how to fix foundation problems yourself

Have you discovered cracks in the house foundation? You need to take steps to fix any kind of foundation problem now in order to avoid major structural damage to your home. There could be a number of causes of foundation issues and it is important for you to begin the foundation repair process as soon as you discover a problem. Depending on the type and extent of the problem, you could go the DIY route or hire the services of an expert specializing in foundation repair problems.

Almost all the foundations issues can be fixed if addressed early. If you keep waiting, a small issue could turn into a major problem and then, you might have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to fix the foundation. Here is what you need to do in order to understand what foundation repairs are needed.

Before you can fix a problem, you need to determine its cause. If you do not have any idea about foundation problems or you have read a lot online but are still unable to locate the problem, get in touch with an expert with experience in foundation repair to figure out the real cause of foundation damage. These experts have worked with hundreds of foundations and can locate the real problems. You will have to pay for their services but their expertise can help you save thousands of dollars in the long run.

If you have looked around the foundation and there is a visible crack from the outside, begin by digging a hole there to uncover the crack. Keep digging till you have cleared enough soil to reach below the damaged area. If your house has a basement, call a contractor to excavate the area with the help of a backhoe. Do not try to do it manually as it will take you a long time to do it manually. If you have some experience in operating construction machinery, there is always the option of renting the necessary equipment to do everything yourself. However, don't do it on your own in case you do not have any experience in handling these machines as you might end up doing a lot more harm.

Fix the exterior part first before moving onto the interior part. Once you have located the crack, start chiseling to remove all the loose concrete around the crack. Make sure the crack is dust free and completely dry. There are silicon-based concrete sealants available in the market. These are expandable sealants which means once you fill them in the crack, these will expand and fill the crack. Fill the crack with these sealants and give it some time to dry completely. Replace the soil only when the sealant is completely dry. This process should also be repeated on the inside.

Foundation problems could also be caused by other issues. If the basement walls bow inwards, you will need to get in touch with a structural foundation contractor as it is a serious problem. Before doing anything, the foundation needs to be stabilized or the house will move. One of the simplest ways to fix the problem is to bring in some extra soil to create a slope. It will make sure that the water moves away from the foundation and does not get into the soil near the foundation.

Overall, it is important for you to take steps to fix the foundation issues as soon as you notice a problem instead of waiting for the problem to bloom into a structural issue. Call a foundation repair expert to find out the real cause of the problem and get it fixed right away.

Richard Earls Construction is a general contractor that has 28 years of experience and provides the New Orleans area with foundation specialist, new home construction, residential construction, commercial construction and more.