Basement Foundation Repair in Northeast New England
If you’re experiencing an issue with your basement foundation, local soil and environmental factors might be to blame. Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, expansive clay soils, and other conditions common throughout New England can lead to serious instability in this part of your home.
Groundworks offers comprehensive foundation repair solutions tailored to the unique needs of New England homeowners. Read on to learn how our team can restore damaged foundations and safeguard your home.
What Causes Basement Foundation Damage in New England?
While New England is a wonderful place to live, some of the trademark environmental features that make it so alluring also pose unique challenges to basement foundations. Here are some common culprits:
Heavy Rainfall
When rainwater seeps into your basement through cracks and gaps in the foundation, it might damage your belongings and lead to wood rot and structural damage. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your whole home.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Native New Englanders are no stranger to long, harsh winters. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles may cause the soil under your home to expand and contract, putting pressure on your basement foundation. This can lead to cracking, shifting, and settling.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Many homes in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine are built on high water tables. When water saturates the ground around your property, it can exert force against basement walls, potentially causing them to bow inward. This force is known as hydrostatic pressure.
Expansive Clay Soils
The soil in New England is rich in clay deposits, which expand when wet and contract when dry. This movement leads to problematic voids developing in the soil beneath your home. While some foundation settlement is natural, these voids can accelerate settlement, causing foundation misalignment and damage.
When Do You Need Basement Foundation Repair?
It might be time to call a professional if you notice any of these warning signs:
Don’t ignore any of the above. The sooner you contact Groundworks, the quicker we can inspect your basement foundation, look for signs of damage, and create a customized repair plan.
Basement Foundation Repair Solutions
Using basement crack sealants, attempting to repair your basement subfloor, and other DIY fixes might do more harm than good. To be safe, we recommend working with a professional basement foundation repair expert who understands New England’s unique environmental conditions.
Some potential fixes for your basement foundation problem include:
- Wall Anchors: If you have cracking or bowing basement walls, wall anchors may help. They can move walls back to their initial position, improving your home’s stability.
- Helical Piers: Helical piers, also known as screw piles, contain a steel rod with helices or plates that dig through tough or rocky soil, providing long-lasting support for your basement foundation.
- Push Piers: Durable steel push piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil like bedrock. This helps stabilize your basement foundation on stronger footing.
- Carbon Fiber Support Strips: Lightweight and flexible yet incredibly strong, these low-profile carbon fiber straps can reinforce bowing walls without impacting your basement’s usable space.
- Wall Repair Braces: When exterior excavation isn’t possible, a basement wall repair system can help stabilize damaged walls from the inside. These sturdy steel braces provide ample support for walls bowing over two inches.
Count on Groundworks for Quality Foundation Repair
Basement foundation repair can protect your loved ones, preserve your home’s value, and prevent more expensive structural issues. Proudly serving homeowners across Northern New England, Groundworks has a wide range of solutions that can solve almost any problem in your basement.
Contact us today to schedule a free foundation inspection.
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