Should I Repair Foundation Cracks?: Top 7 Benefits
Concerned about a crack in your foundation? Whether it’s a longstanding issue or a new concern, addressing it sooner rather than later is crucial to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Below, we outline seven benefits of foundation crack repair, so you know what to expect when addressing them becomes necessary.
What is a Foundation Crack?
Foundation cracks are breaks or fissures in the foundation’s concrete or masonry material. These defects vary in size, shape, and severity and may worsen over time. While not all foundation cracks cause concern, some can indicate significant structural issues that require immediate attention. For this reason, professional inspections are recommended to determine if foundation repair is necessary.
7 Foundation Repair Benefits
Repairing your home’s foundation provides more than just peace of mind. Here are seven benefits that make foundation repair worth it:
#1. Prevents Structural Damage
Foundation repair prevents further structural damage, such as sagging floors, cracked walls and floors, or collapse. Promptly addressing damage, including cracks, ensures your foundation remains safe and stable.
Professionals determine which solutions to implement based on the type of foundation and damage, soil conditions, age of your home, and cost-benefit analysis.
#2. Boosts Property Value
Repairing foundation issues can significantly improve your property’s value, as buyers prefer homes with minimal maintenance needs. Homes with unresolved foundation problems are often harder to sell and may be valued lower.
Since foundation issues typically worsen over time, we recommend addressing foundation damage as soon as you notice a problem. Doing so will prevent further damage and more expensive repair costs.
#3. Prevents Flooding and Property Damage
Water damage happens fast and, if not addressed quickly, can lead to further damage. Foundation damage can cause plumbing leaks, flooding, and cracks, allowing moisture to seep through walls, floors, and ceilings. These problems cause mold growth, mildew, pest infestations, and other problems. Foundation repair helps prevent these issues.
Professionals may recommend installing a sump pump to redirect water away from the foundation, implementing drainage systems to manage water flow, and using a vapor barrier to prevent moisture seepage. These solutions protect your home from soil erosion, water damage, and maintain your foundation’s structural integrity.
#4. Improves Energy Efficiency
Foundation cracks and other damage allow air to leak into your home, increasing energy bills. Foundation repair improves your home’s energy efficiency. It lowers utility bills by sealing off the area, creating a safe, sealed environment, and enhancing indoor air quality.
For optimal results, foundation repair experts may recommend specialized thermal insulation, vapor barriers, and commercial dehumidifiers.
#5. Saves Time and Money
Foundation damage worsens over time, causing a domino effect of other more extensive concerns, such as sagging floors, cracked walls, and structural instability. These problems can require costly solutions, including significant repairs or even complete reconstruction. Addressing foundation issues at their first signs saves time and money in the long run.
#6. Enhances Safety
Foundation cracks create tripping hazards and other severe safety risks, such as uneven floors, bowing walls, and potential structural collapse. Repairing damage improves your home’s safety and protects your family and guests from accidents.
Foundation repair experts may recommend foundation piers, support jacks, or wall anchors, depending on the damage type and severity.
#7. Provides Peace of Mind
Repairing your home’s foundation removes the stress of unresolved problems. Foundation damage causes sticking doors and windows due to settlement, uneven floors, poor indoor air quality, and a host of other concerning issues. Addressing the underlying causes of damage with reliable, professional repairs ensures your home remains safe, secure, functional, and worry-free for many years.
How to Repair Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks are complex and require professional repair for a long-term solution. The crack’s size, location, and severity will determine which method is used for repair. Here are the most common foundation crack repair methods:
- Foundation Piers: These supports are driven deep into the soil, providing support, lift, and leveling for the foundation. Foundation piers include helical piers, push piers, and slab piers.
- Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: Carbon fiber strips are applied to the cracks to strengthen the unstable foundation.
- Polyurethane Injection: PolyRenewal™ concrete lifting foam is injected under the slab to lift, level, and seal concrete cracks and gaps, stabilizing the structure. It also addresses unstable soil issues caused by erosion.
- Complete Replacement: In severe cases, professionals may recommend complete foundation replacement. However, this is only for extreme instances in which typical solutions will not suffice.
Foundation repair requires an expert to ensure the underlying problem is addressed. Contact Groundworks for a free inspection and customized repair options.
Does Foundation Work Come with a Warranty?
Most professional foundation repair companies, like Groundworks, offer warranties on their work. The specific terms and conditions will vary depending on the company and the type of repair performed.
Warranties typically cover the cost of repairs or replacements if the foundation settles or cracks within the warranty period, ranging from a few years to a lifetime. Some warranties exclude some types of damage, and others are transferrable to the new homeowner if you sell your home. Carefully review warranty terms and conditions before choosing a foundation repair company.
Contact Groundworks for Expert Foundation Crack Repair
Addressing foundation cracks helps maintain your home’s integrity, safety, and value. At Groundworks, we specialize in foundation repairs backed by long-term warranties and flexible financing options. Our experts customize solutions based on a free, thorough home inspection.
Contact us today to restore your peace of mind and see what Groundworks can do for you!
Foundation Crack FAQs
Homeowners insurance usually does not cover foundation repair. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to learn the details of your policy. Factors such as the age, type, and location of the foundation will influence whether your home is eligible for coverage. Groundworks offers affordable financing options. Contact us to learn more.
Ignoring foundation cracks can lead to a multitude of problems that can become costly both in terms of money and health.
The cracks can become larger and more extensive, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire foundation. Other risks include water infiltration, mold growth, and pest intrusion.
All these issues can put your family’s safety in danger, as well as decrease the overall value of your home.
DIY fixes are not the answer. To get to the root of the problem, it’s important for repair professionals to inspect your foundation.
Depending on where the cracks are, what they mean, and the extent of the damage, your house could benefit from a variety of solutions.
For example, if your house is settling, helical piers will be used to stabilize and potentially lift it. For significant wall issues, repairs like wall anchors or beams can be used as reinforcements.
