How to choose a Cameron MO foundation repair company Make sure your foundation is secure Regardless of whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing home, you should ensure that your foundation is safe before choosing a company to repair it. A damaged foundation is not only costly, but could also devalue your property. It is easy and cheap to check the foundation's safety. Ask for a track record of foundation repairs. An established business with several years of experience will have a proven track record and be able to back up their warranties. You can also look for a company's reputation in your neighborhood. Be sure that they have workers who are trained and qualified. Additionally, check to ensure that they use only quality materials and equipment. Another factor that you need to check is if the cracks are horizontal. This is important because this type of crack is a sign of a major problem. These cracks are typically longer than 6 inches and will cause structural damage. They can also be caused by excessive water pressure and other factors.
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Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.
Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.
Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:
French Drain
Interior wall and floor sealers
Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.
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10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten as bullet points:
Overwatering: This can cause soil to expand in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, leading to pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete.
Plumbing Issues: Leaks, especially from the mainline, can seep into the surrounding soil, causing the foundation to shift abnormally. Signs include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills.
Tree Root Growth: Overgrowth and water transpiration from tree roots can dehydrate the soil, causing the structure to settle and shift.
Invasive Landscaping: Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to damaging root growth below a home. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure.
Inadequate Drainage: Improper drainage can oversaturate the soil, destabilizing the foundation. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation.
Substandard Construction: Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can weaken the foundation and cause shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards.
Unprepared Ground: The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling.
Seasonal Conditions: Dramatic weather changes can cause the soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage.
Remodeling Gone Wrong: Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes.
Poor Soil Conditions: Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause the foundation to settle and shift excessively.
The solution to these issues is to monitor your home keeping these factors in mind. If you experience one or more of these issues, it may be time to reach out to a professional for help.
Having a safe foundation is essential for your home. There are many ways that you can prevent your foundation from getting damaged, even if it is rented. One simple way to do this is to regularly water your lawn. Water can damage a foundation, causing your home to settle unevenly. You can also prevent tree roots from affecting your home's foundation by naturally sloping your yard away from your home.
Another way to ensure that your foundation is safe is to look for reviews of foundation repair contractors on sites like Angie's List. Reviews on sites such as Angie's List can expose complaints and unprofessional business practices about foundation repair companies. You can also check with building inspectors about the reputation of a Cameron MO foundation repair company. The inspectors will be able to direct you to contractors who are reliable and adhere to building codes.
You should also check out the warranties offered by the Cameron MO foundation repair company. Although warranties can be very valuable, they are only as important as the company that backs them. Be wary of small gaps or caveats within the warranty.
Verify license and insurance
If you are looking for a company that can repair foundation issues, it's imperative to ensure that they are licensed and insured. It may seem tempting to hire an unlicensed contractor at the start, but you might make the worst decision of your entire life. A Maryland Home Improvement Commission-certified company might also be worth your consideration.
You should verify their qualifications, licensing, and insurance to ensure that you hire a competent foundation contractor. A foundation repair contractor should be proud of their work and happy to provide references. However, be cautious about contractors who refuse to provide references. You can find references online to see if past clients were happy with their work. Ask them questions about their crews. Ideally, they should be able to answer any questions about their work in a short period of time.
Foundation repair businesses should be licensed and insured. Referring to satisfied customers and customer reviews can be a great way to find reputable foundation repair companies. For specific inquiries about repair processes, you can contact past customers. Make sure you only work with licensed, insured companies. These credentials can be confirmed by contacting the relevant agencies.
Before hiring a Cameron MO foundation repair company, ask to see their insurance policy. A large-liability insurance policy is a must for any company. A copy of your insurance policy can be requested. However, ensure that the coverage covers work done. If there are any problems, you should ask for a written guarantee.
Also, it is important to verify that the warranty of any foundation repair service company is valid. It shows that the company is confident in their work and is committed to the long-term health of your home. Also, warranties should be in writing, and you should ask about any terms that aren't clearly defined.
Ask for a contract with a structural engineer
It is important that you choose a company with a track record and satisfied clients when choosing foundation repair companies. Check with consumer protection authorities to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor in the past. Even if there aren't any complaints, it's important to be wary of foundation repair companies that are operating under several different names.
Professional engineers are trained to look for structural defects and make recommendations on solutions. Their clients' best interests are their duty. They are also legally required to put the interest of their employers first. Choosing a Cameron MO foundation repair company that has a contract with a structural engineer means that you can trust the company's expertise. In addition, a structural engineer will also have a professional license to carry out inspections.
