If you have an older home or are planning on buying an older home, having the foundation inspected is vital. Home foundation repair is critical to keeping an older home in good condition. Whether the home is settling due to poor construction, shifting soil, or settling soil, house foundation repair costs can become considerable if not handled promptly. Small cracks and chips can worsen, while foundation leaks, if put off, lead to mold and mildew growth. For reasons like these, it’s important to consider foundation repair costs when purchasing a new home. But how much does foundation repair cost? Foundation crack repair cost will depend on how bad the damage is, the cost of materials, and how much labor will be needed. Let’s consider different types of repairs and what’s involved in the process.

costs and Consequences of Putting Off Home Foundation Repair

1. Foundation Crack Repair

Foundation cracks that are not affecting the structure of the building are easy to fix. Typically, epoxy is injected into the crack and left to dry, giving it a smooth finish and disguising the crack. In other cases where the crack is leaking water, waterproofing is also needed to create a permanent repair. However, suppose cracks are wider than 1/8”. In that case, a structural engineer should be consulted so you can find out if the crack is caused by shifting soil, shrinking from too much pressure, or similar issues that can impact foundation stability.

2. Leaking Foundation Repair

Leaks require more extensive repairs, starting with waterproofing the leak to ensure that more moisture won’t seep into the structure while the repairs are taking place. The foundation is then excavated so that drain tiles can be installed, improving drainage. Large cracks that let the water leak in are filled with fresh cement. Once this part of the process is completed, the structure is wrapped with waterproof materials and coated in sealant to prevent future leaks. This involves a lot of time, materials, equipment and labor, so it tends to run into the thousands for repair costs.

3. Settling and/or Sinking Foundation Repair

When your foundation is settling or sinking, your home will need to first be raised back up to its original height, and then the foundation will be stabilized by adding piers or doing what’s called mud jacking, which pumps concrete under the sinking parts to raise them back to the proper height. The expense of fixing a settling or sinking foundation will depend on the type of structure and how far it will need to be raised, with different techniques used based on the structure. Hiring professionals will ensure quality work that will last a very long time and deliver benefits long into the future. Pier repairs can run between $1,000 to $3,000 per pier, while mud jacking will run from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars in most situations.

4. Bowing Basement Wall Repairs

Basement walls tend to bow when there is a lot of moisture in the soil around the home and there are poor soil conditions. Whether you have poor fill, bad drainage or clay that is expanding, repair is vital, because bowing walls can make your home settle while lowering its value. Steel bars can be used to reinforce your basement walls, but you should always fix the problem before reinforcing them, because though a worthwhile fix, steel bars are also very expensive. You’ll need to have the soil around your home treated with clay or other stabilizers prior to reinforcing, with the basement wall repair running from a few hundred dollars to around a thousand dollars, generally speaking.

Foundation Repair Techniques

There are a range of different techniques which are used by foundation repair contractors to provide solid results, with the method used depending on the type of repair that is needed. Here’s a glance at some commonly-used techniques:

  • Foundation Sealing: Sealing the foundation keeps moisture out as well as drafts and pests, making your home much more structurally secure and comfortable.
  • Piers & Underpinning: Adding piers brings your home back to its original level, while underpinning keeps the underside of the home sealed from pests.
  • Stabilization: This technique uses lightweight carbon fiber combined with steel to create strong, long-lasting repairs to stabilize your home’s foundation.
  • Leveling & Mud Jacking: When your foundation settles, it’s because of air or weak pockets under the foundation. Grout is pumped into these pockets to raise it back to its original level.

Hire Expert Help for Quality Home Foundation Repair

How much is foundation repair? It depends on your specific situation, but as the base for your home, a stable foundation helps your home retain its value and function properly. If you notice signs of weakness or damage, call a foundation repair expert at Moisture Loc to get the problem handled ASAP. Our experienced team can help you find the right solutions for your home’s weak or damaged foundation. Take a few minutes to reach out today with any questions, for more information or to get a quote on our professional foundation repair services.