About Plumbers, With Honor

The foundation of your home is one of the most important parts of the entire structure. The foundation offers a stable base upon which your house can rest. A leaking, cracked, or unstable foundation is a recipe for trouble. Foundation damage can grow when left unchecked, eventually affecting your entire house. If you notice signs of foundation damage, you must contact a foundation repair contractor at once. Here are four things a foundation repair service can do for you:

1. Inspect your foundation.

Most homeowners call a foundation repair contractor when they see visible signs of damage. However, cracks and other foundation defects are only what you can see on the surface. There may be deeper structural issues that only a professional can detect. Your repair contractor will perform a home inspection. They will inspect your foundation to determine what type of problem you're dealing with. A thorough diagnosis will allow your contractor to provide the appropriate repair services.

2. Seal cracks.

Foundation cracks are usually a symptom of a larger problem. However, cracks must still be filled to preserve the structural integrity of your home. Your foundation repair contractor will seal existing cracks using waterproof material. All cracks larger than 1/8th of an inch should be sealed. Epoxy is commonly used to repair cracks of all sizes, from hairline cracks to those up to an inch wide. Epoxy sets quickly and provides a waterproof seal that will prevent further damage.

3. Divert water from your foundation.

Cracks often occur when the ground swells, pulling the concrete of your foundation apart through great force. Water causes the ground to swell, and it can create extensive foundation damage if left unchecked. If groundwater is the culprit, your foundation contractor will devise a method to divert water away from your foundation. Extending the reach of your gutter can keep rainwater from collecting at the base of your house. French drains and other drainage ditches can also keep water from soaking into your foundation.

4. Even out a sunken foundation.

Homes can settle over time, especially older homes. If the ground beneath your foundation is too soft, your foundation may begin to sink into the earth. If this sinking happens at an uneven rate, your house may sit unevenly, which can strain your foundation. An uneven foundation can be fixed through piering. During this process, a foundation contractor will lift your home. Strong piers will be placed under the part of your foundation that is too low to even it out.

If you're concerned about your foundation, reach out to a professional for foundation repair.