Foundation Authority is an expert in basement waterproofing (internal/external), foundation work, helical piers, and egress windows etc. Look at these before, during and after photos on what our team recently achieved amazing results for a customer who had a unique and challenging project. They wanted their basement lowered and a golf stimulator installed, which three other companies had already turned down. But we stepped up and not only took on the project but also completed it successfully! If you’re searching for a company that can handle your unique project needs, look no further than Foundation Authority. We have the skills, experience, and the confidence to get the job done right!
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The Most Common Causes Of Bowed Walls
A common problem that many homeowners face is that of bowing walls. Foundation problems can cause a host of other issues for your home, such as cracks in the drywall, doors and windows that won’t close properly, and a general feeling of unease. If you think your home may have foundation problems, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Bowing walls are caused by a number of factors, including water damage, poor construction, and shifting soil. In some cases, it can be due to something as simple as a heavy burden being placed on the wall. No matter the cause, it’s important to get bowing walls fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of bowed walls.
Foundation Problems
One of the most common causes of bowed walls is foundation problems. If your home’s foundation is not level, it can place undue stress on the walls, causing them to bow. In addition, if the foundation is not level, it can cause cracks in the drywall, doors, and windows that won’t close properly and a general feeling of unease. If you think your home may have foundation problems, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Foundation Authority will assess and repair your foundation damages.
Poor Drainage
Bowed walls can also be an effect from poor drainage. If the soil around your home is not properly drained, it can cause the ground to become saturated with water. This can lead to hydrostatic pressure, which can cause the walls of your home to bow. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure that the soil around your home is properly drained. You can do this by ensuring that your gutters are clean and free of debris, and by making sure that any downspouts are directed away from your home. In addition, you should check for any cracks in your foundation and repair them as soon as possible.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When the soil around your home is saturated with water, it can cause hydrostatic pressure to build up against your foundation. This pressure can cause the walls of your home to bow. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure that the soil around your home is properly drained. You can do this by ensuring that your gutters are clean and free of debris, and by making sure that any downspouts are directed away from your home. In addition, you should check for any cracks in your foundation and repair them as soon as possible.
Soil Conditions
Another common cause of bowed walls is shifting soil. This can be due to a number of factors, including changes in the weather, improper drainage, and poor construction. If you think that soil conditions may be causing your walls to bow, it’s important to have a qualified contractor assess the situation. Foundation Authority will recommend the best repair or advice or will service your home.
Heavy Burden
In some cases, bowing walls can be caused by a heavy burden being placed on the wall. This can be due to a number of factors, including poor construction, shifting soil, and water damage. If you think that a heavy burden is causing your walls to bow, it’s important to have a qualified contractor assess the situation.
If you notice bowing walls in your home, visit our contact page to connect with a specialist.
What You Need To Know About The Shifting Soil Around Your Home
If you live in an area with shifting soil, it’s important to be aware of the potential impacts this can have on your home. Shifting soil can cause your foundation to settle and crack, which can lead to serious problems like structural damage and leaks.
If you think your home may be at risk, there are a few things you can do to protect it. First, you should have your foundation inspected by a professional. If they find any damage, they can help you determine the best way to repair it.
You can also take steps to prevent shifting soil from impacting your home in the first place. One way to do this is to plant deep-rooted plants around your home. This will help to stabilize the soil and keep it from shifting.
If you live in an area with shifting soil, be sure to keep these things in mind in order to protect your home!
Soil is important to the stability of your home
The soil around your home is important for its stability. Soil can shift and settle over time, which can cause problems with your foundation. The type of soil around your home can also affect how much it shifts.
There are two main types of soil shifts: lateral and vertical.
Lateral soil shifts occur when the soil around your home expands or contracts. Changes in moisture levels can cause this issue. For example, if the ground becomes very dry, the soil will shrink. This can cause your foundation to settle and crack. On the other hand, if the ground becomes very wet, the soil will expand. This can put pressure on your foundation and cause it to crack or even collapse. Vertical soil shifts occur when the ground underneath your home rises or falls. This can happen due to changes in the water table or erosion. For example, if the water table rises, the ground will become saturated and start to sink. This can damage your foundation and cause your home to settle. Similarly, if there is a lot of rain or flooding, the ground can erode. This can also damage your foundation and cause your home to settle.
