundation repair out of their own pockets. Yet, occasionally, insurance companies will pay for some or all of the repairs. If, for instance, your home incurs foundation damage as a result of a flood or natural disaster, your insurance may be able to help you out. Remember, it never hurts to call them and ask!
Final Thoughts
No homeowner ever wants to deal with foundation issues. Yet, it’s important to realize that ignoring the problem won’t fix it. Rather, the sooner you identify an issue and act on it, the better off you’ll be in the future. If you’re concerned about your home’s foundation, then contact the professionals at Brickworks. We have years of industry experience, and we’re ready to take on any project –– no matter the size. Call us here at (586) 330-4920.
Foundation Waterproofing: 5 Facts All Homeowners Should Know
Few things can negatively affect a home’s value faster than water damage. Even small leaks in the basement or foundation of a house can force homeowners to pay a significant amount for repairs. Thankfully, foundation waterproofing can protect your home from water damage and other issues associated with excess moisture. Here, we’ll list five facts all homeowners should know about waterproofing their basement and explain why this is an investment worth making now –– not later:
Record Rainfalls Threaten Homes
2018 was the third wettest year in the US since record-keeping began in the 1890s. Across the board, the US experienced almost five inches more precipitation than 20th-century averages. While that may not sound like much, record levels of precipitation and flooding are a threat to more homes than ever before. This means that some homes that historically haven’t been affected by heavy rains and floods may now be at risk for severe water damage.
Good Waterproofing is Comprehensive
Obviously, no homeowner wants to experience standing water in their basement. However, water pooling around the outside of your home –– or under it –– can also lead to substantial foundation issues. The lesson here is that the best waterproofing methods address all aspects of water control, including drainage and sewage systems.
Brick and Concrete are NOT Naturally Waterproof
Brick and concrete fixtures are incredibly strong and durable, but they are susceptible to water damage. Just because you’ve invested in a concrete foundation, it doesn’t mean you can afford to overlook potential signs of water damage. Which leads us to our next point . . .
How to Identify Foundation-Water Issues
Some signs of water affecting a home’s foundation are easy-to-spot, while others can be much more subtle. Nevertheless, everyone who owns a home should be aware of certain signs that could indicate significant water damage. They are:
- Standing water in basement
- Mold or musty smells
- Curved or bowed walls
- Rusted metal pipes
- Stained walls
- Cracks in walls (especially in basement)
In addition, a number of factors can increase a home’s risk for developing water damage. If, for instance, your home is built on a slope that directs rainfall toward your house, then ensuring proper drainage is going to be difficult. Furthermore, intense periods of draught can change the makeup of the soil underneath your home and can make your foundation vulnerable to water damage when rain does return. It’s wise to check your drainage system and your gutters regularly. Doing so will allow you to predict and prevent major water damage from occurring.
Waterproofing is a Smart Investment
Even if you don’t have plans to renovate or “finish” your basement, water within your home can lead to a host of issues from an insecure foundation to disgusting mold and smells pervading your house. Rather than rolling the dice with your home, it makes much more sense to waterproof your foundation as soon as possible.
A Final Word
At Brickworks, we have years of experience dealing with foundation repair issues of all sizes. We only employ licensed professionals and we only use the best tools available on the market to ensure that we complete your project effectively and efficiently. Call us today at (586) 330-4843 if you’re concerned about water damage in your foundation. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem could become!
