The Basics of Concrete Foundation Repair

As the years pass, concrete foundations can weaken and become vulnerable. Cracks or pitting in a foundation provide direct pathways for water to seep into your home’s structure making it fragile and unsafe. To prevent further damage from occurring, it is important that any necessary repairs be attended to as soon as possible.

As our homes age, the foundation that supports them can become cracked or pitted due to a number of issues. Without concrete foundation repairs this damage puts your home and its inhabitants in danger; weakening it from the ground up!

Foundation Water Damage Repair

Water is a powerful force to be reckoned with – it can seep through even the tiniest of spaces, finding its way into concrete foundations and wreaking havoc. Small cracks are sometimes initially overlooked, but if left untreated, they will worsen over time – setting up homes for further damage.

The method for concrete foundation repair that has been subjected to water damage can be costly. If the leak is localized to one spot, it may be possible to dig just in that area and patch it with a waterproof barrier over a new patch of concrete. If there are multiple leaks, extensive work will be necessary.

Excavation may be Required.

Though water is usually the main cause of damage, other factors may come into play. The dirt surrounding the foundation may lose some of its moisture content, reducing the pressure exerted on the foundation, and allowing the structure to buckle outward. Tree Roots may also cause a problem.

Foundation Water Damage Repair Cost

The cost of concrete foundation repair of this type can be just as expensive as that from water damage, perhaps more. Trees have enormous strength and tenacity. If your foundation stands in the way, you will probably have to Remove the tree.

Do I need the Services of a Concrete Foundation Contractor?

If you are lucky to catch the problem early and are unable to afford the help of a professional Foundation repair contractor. You may be able to do the concrete foundation repair yourself.

First, it is necessary to clean the affected area. Use a wire brush or some other abrasive material to remove any loose chips of concrete. Then you should thoroughly dry the concrete. Set up a large fan near the area to expedite the process. This may take a while, as concrete has the ability to retain large amounts of moisture. Then repair the area with a concrete or a concrete and chalk mixture. Finally, cover the area with a waterproof sealant.

Foundation Repair should be done by a Foundation Repair Contractor

You have only made a temporary repair that will slow down the moisture getting into your home. A professional will dig down to the concrete footing to check for the original cause of the cracking. In some cases, houses that were one level over time added a second level to the home.

The original footing and foundation weren’t built to handle the extra weight and begin to settle deeper into the earth. So many small homes on Long Island were built on slab foundations, and as years went by the homeowner would expand to a second floor. That would deliver tons of extra weight on the foundation.  Such cases can still be repaired with underpinning.

For more help, contact the best concrete contractor in the area calls High Rise Industries at 516-250-2515