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There is a difference between repairing something and repairing it properly. If you come across a situation you don't know how to fix, then you need to call the experts. There are repair professionals who specialize in everything from ovens to roofs. Knowing how to select and hire the right one is half the battle. That's one topic you will find explained here on this website. We've also collected various other articles on repairs and restoration. We don't expect you will be an expert on the topic by the time you finish reading, but we do think you'll be better informed and more able to hire the right expert.

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3 Signs Of Foundation Damage That Alert You To The Need For Repairs

by Clara Nichols

If you notice water has been pooling around your foundation or your basement has been wet recently, you may want to check your foundation. Too much or too little water affects the soil under your foundation, and if the soil shifts, your foundation might shift or sink too. Here are signs your home might need foundation repair, and methods a foundation repair specialist might use.

1. Cracks In The Foundation

If you see a crack in your foundation, it's not always a cause for alarm. Houses settle as they age, so a certain amount of cracking is normal. When you see a crack, you can mark and date it so you can notice if it gets bigger. A crack that gets bigger could be a cause for concern. Horizontal cracks could be serious too. Also, wide cracks could be problems. If nothing else, they may let water leak in your basement.

Call a foundation repair specialist when you see a crack so you'll know for sure if it is a sign of damage. A foundation specialist can tell by looking at the size, location, and direction of the crack if it's a sign of serious damage or caused by settling. Repairing cracks could entail filling in the crack to stabilize it and to stop water from leaking through.

2. Damage To Doors And Windows

A shifting foundation can cause damage throughout your house. You might see cracks above your windows, and the windows may stick rather than glide easily. You might have a door that won't open or close because the frame or door has shifted.

These signs may alert you to foundation problems, but once your foundation is repaired, your windows and doors may not automatically fall back in place. Instead, you'll need to have those repaired separately. 

3. Sloping Floors

When soil sinks under your foundation, the slab may sink too. You may notice a place where the slab or basement floor cracks and sinks. You might also notice an upper-level floor that develops a slope when it was once level. Floor tiles might even crack as the floor moves. If you notice changes to your floor or slab, call a foundation repair contractor to take a look so repairs can be done before the damage escalates.

The contractor can raise sunken concrete by injecting expanding foam or a cement slurry under the sunken area to raise it back to a level position. The injected material fills in the void in the soil and then hardens to provide strong support for the slab.

It's frightening to think about serious foundation damage, but you want to make repairs as soon as you can so the damage doesn't get worse. A foundation repair specialist may have several options that would fix the problem with your foundation so the structure of your house is no longer in danger. For more information, speak with foundation repair specialists

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