An expert in foundation repairs, a structural engineer can offer expert advice on how to raise your house. The engineer can also explain the risks and benefits of lifting your house. He will make sure that the lifting is safe and effective and that you get the best possible outcome.
Although the cost to hire a structural engineer can vary depending on where you live, most homeowners spend between $300 and $650. This amount includes a structural engineer's time, which may range anywhere from $100 to $150 per hour. They can help ensure your foundation is sound.
Foundation repair companies should have insurance and be licensed. A warranty should be offered by them. While a warranty is important, it is only as good as the company behind it. A nationally recognized company should be able to offer warranty service and follow-up service if you have questions or concerns.
You should look for companies with at least 10 year experience
Do your research before you hire a foundation company. A Cameron MO foundation repair company with more years of experience is more likely to be able to handle multiple industries and has a track record. Make sure that the company you choose is fully licensed, insured, and bonded, since this type of work can cause significant damage to your home. Also, ensure that references and certifications are available.
Reputable foundation companies will offer warranties on all work, as well as free estimates and inspections. In addition, they will have a well-documented process and have experienced structural engineers to guide them through the project. Referring homeowners, who had foundation repairs done by the company in their own homes is another option. After all, you don't want to pay for an expensive repair that won't be effective.
10 Risk Factors That Can Damage Your Home's Foundation" rewritten in tables:
Risk Factor | Description |
---|---|
Overwatering | Overwatering, especially in areas with unpredictable weather like West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, can cause soil to expand, putting pressure on the foundation and causing cracks in the concrete. |
Plumbing Issues | Plumbing leaks, particularly from the mainline, can seep into the soil surrounding a home, leading to abnormal foundation shifting. Signs of plumbing issues include wet floors, unpleasant odors, unusual sounds, and high water bills. |
Tree Root Growth | Tree roots can cause foundation damage by affecting the soil. Overgrowth and water transpiration can cause soil dehydration, leading to structural settling and shifting. |
Invasive Landscaping | Planting trees and large bushes too close to the structure can lead to root growth below a home, potentially damaging the foundation. It's recommended to keep such plants at least five feet away from the structure. |
Inadequate Drainage | Improper drainage can lead to soil oversaturation, making the foundation unstable. Homes should have proper gutters and downspouts, and landscaping should slope away from the foundation. |
Substandard Construction | Insufficient steel or inadequate concrete can cause weakness in the foundation and shifting. It's important to hire reputable contractors to ensure proper building standards. |
Unprepared Ground | The building pad should be compacted before construction to provide a strong foundation. An inadequate layer of topsoil is a common source of settling. |
Seasonal Conditions | Dramatic weather changes can cause soil beneath the foundation to swell and contract, potentially damaging the foundation. Regular inspections at each seasonal transition can help detect premature damage. |
Remodeling Gone Wrong | Major remodeling projects can shift the balance of a house, causing the foundation to move and potentially damaging the concrete. It's important to consult with a trusted and certified contractor before making significant structural changes. |
Poor Soil Conditions | Building on expansive clay soils that expand and shrink with changes in moisture can cause excessive settling and shifting of the foundation. |
To help prevent future foundation problems, consider these measures:
Maintain Proper Drainage: Ensure that the soil around your home is properly graded to direct water away from the foundation. Regularly clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water accumulation near the foundation.
Manage Moisture Levels: Avoid excessive moisture levels in your home by addressing plumbing leaks promptly and ensuring proper ventilation and humidity control.
Foundation Maintenance: Monitor the condition of your foundation regularly. Fill any visible cracks promptly, and address any signs of foundation movement or shifting early on.
Tree Placement: Plant trees and large shrubs a safe distance away from the foundation to prevent root intrusion and excessive moisture absorption from the soil.
Professional Inspections: Schedule periodic inspections by a professional foundation specialist to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
Remember, prevention is key, and proactive maintenance can help preserve the integrity of your home's foundation.
In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover foundation repairs resulting from normal wear and tear, settlement, or soil movement. However, if the foundation damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a plumbing leak or a sudden, unexpected event like a natural disaster, your insurance policy may provide coverage. It is advisable to review your specific insurance policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand what is covered and what is excluded regarding foundation repairs.
Some common signs of foundation problems in a house include cracks in the walls, floors, or ceilings; doors and windows that stick or don't close properly; sloping or uneven floors; gaps between walls and the ceiling or floor; and visible foundation movement or shifting.