Be a “Wise Man!” [A Guide to Your Home’s Firm Foundation]

houses on sand and rock
Whether they are religious or not, most people have heard the Biblical story of the wise man and the foolish man. It’s an analogy that explains how important it is to build our lives on a firm foundation. If our foundation is based on sand (worldly concerns like popularity and money), then it will easily fall to pieces when the storms of life hit us. However when we build our foundation on things that really matter like faith and family, it will be stronger and endure through those big storms.

Taking the story into its more literal terms—it’s very important for houses to be built on sturdy foundations that are made of good, solid material. Furthermore, maintenance is a must! Otherwise, when a tornado or Wisconsin winter storm blows our way, your home may not be able to stand against it. Here is what you need to know about having a literal firm foundation.

Your Foundation May Be Prone To Damage If…

house foundation falling apart
Although damage can happen due to a multitude of reasons, there are several common reasons to consider. If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, then you should always be on the lookout for changes in your foundation.

  • Was your home built on expansive clay?
  • Was it built on compacted fill soils?
  • Is there an issue of poor drainage in the surrounding area?
  • Are there extreme seasonal changes where you live?
  • Has there ever been a plumbing leak below your house?
  • Are there trees planted too closely to your home?
  • Has there been an earthquake, flood or flood that has affected the house?

Top Signs You Have A Foundation Problem

crack in a brick wall

Inside The Home

  • Uneven or bulging floors
  • Cracks in floors or drywall
  • Multiple doors and windows that are hard to open and close
  • Cabinet doors that won’t stay closed

Outside The Home

  • Cracked exterior walls or foundation
  • Displaced moldings
  • Wall rotation
  • Standing water around foundation

Seasonal Warning Signs

  • Early freeze – water cannot be absorbed into the ground and will find its way to your foundation
  • Heavy rains – over-absorption in the ground and full drain systems can lead the water to flood your home

How To Restore My Foundation

restoring home foundation
There are multiple types of foundation repair, and the type of repair you’ll need will depend on the issue you’re having as well as the specialty of the professionals you’re using. Check out these six different types of foundation repair as highlighted by Angie’s List for you to consider and talk about with a restoration professional.

1. Steel Piers: these take less time to install than traditional concrete piers and also cause less disruption in the foundation’s surrounding landscape.

2. Helical Piers: these are used for exterior foundation and interior slab repairs. Homes with porch columns and vinyl siding are ideal for this type of foundation repair.

3. Concrete Pier Foundation Repair: this is the most expensive method of foundation repair and also one of the more tedious. The process involves using drilling rigs and pouring concrete in the ground. The advantage of this type of repair, however, is that it offers a more permanent solution.

4. High-Density Polyurethane Foam: this method involves injected foam into affected areas and is considered to be a relatively affordable and fast repair option.

5. Segmented Piers: this process involves using multiple concrete cylinders instead of one giant cylinder. A cable can be ran down the center of the cylinders to better align them.

6. Spot Piers: these shallow piers are often used for light-loaded areas like porches where the part of the foundation won’t be expected to support too much.

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?

There is no real set price when it comes to foundation repair. It all depends on what your exact issue is and how serious the problem is. According to Home Advisor,

”Most homeowners will pay around $4,212 to repair foundation issues. Major repairs involving hydraulic piers can cost $10,000 or more, and minor cracks cost as low as $500. The typical homeowner pays between $1,841 and $6,595.”

To get more of an exact number, talk to your restoration company. At Kelmann Restoration, our process includes an on-site evaluation and an estimate that you will review before we start on repairs.

Is It Time To Call Kelmann?

Don’t let the rain wash away your house! As a full-service property restoration company, Kelmann Restoration has seen it all when it comes to fixing the various issues that come with weak foundations in both residential and commercial facilities. Be wise and make sure your house is sitting on a firm foundation by seeking the repairs you need. Our foundation repair experts will evaluate your situation and help find the best solution for your home!

Keep Calm & Call Kelmann

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