Life is good for many who live in Suffolk, VA. It has good schools, many things to do, and plenty of safe places to live. Suffolk even has the distinction of being the original home of Mr. Peanut!
Another common thing in Suffolk is for a foundation to have problems. The heavy rains and soil type can lead to those problems, and if they aren’t cared for, they could put your home at risk.
It is important to act when you see the signs of foundation failure, such as cracked floors and walls, excessive moisture, stuck windows and doors, or a leaning chimney. Foundation problems will not get better and will only worsen if you allow them to continue.
AMC911 has been helping people in Suffolk and throughout Virginia when foundation problems occur. We offer a free foundation inspection and have the know-how to do the job correctly.
Common signs of foundation problems in Suffolk, VA
Your home will often let you know when foundation problems occur. The signs that show will also get progressively worse if you don’t have the problem corrected. Here are a few to consider.
Cracks in the Walls
It isn’t unusual for cracks to appear in the foundation walls or the walls inside the home. It isn’t a huge red flag when the cracks are vertical, but don’t wait to call the pros if there are horizontal cracks or stairstep cracks. Cracks can be repaired, but the foundation must also be stabilized.
Cracks in the Floors
A concrete slab is not flexible, and if your foundation shifts, it could cause your floor to crack. Although hairline cracks are to be expected as the concrete cures, large or expanding cracks are a problem.
Moisture
Water can cause problems with your foundation, especially when the moisture content changes. The soil will soak in the moisture and expand, putting pressure on the foundation walls. As the soil dries, it contracts, allowing the foundation to shift and creating pockets that are then filled with water.
If you start seeing moisture in the crawlspace or basement, a foundation problem may be to blame. Other signs can include rapid rusting of appliances and mold/mildew.
Sinking Foundation
You may notice that the structure (or part of it) is sinking. If the entire structure sinks uniformly, it isn’t as big of a problem, but if only part of it sinks, typically due to different soil types, it can cause a host of problems.
Window or Door Gaps
The windows and doors are some of the first places to see a problem. A noticeable gap may appear around the edges, or they could start to stick when they open or close. Shaving down the door or window is not the solution. Have a foundation inspection today.
Common Methods for Foundation Repair
Foundation failure is a huge issue that can cause severe damage to a structure. Fortunately, there are options for fixing the foundation and getting things back in order again.
Each home is different, so the foundation repair options may also be different. At AMC911, we know how to get the job done so your home is stable and will be around for a very long time.
Foundation Repair Services in Suffolk, VA
The following are some of the most common ways of repairing a failing foundation. They get the home back to where it should be and, in many cases, provide a firm footing for your house for many years to come.
Crack Repair
When AMC911 fixes your foundation, it sometimes uses a controlled lift. Doing so will close many of the larger gaps, but sealing them further may still be necessary. We use epoxy injections to accomplish this task.
Some cracks may also allow moisture to enter the basement or crawl space. We can also fill those with epoxy to keep your downstairs bone dry. At times, carbon fiber straps may also be used to provide additional support.
Underpinning
Underpinning is the most common method of stabilizing and lifting a structure. Steel sections are either pressed (push piers) or screwed (helical piers) into the ground until they reach suitable soil or bedrock. After being attached to your home, they provide vertical support and can even be used to lift the structure.
Polyurethane Injections
Do you have a concrete slab that is sinking or cracked? When we inject polyurethane foam into a void, it lifts the concrete as it expands.
Professional Foundation Inspections
Foundation inspections are more than building inspections. They look at the home’s very structure to determine if any of the above methods are needed.
Free Foundation Repair Inspection and Estimate in Suffolk, VA
AMC911 offers foundation inspections, and they won’t cost you a dime. We send out a professional to look for the signs of foundation problems. They will discuss the situation with you or send in the report so a repair estimate can be provided.
These inspections are so important that experts suggest you have one done every year. You can request your free foundation repair inspection by completing our simple online form. One of our experts will get back to you shortly.
