As a commercial property owner, we understand that a lot of responsibility falls on your shoulder. Not only are you taking care of a building, but you are also taking care of the people inside of it. It is easy to let building maintenance slide now and again.
However, if there is one thing you should always take seriously, it is foundation damage. Leaving your foundation issues untreated can lead to:
- Water damage 💧
- Pest infestations 🪳
- Mold and mildew growth 🍄
- Non-functional windows and doors 🪟
Sound unpleasant? You’re right, it is. But it doesn’t need to be that way!
Today we’ll be explaining how to create an effective action plan when it comes to your commercial foundation repair. Knowledge is power, and when you know what to do, you can prepare accordingly!
When to Get Your Foundation Repaired
The first step in any foundation repair process is determining that there is a problem and where it is. Luckily, there are several clear signs that you may be dealing with foundation problems.
- Wall Cracks – The most obvious and well-known sign of foundation problems is wall cracks. While wall cracks can form in commercial buildings for a variety of reasons, foundation cracks are distinct. Typically they run horizontally and have a zigzagging pattern.
- Misaligned Doors and Windows – A good sign that you might need foundation repair is if your doors and windows won’t close properly. While this can be caused by expanding and contracting with the weather changing, if the problem persists regardless of weather, you are probably doing with a foundation issue.
- Sagging Floors – Many floors change shape as they age, but if your floors have a distinct slant or are sagging, then you may want to get your foundation checked.
Why Does Foundation Get Damaged?
While you may be able to spot the signs of damage to commercial foundations, you’re likely also wondering why the damage has occurred in the first place.
Commercial foundations can be damaged by a number of different sources, including:
- Faulty Installation – While it may be uncommon, faulty installation does occasionally happen and can cause your foundation to fall apart over time.
- Water Damage – Water damage is often a reason that foundations fail. Many foundation materials, such as concrete, are porous, and when they absorb water, it thaws and freezes throughout the year. This can cause the concrete to crumble and break down.
- Soil Problems – The most common cause of foundation issues is related to the soil that your building was built on. Moist soil that expands and contracts throughout the year can cause your foundation to shift. This constant shifting can eventually cause it to crack.
4 Things to Consider When Doing Commercial Foundation Repair
If you are looking into commercial foundation repair solutions, you are likely overwhelmed with information. But foundation repair doesn’t have to be frightening. We’ve compiled a list of the top four things that you should keep in mind when getting a commercial foundation repair.
1) Cost
We understand that foundation repair can be an expensive endeavor. But it is absolutely worth it. A good way to reduce your stress level around the repair cost is to do some research.
The overall cost of your repair will vary, depending on the size of your building, the type of foundation you have, the area you live in, and the extent of the damage. The national average for foundation repair is around $5000, but some repairs can cost up to $25,000.
Making a budget ahead of time and talking to foundation repair companies about their payment plans and financing options can help you feel calm and in control.
2) Schedule
Building repairs are never convenient. However, commercial repairs can be doubly frustrating as they often force you to shut down your business for a period of time. The good news is that foundation repair doesn’t usually take weeks. On average, you can expect to see results within 2-3 days.
However, we recommend talking to a foundation repair specialist as soon as you know a problem has formed so that you can make a plan and schedule your business accordingly.
3) Type of Foundation Repair
These days, property owners have no shortage of options when it comes to foundation repairs. Some of these options include:
- Concrete Piers
- Steel piers
- Concrete pressed pilings
- Polyurethane foam jacking
- Mud jacking (also known as slab jacking)
We recommend talking with your contractor about your options, their prices, and how durable each of these solutions is.
4) Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a qualified foundation contractor is perhaps the most important factor when it comes to making sure that your commercial foundation repair is completed in a safe, timely, and correct fashion.
There are lots of contractors in the business, but we recommend making sure that the one that you hire:
- Is licensed and insured
- Is experienced with your type of foundation
- Specializes in foundation repair
- Communicates clearly
- Has stellar online reviews
Get the Answers You Need
Have questions? We get it. It’s a lot to wrap your head around. But we are here to help!
At Perma Pier Foundation Repair, we are proud to be the go-to choice for Texas residents when it comes to both residential and commercial foundation repair. Whether you are looking for a new foundation or help to restore your existing one, our knowledgeable team is here to help. Contact us today to get an evaluation for your home!
