There are few things more exciting than home renovations. Scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, talking with contractors and designers, or imagining that final product just the way you’ve always dreamed it would be…it’s enough to make anyone excited!
However, there are less-than-ideal times to remodel your home, and immediately after scheduling foundation repair is one of them. Today, we’ll be helping you understand how long to wait after foundation repair services to remodel your home. We’ll talk about:
- Signs of foundation damage
- Dangers of Renovating Too Quickly after Foundation Repair
- When to Renovate after Repairs, and
- How to Maintain your Foundation
Keep reading to become an expert on the foundation repair process!
Signs You Need Foundation Repairs
Before you book that roofing job, you’ll want to make sure your home’s foundation is where it should be. Foundation damage isn’t too difficult to spot. Here are some common telltale signs of foundation problems:
- Cracks – Homes in Texas are built to shift due to the nature of the soils. Because of this, some cracks in your drywall, like hairline cracks, are common and might not necessarily mean foundation issues. If you notice they continue to grow in size, it is important to contact us for a foundation evaluation right away. Other cracks, like those in your concrete slab, are more serious and should be evaluated right away.
- Counter Separation – When your foundation shifts, you may find that your walls start to pull away from your counters and cabinets. If you see space between your counters and wall, we recommend promptly scheduling a foundation repair evaluation to avoid further structural damage.
- Bowed Flooring – Bowed flooring, or flooring that feels bouncy, is a good indicator that you may need to get your foundation evaluated.
- Window and Door Issues – As your foundation shifts, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to open or close your doors and windows. This is often a sign of significant shift in your foundation
Dangers of Renovating after Foundation Repair
You may be tempted to keep going with your home improvements once you’ve repaired your foundation, but it might not be the best idea. As your foundation settles into its new place, your home will continue to shift and settle. Here are some ways in which foundation repair can affect your entire home:
1) Plumbing
One of the biggest risks of foundation repair is that it relieves a great deal of strain off your plumbing system. PVC and cast iron pipes are vulnerable to cracks from the pressure of the shifting foundation. When you remove that pressure you can discover leaks under your home. You’re more likely to see this if you have an older plumbing system that hasn’t been updated.
2) Roofing
As your foundation settles and your house returns to a level position, you may notice problems in your roofing that were not there before. This happens due to the sudden pressure applied to your shingles after a foundation lift. This is especially prevalent if you have had your roof replaced once foundation issues were already present but prior to foundation solutions.
3) Doors and Windows
As we’ve mentioned, doors and windows are a great indicator that your foundation has moved and the walls of your home are no longer aligned. As your foundation continues to settle after the repair, you may find that the doors and windows continue to shift. This movement makes post-lift a bad time to install new, or repair your existing, windows, doors, or cabinetry.
5) Flooring
Due to the settling period, installing new flooring too soon after your foundation repairs can cause gaps, bowing, or several other issues to arise in your new flooring. Just like with your roof, if you decide you want to replace your flooring we recommend getting your foundation evaluated to ensure you’re remodeling on a stable foundation.
How Long to Wait for Home Renovations
So, how long do you have to wait to get started on your remodeling projects?
Most foundation repair experts recommend waiting at least 8-10 weeks before making any major changes to your home post-lift. It can take that long for your house to fully settle into its new position, meaning that any new installations may become off-kilter if installed during this settling period.
How to Maintain Your Foundation
Foundation repair is a big investment. Here are some tips to help ensure that your foundation solutions last:
- Schedule Inspections – Foundation pros know how to spot early signs of foundation problems. That’s why we recommend calling us to schedule an annual foundation inspection.
- Make sure you have good drainage – Soil often shifts due to changing moisture levels. If you live in an area with excess soil moisture, installing a sump pump can help ensure that the excess moisture doesn’t affect your foundation by redirecting the water away from your home. If water pools around your property, french drains might be an excellent option to redirect water. There’s various ways to maximize your home’s drainage, and your #DirtNerd evaluator will present you with options.
- Clean Your Gutters – As we mentioned, pooling water around the edges of your home can cause a huge problem. If your gutters are clogged and cannot redirect water away, the water may pool around your home and cause serious issues.
- Mind your Landscaping – Tree/bush roots are common culprits for foundation issues. Some greenery requires more moisture than others, and they can pull water away from your foundation. To help prevent your landscaping from drying out your foundation, water your property holistically. This means watering your plants, lawn, and foundation as necessary. If you are concerned about the trees on your property, consider installing a root barrier.
Work With a Professional Foundation Contractor
When it comes to your home, you deserve the best care possible. At Perma Pier Foundation Repair, we have over 30 years of experience and knowledge to help you identify potential issues and solve major problems. Got a question about our services, pricing, or your repair options? Contact us today to set up your appointment!
