Have you noticed some small cracks forming in your walls or some uneven floors throughout your home? Maybe your doors or windows are sticking a bit more than usual lately. While these types of issues may seem minor, they could be signs that the foundation underneath your home is starting to have some problems. As a homeowner, foundation repair should be one of your top priorities to address. Keep reading to find out why foundation work is so important. We'll also give some tips on what you can do to prevent major structural damage down the road.

Protect the Bedrock of Your Home

As its name implies, your foundation is what holds up your entire house. It transfers the weight of your walls, roof, and possessions down to the soil underneath in a sturdy, stable manner. Without a strong, stable foundation, your house isn't able to stand. The foundation spreads the weight evenly so there are no points of weakness that could lead to structural failure over time. Foundation problems often start small but can grow much worse if left unaddressed. It's so important to catch foundation repair issues early before they cause significant damage.

Save Money by Investing in Repairs

All homes experience some degree of settling as the years pass by. However, uneven or excessive settlement is a sign that the foundation may be deteriorating or moving in a way that threatens the integrity of your home. Minor cracks here and there may not seem like a big deal at first. However, they're visible indicators that differential movement is occurring below. If this is left unaddressed, it can result in badly bowed and cracked walls, floors that slope at steep angles, trim work that no longer squares, and doors or windows that stick or don't close properly. Over the long run, this type of settling will need expensive structural repair work if the foundation issues leading to it are not fixed.

Safeguard Your Foundation From Moisture

One of the worst enemies of any home's foundation is excess moisture. Too much moisture in the soil surrounding your home's foundation can cause it to deteriorate much faster than it otherwise would. Wet soil tends to expand and shrink more than dry soil when temperatures change, putting added stress on any concrete or block work. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction can crack or crumble retaining walls and basement walls. It's also the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew growth that threatens indoor air quality. Be sure to inspect your yard grading, gutters, crawlspaces, and basement moisture barriers regularly for any potential points of water intrusion.

Maintain Your Home's Structure

In the face of harsh weather and natural disasters, your house needs a solid, structurally sound reinforced foundation to stay standing safely for decades to come. The elements like freezing and thawing cycles, moisture penetration, and general soil shifting place immense demands on any foundation over many years. If damage or deterioration has set in, it leaves your home vulnerable to potentially catastrophic failure during extreme weather or seismic activity such as a flood or earthquake. No homeowner wants to be in a situation where a failing foundation could compromise the structural integrity of the entire house and put family safety at risk.

Schedule an Inspection Immediately

If you notice cracks, settling, moisture issues, or other potential foundation problems, don't delay getting an expert evaluation. A certified foundation repair contractor can assess the extent of the damage, determine the best fix, and get the job done properly to prevent further degradation. They have the specialized tools, equipment, and technical know-how that most homeowners lack. Some common foundation repair options include crack injection epoxy treatments, underpinning, pier and grade beam installations, drainage solutions, and waterproofing. Taking care of foundation work promptly will avoid much bigger costs down the line if damage spreads. The money spent on maintenance is an investment in protecting your home's value for years to come.

Enjoy Savings and Affordability

When most people think of structural repair projects like foundation work, their initial thought often is that it will carry an overwhelming price tag. However, foundation repair services are often more affordable than homeowners anticipate, especially when the alternatives are much more extensive remodeling jobs needed due to unaddressed problems worsening over time. Many foundation contractors offer free estimates so you're able to understand pricing before committing to a project. It's always smart to get multiple estimates to compare foundation repair options and pricing. Don't let fears over costs deter you from getting necessary foundation work completed promptly. Little issues often develop into large, expensive messes. Taking care of foundation problems as they arise is the most budget-friendly approach long-term.

Prevent Damage With Proper Drainage

Beyond addressing any existing foundation damage, one of the best investments you can make is setting up proper drainage around your home. Have your foundation contractor inspect your basements, retaining walls, and crawlspaces to see if there are any areas at risk for moisture buildup. For example, the basement walls directly underneath a roof gutter should be inspected more often than not. With good drainage recommended by your foundation inspector, you'll prevent conditions for new moisture damage from occurring after professional foundation repairs are complete. Small drainage project costs are nothing compared to needing a whole new foundation at some point.

Add Vapor Barriers for Savings

While inspecting your foundation, consider installing a vapor barrier onto your basement and crawlspace walls. A vapor barrier is a heavyweight plastic sheeting that will assist with keeping indoor moisture from permeating foundation walls. That way, you can avoid the dangers that moisture in your foundation can cause. Our experts agree that completing this preventative project during foundation repairs minimizes extra labor costs versus doing it separately down the road. However, if you don't currently have vapor barriers in place, investing before repairs are needed could safeguard your foundation for years to come.

Know What Issues to Look Out For

It's extremely important to be a discerning homeowner when it comes to your foundation. Schedule regular check-ups even after full foundation repairs are complete. Be watchful for any returning cracks, wall bowing, stuck doors, or moisture signs that could indicate new issues. Have your contractor touch up caulk or crack repairs as needed. In fact, it's a great idea to have them inspect basement utility areas after any water line work to look for new leak sources.

In between repairs, make sure to maintain proper grading, gutters, and drainage to avoid conditions that accelerate deterioration. With preventative upkeep and vigilant monitoring over the long haul, you'll ensure problems don't multiply and that your investment in foundation repair stays protected. The peace of mind is worth the minimal effort.

Foundations are the unsung heroes that your entire house depends on. However, they can start showing small signs of damage years before problems escalate. In this day and age, there's no reason that a foundation contractor isn't available to assist your household. In fact, according to Future Market Insights, the foundation repair services industry is estimated to be valued at $2,726.2 million as of 2023 and is expected to reach $3,500 million by 2033. Find the right contractor to inspect and repair issues before they balloon into emergency situations.

With careful annual inspections, smart drainage solutions, prompt foundation repair when needed, and regular maintenance, you ensure your home's bones stay strong. If you're looking for a foundation repair contractor, look no further than Foundations First Northwest. We have over 40 years of experience working with home foundations. Call us today to schedule your free estimate.