Are Foundation Repairs Permanent or Can They Fail?

Yes, foundation repairs may be permanent and they can also fail. There are different factors involved in this equation but the most important factors are the quality of work being performed and the quality of materials being used. Some types of foundation repairs, like slab jacking, can last for 15+ years while others may not even last 2 years. It is very difficult to diagnose foundational conditions by looking at them, and before any repair can be recommended, an inspection needs to be done. If you require more than this article has to offer, click here and reach out to our Springfield foundation repair professional today!

When evaluating the condition of your foundation, it is important not to just focus on one or two specific signs that may lead you in a certain direction without considering other factors that may also need attention, factors like;

Uneven floor levels in a room
A door that holds moisture and will not close properly.
Cracks in a wall or foundation that grows.
Trees or shrubs growing against the foundation.
The foundation seems to be sinking.
You can see daylight through small cracks in your basement walls, floor, or ceiling.

According to Home Advisor, “any of the above situations calls for a professional foundation inspector to determine how bad the damage is and what should be done about it.”

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Is it Safe to Buy a House with Foundation Repair?

If you buy a house and they did foundation repair, it is not safe. If the problem is not fixed, you will have to pay for an inspection, and then there will be a big repair bill. On the other hand, if you buy a house and they tell you that their foundation is already fixed, ask for references and estimates. You can also hire a private inspector to check your house’s foundation.

There are several different methods of foundation repair, each with its benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to do some research on all of your options before deciding which one is right for you.

Slab Jacking Foundation Repair

This foundation repair is about as permanent as it gets while saving the homeowner money. Slab jacking uses a machine that injects piers under the foundation. The piers are filled with concrete for stability. These piers are installed every 2-3 inches on average while being pounded into the ground to make sure they are firm and will not break or fall out of place over time.

Crawl Space Repair Foundation Repair

This foundation repair is also very practical because it uses plastic, which is ideal to keep moisture out while still making the crawl space comfortable. Crawl space repair adds protection to the foundation by applying thick plastic to the ground and basement wall or part of the wall that has wood or sheetrock.

Enclosure Foundation Repair

Like crawl space repair, enclosure installation is an affordable solution for foundation problems. An enclosure foundation repair shields foundation walls from noise or other outside environmental factors. The enclosed space also allows the homeowner to get rid of the dampness that can cause rot and mold too.

Encapsulation Foundations

A 3-part foundation repair, encapsulation is good for foundation leakage, condensation, uneven cracks in the walls, and other problems in the basement. These repairs are installed in style with a mineral board above ground level to prevent water damage in the future without removing any part of the existing foundation.

Waterproofing Foundations

This foundation repair is designed to keep water out of the basement, crawl space, or any other problem areas around it. The waterproofing comes in an array of different materials, types, and thicknesses too. This foundation repair is installed using a cement board to encapsulate the area with liquid sealant to make sure water has no chance to get inside the home again.

Crack Repair Foundation Repair

This type of foundation repair is also an easy fix if the homeowner only needs to repair cracks in walls or sheetrock. Crack repair uses a powdered material that dries up quickly to form a layer over the cracks.

Piering

Piering, also known as concrete piers or concrete underpinning, is a general term for the installation of one or more columns of reinforced concrete to support a building after the ground has been excavated.

The column’s shaft is founded on undisturbed solid material and its head on bedrock or other solid strata. The purpose of a pier is to transfer load from the structure being supported to the available stable ground below.

So based on the above information the only thing we can say with certainty is that foundation repairs performed correctly and performed quickly (within 1 year) are permanent fixes.

What Happens if I Don’t Fix My Foundation?

There is a huge risk to taking a chance and not fixing your foundation. First of all, water damage can cause mold to grow in your basement. If you have any mold growing in the basement it can be very difficult to get rid of. The same is true for rot which tends to be a common problem for older homes. Another risk if left untreated is that a soil failure might lead to serious damage to your house or even the whole foundation.

Can Foundation Problems be Fixed Permanently?

Some experts say that foundation repairs can be fixed permanently. Other experts say that foundation problems can be fixed but will eventually return. After all, the foundation of a house is a very important part of a structure. If a house is not supported on a solid foundation, it will eventually collapse. Now, some repairs can be done on a house so that it does not fall.

Foundations take a lot of punishment from time, termites, and the elements. Apart from structural integrity issues, a foundation repair may not be permanent for several reasons, some of them are;

Water can leak down from the ground and cause damage to the repair.
The repair is not done well enough the first time, allowing for problems later on.
The repair can fail because of a design issue with the house, such as a blocked drain pipe or a leaking cistern caused by shoddy construction.
It can also fail through lack of maintenance during periods where water tables are high.

In Conclusion

Foundation repairs can be permanent, but it is important to make sure that the procedures are done correctly the first time. If you believe your home needs foundation repair work, contact an expert for advice. A professional will inspect the property and determine whether foundation repair needs to be done. The inspection helps to assess what kind of work is required, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.