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Foundations First Northwest

How Much Does a Basement Dig-Out Cost in Portland?

Basement dig-out cost in Portland depends on soil, pier count, and project scope. See how the three project types compare, then schedule a free inspection for your price.

What to Expect When Working with Local Foundation Repair Companies

Do you need foundation repairs? To learn what to expect from local foundation repair companies, read on or contact Foundations First Northwest!

5 Reasons Why Delaying Foundation Repairs Can Lead to Costly Damage

Noticing cracks or uneven floors at home? A foundation repair company can prevent costly damage, boost home value and keep your structure safe.

You Should Choose Carbon Fiber

Why You Should Choose Carbon Fiber

There are many possible issues that will cause your home’s foundation to need repairs, including lateral pressure from expanding soil that has caused bulges or even inward rotation. The usual solution was to use steel beams, but carbon fiber has become a much more cost effective and quicker way to solve the problem. Foundation repair is sturdy, reliable, and solid with carbon fiber. Quick Installation One of the top benefits of using carbon fiber is its quick installation. The area where the strip will be applied needs to be ground flat. At that point, high-strength epoxy is applied, and the carbon fiber strip is then embedded into it. Pressure is applied to complete the process as a steel bar angle is bolted to the top. In many cases, depending on the size of the project, the entire installation from start to finish can be completed in one day. High Strength Carbon fiber is well-known for being an incredibly strong material. The industry that it’s most used is for commercial aircraft. This material is reliable and dependable as it will not break, and the fibers won’t stretch. It is a permanent solution in the aircraft industry and for sustainable, reliable home repair. Low Visibility Repairs made with carbon fiber aren’t going to leave distracting seams or marks where it’s applied. When installation has been completed, it leaves a small bump about a fraction of an inch thick, which can be easily painted over to blend in with the rest of the room. It won’t be noticeable at all, and a stud wall can be built over it in unfinished basements. Zero Maintenance Yes, that’s correct — carbon fiber repair requires zero maintenance or attention after it’s finished. It’s a solution that you can depend on to do its job. Affordability At about half the cost of steel beams, carbon fiber is a low-cost option that is quite attractive for homeowners that are concerned about making wise investments. Call Foundations First Northwest LLC today for a free inspection. 503-719-7548

Issues That Could Be Related To Crawl Space Problems!

Surprising Issues That Could Be Related To Crawl Space Problems!

What Causes Wood To Expand & Contract? The main factor in wood expansion and contraction is moisture. All wood, whether it is still part of a living tree or felled for woodworking, has a moisture content. Therefore, wood can take on more moisture and it can also lose moisture. When humidity is high, wood absorbs moisture and swells. When humidity drops, wood shrinks. This is gradual, so you probably won’t notice weekly changes. But seasonal changes cause problems you can’t miss, like sticking doors, ugly gaps in woodwork or a crack on the wall. This occurs whether wood is fresh from the mill or centuries old, whether it was kiln dried or air dried, and it can apply a tremendous force that is almost unstoppable. Wood moves as its moisture content changes. Wood doesn’t move much lengthwise, so you don’t have to worry a lot about boards getting shorter. When wet wood dries, it shrinks. The amount of movement is determined by the type of wood and the degree of change in its moisture content. Because your crawl space can include wood joists and beams, your crawl space could potentially have problems and those problems could cause issues inside your home. There are some major problems that can affect flooring above a crawl space and these can occur regardless of whether it’s a new home or an existing home: · Visible Flooring Damage o Wood floors may appear scalloped, buckled, cupped, warped, or sagging o Vinyl or linoleum flooring may bubble, wrinkle, make popping noises when you step down, or generally delaminate · Visible mold growth on the baseboards and flooring · Musty, mildewy odors emanating from the crawl space Don’t neglect your crawl space! Call us today for a Free Inspection.