Foundation Repair

7 Signs You Need Foundation Repair (That You Might Not Notice)

Homes in Tennessee and North Carolina are at high risk of foundation settling due to both the type of soil and a long tradition of building on flat slabs rather than below-ground basement foundations. When this happens, foundation repair is a must, usually by power lifting the house and evening it out. If caught early, foundation repair is inexpensive but many people wait until they see visible settling to call us at PowerLift Foundation Repair. There are many other signs of settling that can tip you off early if you know what to look for. They include:

cracked cement

1.  Cracks in the floor – Depending on the type of floor you have, cracks in the floor itself may be your first sign that you need foundation repair. Tile and concrete floors may crack, while wood floors may pull apart and separate.

2.  Cracked sheetrock – Interior walls may crack before exterior walls do. Sheetrock, in particular, is prone to cracking as the house settles, as is old plaster. Cracks in the wall usually don’t appear out of nowhere—they are a sign the frame is moving due to settling.

3.  Tight doors and windows – While a sticky door or window can be caused by humidity, this will often come and go with the weather. If doors or windows are consistently hard to open and close, however, it can mean the frame is moving due to a foundation issue. This is a good early sign to catch before more expensive cracks appear.

4.  Cracked brick or separating bricks – Brick exteriors can hide settling because people don’t notice gaps between individual bricks. As a foundation settles, bricks may pull apart. Often, you’ll see a zig-zag gap as each row of bricks moves over from the one below it. Sometimes bricks will actually crack through.

5.  Gaps between windows and walls – There should be no separation between the window frame and the wall, or between the window and frame. If there is, it not only indicates a need for foundation repair; it also means you are losing heat in the winter and AC in the summer, which leads to high energy bills.

6.  Rotating walls – Sometimes, a wall will “rotate.” This means that the bottom begins to turn from settling while the top does not. When looking at an exterior corner of the house, you can tell a wall is rotating when it appears to have a curve in it.

7.  Visible settling – Of course, sometimes foundation problems are obvious. If your floors are slanted, there is visible settling or cracks in the foundation itself, it’s time to call us at Powerlift for foundation repair!

There are other signs that will tell you it’s time to get your foundation looked at, which you can find here on our website.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Our foundation repair specialists are ready to help you today.

For Foundation Repair in North Carolina call 1-800-562-5438.

For Foundation Repair in Tennessee call 1-800-562-5438. 

7 Signs You Need Foundation Repair (That You Might Not Notice)2017-11-21T22:20:42+00:00

Can Lifting Your House Fix Your Foundation?

Foundation problems are sadly common and many homeowners are afraid to even seek an estimate on the cost of making foundation repairs. However, the most effective solution for foundation problems—lifting the house and adding new supports below it—can be surprisingly affordable. Can house lifting repair your foundation? Here’s everything you need to know:

(more…)

Can Lifting Your House Fix Your Foundation?2014-09-18T20:33:57+00:00

When to Consider Foundation Repair for Your Home

shutterstock_145474471When you are a homeowner, regular repair and maintenance on your home is expected. From replacing the roof, tending to the yard or fixing that crack in the foundation, no repair is out of the ordinary during home ownership. However, how do you know when that crack in the foundation is serious? Do you call in an expert or just leave it alone? Whatever the prognosis may be, here are some things to consider when seeking foundation repair.

Visual Inspection of Foundation Cracks

Perhaps you noticed a crack in the foundation of your home and now you are unsure what to do next. The most simple and proactive step to do is inspect the rest of your house. First, start outside the home and walk along the perimeter of your house. Grab a marker or piece of chalk to identify any other cracks on the exterior. If any are found, write the date and the size of the crack so you can track if it expands. Second, head inside to check out any damage in the basement or crawl space. Mark any cracks with the same information as before and make note of how big they are. Be sure to check all other walls and ceilings as well.

Do any of the doors or windows in your house seem to ‘stick’ when you try to open or close them? This may not be because of paint, this could be the frames of the windows or doors being ever-so-slightly twisted, it obstructs their ability to open/close properly. If this is the case, you may need to get those cracks repaired. Your home may be settling somewhere and it’s causing the rest of your home to twist in a position it wasn’t originally in.

Weather Related Foundation Cracks

If you are noticing foundation cracks, unleveled floors and gaps above kitchen cabinets, the weather could be causing your home to move. In long periods of dry spells, typically droughts, the soil that your home sits on will begin to shrink, causing your home to reposition itself on the compacted soil – settling in a different position. Take notice of these weather changes because they could be the root of foundation problems.

If your home begins to show signs of cracks, unleveled floors and issues opening/closing doors, it’s time to call in a professional. Spackling a crack won’t fix the problem; it will only act as a band aid until it’s properly addressed. In addition, if you notice any horizontal cracks, immediately seek professional help, these cracks are extremely dangerous and are in need of foundation repair ASAP.

If you think your home needs foundation repair, give us a call for a free estimate: 800-562-5438.

When to Consider Foundation Repair for Your Home2014-09-05T15:37:37+00:00
Go to Top