Foundation problems can be serious. Addressing them early can save you money, and give you peace of mind that your home is in good condition.

The foundation repair process can be disruptive, and you’ll need to clear the area around your house. Some homeowners choose to vacate their homes while foundation repairs are taking place. Visit https://www.apexplanofoundationrepair.com/ to learn more.

Cracks can occur naturally as your foundation settles after construction, but they also can be a sign of structural damage. It’s important to be able to distinguish between harmless cracks and those that require attention from a professional.

Hairline, vertical or diagonal cracks that don’t widen over time are usually harmless and are caused by the expansion and contraction of concrete as it cures. These are not something to worry about unless they’re near doors or windows that could be affected by the movement.

Significant gaps that are wider than 18 inch are another sign of a problem with your foundation. Gaps may let in moisture and water, causing mold growth, wood rot, mildew, and other issues with your home’s integrity and safety. It’s a good idea to have a professional examine and implement a permanent repair solution for these gaps, which can include injecting high-density Polyurethane foam under your slab, basement waterproofing, drainage system improvements, or even pier installation to lift your foundation.

Wide, horizontal or stair-step cracks near doors and windows are another cause for concern. These indicate a more serious issue with your foundation that should be assessed by a professional right away. These cracks are often accompanied by bowing or inward wall movement. They can also be caused by hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil pushing against your foundation. This pressure is relieved by removing foundation plantings, installing guttering and downspouts, and adding soil to the yard to create a 2 percent slope away from your foundation to help drain water and moisture. This will prevent water from pooling next to your foundation, which can push against it and cause more damage.

Uneven Floors

Uneven floors can seem like a minor problem, but it’s often a sign of something much bigger. When portions of the foundation sink or become unstable, they drag the floors above along with them, causing a variety of problems.

Sagging and uneven floors can be a safety hazard, especially for elderly or disabled individuals who might fall when walking across them. It’s also an indication that the underlying issue isn’t being addressed, which could lead to even more costly damage in the future.

Although it can be a challenge to identify, uneven flooring can easily be fixed with the right professional help. A specialist can quickly re-level the floors with a system of piers that will address any structural issues beneath them. Uneven floors are usually a result of shifting soil, which causes the foundation to settle unevenly and impact the floor directly above it. Uneven floors can also be caused by tree roots that grow under your home and expand as they soak up moisture.

Although it may be tempting to replace the flooring in a room that’s showing signs of unevenness, this can actually make the problem worse. This is because the underlying issue (usually differential settlement or crawl space moisture) hasn’t been resolved, so it will likely return. In addition, replacing the flooring can cause additional stress on the foundation and lead to more expensive repairs down the line. It’s always best to call a professional for foundation repair as soon as possible after noticing uneven floors. This can save you money and keep your house safe in the long run.

Sticky Doors

Sometimes, doors and windows become harder to open and close as the seasons change. While this may be a minor nuisance, it can also indicate that your foundation needs repair. Continual sticking doors may lead to other signs, such as sagging floors and drywall cracks, so it’s important to address the problem right away.

In many cases, a sticky door is caused by a humidity issue that can be fixed with a dehumidifier or air conditioner. When humidity is high, wood tends to swell and lose its grip on the hinges of your door frame and strike plate. However, if the problem persists after adjusting the relative humidity in your home, it may be due to uneven foundation settlement.

All homes settle over time, but when a foundation sinks or shifts in one part of the house more than another, it can cause misalignment in the door and window frames. In this case, it’s important to have a professional analyze your foundation for issues and recommend a solution.

A common way to fix a sticking door caused by foundation settlement is underpinning. This involves hydraulically driving push piers into the ground until they reach load-bearing soil or rock. Helical piers are used in the same way, but are more effective for repairing areas of foundation that have experienced significant movement over time.

Mold & Mildew

Both mold and mildew grow in damp environments and can trigger allergies, especially in sensitive individuals. They can also produce musty odors and damage your home’s structures. If you notice a strong mold smell or see signs of it on your walls and other surfaces, contact a professional immediately. They can advise you on remediation and moisture control.

Mildew and mold are fungi that differ in their appearance, structure and growth pattern. The most obvious distinction is in color: Mold can appear black, green, gray or brown and has a fuzzy or gritty texture, while mildew presents as white or grey with tiny dots or clusters. Mildew grows on the surface of its host and doesn’t penetrate deeply into the material it is growing on, making it a good candidate for cleaning with store-bought cleaners and a scrub brush.

However, even small areas of mildew should be tended to by a licensed mold specialist to avoid spreading the spores. A professional will be able to assess your home’s indoor humidity level and install measures to keep it low, such as a dehumidifier.

If your house has a musty odor and you have spotted signs of mildew or mold, it is likely due to standing water, and it’s time for foundation repair. A specialist will be able to advise you on the best method of repair for your property, including the Pressed Pile and Bell-Bottom Pier methods. These can take between a few days and a few weeks, depending on the size of your home and how many pilings are needed. In most cases, they will also need to regrade your yard to redirect groundwater away from the foundation.

Water Damage

As water infiltrates the soil surrounding a foundation, it can exert pressure against the walls. This is a primary cause of foundation cracks, which can range from small hairline fractures to more significant gaps. Regardless of their size, cracks are a clear sign that the foundation needs repair.

Extreme weather is another factor that can exacerbate existing foundation damage. Heavy rains can saturate soil, causing it to expand. In contrast, prolonged droughts can cause the soil to shrink and sink. These changes can put significant stress on a home’s foundation, leading to uneven settling or sinking and resulting in doors and windows that are hard to open or close.

To prevent future problems, it’s essential to make sure that water drains away from your foundation. A French drain system is one way to achieve this goal, while proper landscaping can also help. Additionally, it’s wise to have your foundation inspected regularly by a professional. This will ensure that any issues are addressed early and that your foundation stays healthy for years to come.

When choosing a contractor for your foundation repair, experience is a critical factor. A company with a long history of success and extensive customer reviews should be your top choice. In addition, a contractor that has extensive knowledge of local climate and soil conditions can offer more effective solutions.