No homeowner wants to deal with a damaged foundation. But the fact is that most homes do experience foundation issues. With this knowledge in mind, how can you know what’s legitimate and what are just rumors regarding your slab? We’re going to clear the air with our list of 8 Myths about Foundation Repair.
The best contractor will be the most cost efficient.
When you’re trying to choose a contractor to take care of your foundation repair, you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. But going with the cheapest option is almost never a good idea. It might seem like every foundation contractor would provide similar services, and all you have to do is see who can provide repairs for the lowest price.
Foundation repair is a very nuanced line of work, and each contractor uses different techniques, different equipment, and has special methods for ensuring your repairs are done correctly. Like most other things in life, with foundation repair contractors, you get what you pay for.
Foundation repair will break the bank.
However, just because you want to get good service doesn’t mean you have to drain your savings account. There are many different methods to repair a damaged or cracked foundation, and some of them are extremely cost effective.
The important thing is to have a qualified and experienced contractor come out to evaluate your foundation instead of you trying DIY repairs. They’ll be able to tell you if you need a sealant for minor cracks or if your problems go deeper than what you can see on the surface.
Having your foundation repair destroys your home’s salability.
Most homes will see foundation damage at some point in their lifetime. If your foundation shifts or is damaged, don’t be discouraged when it comes time to sell. Homebuyers know that each home they view will have little problems here and there, and foundation issues are nothing to be afraid of.
When you have your foundation repaired, make sure to hire a contractor who will do a thorough job. That way, when you do go to sell your home, you don’t have to worry about haphazard repairs and even further foundation damage.
Foundation problems are the builder’s fault.
In some cases, this is true. However, much of a foundation’s integrity relies upon the soil surrounding it. If the soil moves or retains a lot of water, your foundation can shift and crack. If you want your foundation to last, you need to invest in quality soil and soil prep.
You should completely replace your damaged foundation with a new one.
Once you realize your foundation is having integrity issues, you might be tempted to bite the bullet and go all in to have the entire foundation replaced. In most instances, this isn’t necessary. Have your contractor talk through different options with you and discuss what is best for your home and your budget. You might not need to do an entire foundation overhaul, but you may just have cracks that need filling and supports that need to be put in place.
Epoxy resins are the best way to repair a foundation.
Epoxy resins and sealants are fantastic means to repair cracks in your foundation—even deep cracks. But epoxy isn’t the best way to repair your foundation if there are below-the-surface damages. The danger in relying on epoxy resins lies in the false assumption that if you don’t see any damage, there isn’t any damage present.
This simply isn’t true. The best way to repair a foundation is to have your contractor determine where the damage lies then take steps to fix it from the bottom up.
Concrete foundations are the better than other foundations and will resist damage.
You might think that because concrete is such a strong building material that a concrete foundation won’t see the same level of damage as a block or brick foundation. The truth is that much of your foundation’s problems aren’t related to the materials it’s made out of.
Foundation problems are very closely connected to construction and the soil surrounding your foundation. More important than choosing concrete to build your foundation is choosing a contractor who is detail oriented and who will make sure your construction is top notch and that your foundation site is suitable and prepared for your home.
It’s best to wait until the repair costs will be less.
You might think that if you can wait a year or two, you might get a better deal on foundation repair. While you could potentially find a sale or a cheaper contractor or even a drop in the price of contractor services in general, you never want to put off repairing your foundation.
Usually, by the time you notice damage in your foundation, it’s been shifting and cracking for a while. Putting off repairs will only allow your foundation to shift even more, allowing more water damage and more severe breaks to occur. When you notice damage, address it right away to save yourself time and stress before things get worse.
Conclusion
Foundation issues are a cause for concern, certainly, and there are a lot of half-truths floating around about the best practices for repair. But when addressed by professionals, you can trust that the damage will repaired so that your foundation is in better shape than ever.