Most people want the best of everything. When it comes to foundation repair, they want a solution that will last and do the job well.

Typical quick fixes like masonry patching or sealants hide cracks and fail to address underlying issues. Better solutions include slab jacking, poly foam injection, and steel piers. Contact Pros Foundation Repair Greensboro NC for professional help.
When cracks appear in foundation walls, it’s important to monitor them closely. While some cracks are a natural part of the settling process, others may signal structural issues that require professional evaluation and repairs. Cracks that widen or lengthen can indicate ongoing movement that may lead to serious problems if left unchecked. Gaps in foundation walls that allow moisture and water to enter the basement or crawl space are also a cause for concern, as they can create a welcoming home for pests like termites, rodents, and fleas.
Vertical cracks that run up and down foundation walls are usually a result of settling, shrinkage, or damage during construction. While they do not pose an immediate threat, they should be monitored and repaired when necessary to prevent a worsening of the problem or additional damage to your home. Diagonal cracks typically appear at a 45-degree angle and can indicate a combination of settlement and lateral pressure. Horizontal cracks that run parallel to the ground are often more concerning as they can indicate pressure from soaked soil against foundation walls.
If you notice that your foundation is exhibiting these types of cracks, you’ll need to take action right away to prevent further damage and potential structural instability. Foundation repair solutions include helical or push piers to stabilize the foundation, drain tile systems to reduce hydrostatic pressure, and exterior waterproofing to reduce moisture.
Cracks that are accompanied by interior issues such as sticking doors or windows can indicate more serious problems. Moist, dark areas are a magnet for pests like termites and rodents, which can cause severe damage to wooden framing and insulation, making the situation worse over time.
Hairline cracks in concrete are a normal part of the aging process, but if they appear in multiple places around your home or continue to grow wider over time, it’s important to seek a professional assessment and repairs. Structural cracks in a foundation can be repaired with non-structural fillers like polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk to seal the gap and prevent further moisture penetration. Carbon fiber straps can also be used to stabilize a bowing foundation wall by transferring the weight of the foundation to a reinforced soil bed.
Shifting
Shifting foundations can be serious problems that require immediate attention. Untreated, they may worsen and cause a wide range of structural issues throughout the home or building. Shifting can also lead to cracks in walls and misaligned doors and windows.
There are many possible causes of shifting, including extreme weather conditions like droughts or floods that saturate the soil. This can cause the soil to expand and exert pressure on the foundation, causing it to shift or sink. Over time, deteriorating concrete can also weaken the foundation, increasing the risk of movement or settlement.
Identifying and repairing a shifting foundation can be a challenge, but there are several common signs to watch out for. Bouncy or sagging floors, for example, are often caused by a shifting foundation. If you notice gaps between the floor and the wall, this is another sign of a shifting foundation. Likewise, if you notice that your doors or windows aren’t closing correctly, this can be due to foundation shifting.
A sagging roofline can also indicate a shifting foundation. This can lead to water damage, mold and other health problems. If you’re concerned, hire a professional to investigate and make recommendations.
The best way to prevent a shifting foundation is to improve the drainage around your house. Make sure gutters and downspouts are working properly and extend at least five feet away from the foundation. Additionally, regularly check for signs of water accumulation or foundation problems, like cracks and sticking doors.
Foundation underpinning is a minimally invasive solution for correcting a shifting foundation. This process involves driving steel piers under the foundation to stabilize and lift it. This is a highly effective and long-lasting repair for sagging foundations.
Although it’s rare, a shifting foundation can eventually cause a complete collapse of the structure. If left untreated, a failing foundation can affect the entire home and make it unsafe to live in. To ensure your home or business is safe, schedule regular inspections and maintenance with a qualified foundation specialist. Keeping a record of cracks and repairs can help identify trends that can be used to predict future damage.
Loose Foundation
If a foundation has become loose, it’s important to have the issue repaired as soon as possible. Left unattended, a loose foundation can compromise the structural integrity of your home or building and lead to further damage.
Loose foundations can be stabilized with hydraulic cement, which is pumped into the cracks using a portable pump. The cement fills the cracks and expands to reinforce them, which helps prevent further movement. Once the cement has set, it’s essential to coat the exterior of the foundation walls with a waterproof sealant or membrane to prevent moisture infiltration and further damage.
Another way to keep a foundation from becoming loose is by improving the drainage around it. Installing French drains, for example, prevents water from pooling near your foundation and exerting hydrostatic pressure that can cause cracking and sinking. Additionally, you can improve drainage by grading the soil around your foundation so that it slopes away from the structure.
Hairline cracks in your foundation’s walls and floors may seem harmless, but they can be early warning signs of serious problems with your home’s structure or foundation. If you notice these cracks, contact a foundation repair expert as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.
In addition to repairing cracked concrete and stabilizing foundations, a professional can also help you with other foundation-related issues, such as bowing or bulging walls. Bowing or bulging walls can be caused by excess hydrostatic pressure, poor construction practices, or soil changes, and they need to be addressed immediately.
Slab piers are a great option for slab foundations, as they can be installed quickly and easily in areas of your foundation that need lifting or stabilizing. These piers are screw-like steel shafts that are driven into the ground to lift and support your foundation, and they can be used in combination with other foundation repair methods to ensure optimal results. For a more permanent solution, you can choose to have your foundation re-supported with restumping. This involves replacing the timber or concrete stumps that support your foundation, which can deteriorate over time and contribute to uneven settlement of your home.
Water Damage
A structural foundation that’s infiltrated by water can quickly deteriorate, resulting in expensive damage and structural failure. It can also present safety hazards to you and your family, making it crucial to recognize the early signs of moisture infiltration in foundation areas and take prompt action.
Unsightly cracks in walls or floors, bowing in crawl spaces and basements, sagging and uneven floors, and difficulty opening and closing doors and windows are common indicators of water intrusion. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including plumbing leaks, poor drainage and soil conditions, and excessive rain or flooding.
The most common cause of water infiltration is a hidden leak. Leaky pipes that release moisture behind and under the foundation quietly weaken the soil and increase pressure on walls, causing them to crack and shift over time. In addition, the expansion and contraction of moisture in clay soils exacerbates this problem by further stressing foundation walls.
Improper drainage or landscape grading can also lead to water infiltration. Heavy rains and flooding can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to pool around the foundation, putting it under pressure. The same is true for faulty gutters that don’t properly direct rainwater away from the house.
If you have these types of issues, a qualified professional can recommend an appropriate repair solution for your home. For example, they may recommend sealing the exterior of your foundation with a waterproofing product to prevent water seepage. They can also install advanced drainage solutions, like French drains, to reroute surface and groundwater away from the foundation.
The best way to keep your foundation safe and sound is to ensure that it’s constructed correctly from the beginning. A qualified structural foundation repair expert will use the right materials and construction methods, ensuring that your foundation is watertight and built to last for the long term. They can also perform regular inspections and maintenance to make sure that your foundation is protected from the elements. To learn more about how you can protect your foundation from water damage, contact a local foundation repair specialist in Midland for a thorough evaluation and customized solutions.




