Why You Should Never DIY Foundation Repairs (And Who to Contact for Help)

A home’s foundation is its backbone, providing the necessary stability to keep the entire structure upright and secure. The weight of the house is evenly distributed across the foundation, preventing it from sinking into the shifting soil beneath. Since the ground underneath can naturally change over time due to soil conditions, water levels, and even tectonic movements, a well-maintained foundation is crucial for avoiding cracks in walls or floors and protecting against water seepage into basements and crawl spaces.

If there are concerns about the condition of your foundation, it’s important to reach out to a professional as soon as possible to assess the situation and carry out any necessary repairs. While not every small crack warrants immediate attention, neglecting foundation issues can lead to significant problems like sagging floors, water damage, and structural cracks. In severe cases, failure to address foundation issues can even lead to a collapse.

Given the critical role a stable foundation plays in your home’s structural integrity, it’s essential to hire the best professionals in the field of foundation repair. One company with extensive experience is Groundworks, which has repaired over 1.5 million homes across 35 states, Washington D.C., and Canada since 1975. Their expertise makes them a trusted option for any foundation-related issues.

Fixing a Settling Foundation

All homes settle over time, but when this settling becomes excessive, it can pose a risk to the home’s stability. Common signs of serious foundation settlement include cracking floors, gaps between windows and walls, and noticeable wall cracks—especially those that extend diagonally from the corners. If you suspect your home isn’t settling correctly, concrete lifting methods can help raise the foundation back to its original level. Here are a few approaches:

• Slabjacking: This method involves lifting a concrete slab back to its original level to make it even again.
• Mudjacking: A variation of slabjacking, this technique involves pumping a mixture of sand, soil, and water into drilled holes in the concrete slab to raise it.
• Polyurethane Foam Injection: A quicker alternative to slabjacking, this method uses expanding foam to lift and level the concrete slab, which is preferred by Groundworks for its efficiency.

In more extreme cases of foundation settlement, piers may be installed to anchor the foundation to stable, load-bearing soil, eliminating any future risk of instability. Though these repairs can be costly, they are often a wise investment to prevent more serious (and expensive) issues from developing down the line.

Addressing Hidden Construction Defects

Some foundation issues can be traced back to construction mistakes made during the building process. These defects might not be apparent until years later, when you start noticing problems like bowing walls, uneven floors, or tilted doorways. Factors like building on loose soil, overloading the foundation, or poor workmanship can lead to significant problems.

Groundworks experts may recommend different solutions depending on the severity of the issue. For example, wall anchors can correct bowing walls in basements, while homes that are tilting or sinking might require the installation of helical piers to restore the foundation to its original level.

Dealing with Expansive and Shifting Soils

Soil behavior varies, and some types of soil, like expansive soil, can cause significant foundation issues. Expansive soils expand when wet and contract when dry, creating pressure on the foundation as they change size. This can result in cracks, shifting walls, and even bowing in basement walls.

In areas prone to seasonal droughts or heavy rains, these fluctuations can cause the soil to shrink and swell, leading to foundation settlement or damage. Homeowners can sometimes repair small cracks on their own, but larger cracks—especially those that run horizontally or change direction—require professional repair.

Foundation specialists from companies like Groundworks can assess the problem and offer solutions like wall anchors or pier installation to correct any shifting caused by unstable soil.

Handling Water Drainage and Foundation Issues

Improper drainage is a major cause of foundation problems, often leading to excess water accumulating around the foundation. Water pressure can damage the foundation, leading to cracks, leaks, or even shifting. A foundation inspection is the best way to identify potential drainage issues. In some cases, minor fixes like realigning misdirected pipes may resolve the problem. In more severe cases, interior drainage systems can be installed to redirect water away from basement walls. These systems funnel water into a sump pump basin, where it’s pumped away from the foundation. Additionally, exterior drainage solutions, like buried downspouts or sump pump discharge lines, can also help direct water away from the home.

Fixing Sagging Floors in Crawl Spaces

A sagging floor could stem from a number of issues, such as wood rot, but if it’s directly above a crawl space, the problem could be related to the foundation. If your home has undergone major renovations, like building an addition or converting an attic, the additional weight may be more than the original foundation was designed to handle.

Rather than replacing floor joists, foundation professionals can install additional supports, like crawl space jacks, to provide extra stability. Groundworks uses a system called SettleStop IntelliJack, which has a load capacity exceeding 24,000 pounds. These jacks can not only prevent further sagging but also lift the floors back to their original position.

Rely on Professionals for Foundation Repairs

Signs of foundation problems, such as cracked bricks, gaps between walls and windows, or uneven floors, can be concerning. However, only an experienced foundation repair professional can determine whether these issues stem from the foundation or other causes. Since foundation problems often aren’t visible, it’s best to consult with experts like Groundworks, who can accurately diagnose and resolve the issue.

Once the problem is identified, a range of solutions may be recommended, from installing supports to adding drainage systems, all designed to maintain the stability and durability of your home for years to come. Foundation repairs should never be treated as a quick fix—ensuring long-term stability requires professional expertise and careful attention to detail.