We’ve all heard the warnings.
Your roof only lasts twenty years. Water heaters for eight.
But your home’s foundation should last 80-100 years. Right? So what are those cracks about? That sagging floor? The shifting yard?
The last thing you wanted when you bought a home was a cracked or settling foundation.
Unfortunately, foundation failure happens more often than you’d think and structural foundation repairs or replacements may be necessary. You may be unsure where to start or who to call or even how dire the situation may be. But we’re here to tell you, this is not something any homeowner should neglect.
For a durable and long-lasting structural foundation repair, get in touch with licensed professionals.
But don’t panic! We’ve put together some common myths about structural foundation failure and repairs we can bust to help you make the right calls at the right time.
Structural Foundation Repair Myths
Foundation failure is not only a potential threat to your home but also to your safety. That said, it’s important to dispel misinformation or wrongful claims about foundation repair so you can get the help you need from structural foundation repair professionals.
Here are some of the most common myths about foundation repair:
1. Getting my foundation repaired means destroying my yard
Yes. The foundation-repair process will be messy.
But a full demolition is most likely not necessary! Make sure to consult with a landscaping professional for best practices to protect your shrubs and flowers closest to your home in some instances.
At Perma Pier Foundation Repair of Texas, we let homeowners know we can advise on landscaping, but our crews are on-site to specifically repair foundations. If excavation around the foundation walls of your home is necessary, we prefer you work with a landscaping professional in advance of repairs.
One type of foundation repair involves installing high-quality steel push piers inside your basement. This technique doesn’t require any exterior excavation. Other repairs such as epoxy and crack repair can also be done inside.
A professional foundation repair team will evaluate your home to find the root cause of the problem before they start repairs, and advise you on what to expect.
2. Foundation repairs will scare away potential homebuyers
If you’re thinking of selling your home, part of you might be afraid that repairing your home foundation problems might scare away potential homebuyers.
Texas soils wreak havoc on residential and commercial foundations, so repairs are usually necessary at some point. Addressing foundation repairs could help increase market value. Why? Because you’re fixing the problem.
Many homes experience structural foundation issues at some point. What’s more, a report from your foundation engineers that explains the issues, as well as a sign-off on repairs lets prospective buyers know you invested in repair and that it is a permanent fix.
3. Foundation failure is expensive
You don’t need to break your budget to fix your home’s foundation issues.
Modern foundation repairs offer different methods and techniques that require little excavation for lower costs. In many cases, foundation repair services will use polyurethane injections to keep water from getting into your foundation.
Additionally, the cost of foundation repairs largely depends on what’s causing your foundation issues. Foundation repair professionals can help you diagnose the problem so you can save time and money. In addition, there are financing partners, like Hearth, who will provide alternative options to funding your repairs.
4. It’s best to opt for the cheapest contractor
In sales, the difference between price & cost can be traced back for decades. As a savvy homeowner, you want to make a responsible financial choice (price), while also choosing the reputation of a brand to help you avoid future issues (cost).
The lowest bid from a contractor isn’t always the best choice. You don’t want to make a foundation repair only for that repair to need repairs later down the road.
This doesn’t mean the most expensive contractor is the way to go either. Before you get overwhelmed with dollar signs, look at the foundation repair service’s experience, training, insurance, and reputation.
At Perma Pier Foundation Repair of Texas, we work to diagnose the underlying issues using science-backed techniques and a 20-year history of experience, prior to providing a plan of repair to address your foundation issues. You can go wrong with choosing a cheap contractor, but you can’t go wrong with choosing a team with a great reputation for quality work.
How do I know if I’m dealing with foundation failure?
Now that you know some of the most common foundation repair myths, it’s important to know when you need to call a professional to make those repairs.
Your home might be facing foundation failure if you’ve been noticing the following:
- Sagging or uneven floors
- Gaps around your exterior door frames or window frames
- Cracks along your window frames and door frames
- Sticking windows or doors
- Walls pulling away from house or ceiling
- Cracks along exterior walls, interior walls, or floors
What can I do if I’m facing foundation failure?
Any home can suffer foundation issues, especially if it’s been built on expanding and contracting soil. For instance, Texas is home to 60 different types of soil, and clay soil can be a major player in your foundation failure.
Perma Pier Foundation Repair of Texas offers foundation repair services so you can feel safe and secure in your home. To learn more about how our team can help you with your foundation concerns, schedule a no-charge evaluation today.