Soil shifts and settles over time
As mentioned above, soil shifts and settles over time. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including changes in moisture levels, the water table, and erosion. These shifts can cause problems with your foundation, including cracks, settling, and even collapse.
The type of soil around your home can affect how much it shifts
As mentioned above, the type of soil around your home can affect how much it shifts. There are two main types of soil: clay and sand. Clay soil is more likely to expand and contract, while sandy soil is more likely to shift and erode. If you live in an area with clay soil, it’s important to be aware of the potential for shifting and take steps to protect your home.
There are several things you can do to prevent damage from soil shifting
If you live in an area with shifting soil, there are several things you can do to prevent damage to your home.
1.) Have your foundation inspected by a professional. If they find any damage, they can help you determine the best way to repair it.
2.) Take steps to prevent shifting soil from impacting your home in the first place. One way to do this is to plant deep-rooted plants around your home. This will help to stabilize the soil and keep it from shifting.
3.) Be aware of the signs of shifting soil. These can include cracks in your walls or foundation, doors or windows that stick, and gaps between your floor and walls. If you notice any of these signs, you should have your home inspected by a professional. Taking these steps will help to protect your home from the damaging effects of shifting soil!
If you need expert foundation services for your beautiful home, visit our contact page to connect with our team.
Egress Window Installation
Egress windows are a simple way to add more space to your home. These windows allow you to convert your basement or attic into a livable space that you can use as you please. While you can use space in an attic or basement without an egress window, it can’t legally be counted as a bedroom without that window due to safety reasons.
The exact requirements for an egress window will depend on your local building codes. While egress windows are fairly standard with a new construction home, they are also required when you do some remodeling in your home. All the rules have to do with accessibility and size. The window must be big enough to get out of without a challenge or for emergency professionals to get into the home.
You can choose to install an egress window in your basement to meet the current building codes. You must read up on the requirements before you choose to start the work. These windows are not only a way to make your home safer, they can increase the available bedrooms in your home, which will increase the value of your home.
In many cases, it makes sense to hire a professional to do the work. While the homeowner may be able to do the egress window installation on their own, if you have a masonry wall to cut through or want to ensure that the window is up to code, then hiring a professional makes the most sense to get it done right.
The Benefits of Retaining Walls
A retaining wall is the best option for you to choose to preserve both the appearance and structure of residential properties. Many retaining walls will be made out of stone or brick to maintain sturdiness and you can choose from many colors to help match the home. Choosing to add a retaining wall to your home will make it safer and can even increase the value of the property. Some of the benefits of a retaining wall include:
- Prevent flooding: Properties that are uneven or sloped may notice puddling at different points throughout the year. If these are close to the home, they could flood the basement and weaken the foundation of the home. A retaining wall will help redirect the runoff because it corrects the angle of the slope away from the home.
- Increased property stability: Water that will run down a slope can wear out the topsoil, turning it into a ravine. This can make chunks of landfall away and ruin the stability of the yard. A retaining wall will keep the earth in place.
- Enhance aesthetics: A retaining wall can be a great landscape design technique. You can choose the colors and patterns to showcase your style in the backyard, all while protecting your home.
When you are considering a retaining wall to protect your property, working with a professional can make it easier. This professional can help create a retaining wall that will provide the benefits above, giving you a truly great experience.
Why Are Sump Pumps Necessary?
If your basement is prone to flooding, consider installing a sump pump. Sump pumps move water out from the basement or crawl space. Pumps fill up with water, and once the water reaches a certain level, the water is pumped out and moved to a different location out of the property.
There are a few different types of sump pumps, each providing their own benefits. A submersible sump pump is a smaller unit that contains both the pump and motor on a single unit, the submersion is hard on the machine, and it may not last as long as other options.
A battery-operated backup can provide additional peace of mind, as the pump is not affected by any power outages.
Finally, a pedestal sump pump has a motor seperate from the pump itself, and is easily accesible for any mainetance. The placement of the pump takes up more space and can be slightly noisier.
A sump pump is a great option to consider should your basement be prone to water damage or flooding. Reach out to our experts today for more information