Cracked Foundations: Causes, Costs and Prevention
Did you know that having a bad house foundation can decrease your home value significantly? Whether you have a cracked or crumbling home foundation, home foundation issues can be a big problem.
When you have foundation problems, you are more likely to have pest issues, water damage, uneven walls, and doors that won’t close. Thankfully, not all home foundation problems are expensive to fix.
Do you want to learn more about cracked foundations? Keep reading to learn what causes them, common types, the cost of repair, and how to prevent them.
What Causes Cracked Foundations?
Before you can fix your home foundation problems, you need to understand what caused them. If you can’t find the cause, you are likely to continue having foundation issues.
Some of the most common causes of a cracked foundation include expansive soil, poor drainage, natural disasters, and soil creep. If the ground shifts, your house will have problems.
When your hire professionals to work on your foundation, the best ones will look for the root of the cause. If you want to learn more about hiring foundation professionals, you can click here for more information.
Types of Foundation Cracks
What are some of the most common types of foundation cracks? While some cracks affect the structural integrity of your home, others are nothing to worry about.
Small cracks could be nothing to worry about, but you should call a professional if you notice the crack getting bigger, you see cracks in your bricks, or cracks are wider on one side.
You also should worry if there is water seeping through the cracks. Make sure you fix water damage right away to prevent mold growth.
How Much Do Foundations Cost to Repair?
Did you know that the average foundation repair costs around $4,200? While that is the average, you could spend up to $12,000 on repairing your foundation. If you need a replacement, expect to pay even more.
Small foundation repairs can cost around $500. If you also have to pay for water damage, pest control, or mold remediation, the cost of foundation repair will increase.
How Can You Prevent Cracked Foundations?
Because foundation cracks cause lots of problems and they are expensive, it’s best if you can prevent them. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to prevent them entirely, but there are some things you can do to help.
If you want to prevent foundation cracks, make sure you clean your gutters, add landscaping, install drains, and slope the ground near your house.
Keeping water away from your house is the best way to prevent foundation issues. A good drainage system can also prevent mold damage, roof problems, and rotting.
Do You Have Foundation Damage?
Foundation problems can decrease your house vale, cause problems with pests, and make it difficult to open and close doors. If you are dealing with cracked foundations, contact a local foundation expert to make repairs.
Was this article on foundation repair helpful? If so, check out the home advice category to learn more about your home foundation.