Older foundations have been built differently than new foundations, which https://jhrestorationllc.com/ can lead to some repair challenges. An inspection by a certified foundation repair expert can help keep your older home in tip-top-shape. Let's discuss some problems your older home repair contractor may discuss with you:

Inadequate Intermediate Support

In most houses, the first floor joists that rest on the foundation walls are also supported by a post-and-beam framework that extends down the center of the basement or crawl space. In older houses, posts may have rotted or they may not have adequate footings. Foundation repair contractors can either reinforce the original post-and-beam assembly or replace it with new lumber erected on new, correctly sized footings.

Excess Moisture

Moisture is sure to be a problem if the foundation has a dirt floor, but leakage through masonry walls and floors can also cause mold and rot in the basement or crawl space area. An experienced foundation repair contractor will know what waterproofing strategies will work best in different situations.

Rotted Sills

The sill lumber that rests directly on the top of the foundation wall is especially prone to moisture damage in the form of rot or insect attack. Old-time carpenters didn't have pressure-treated wood that resists rot and insects. Today we do, and that's the material a foundation repair specialist will use when repairing rotted sills.

Cracked Masonry

If a foundation wall has cracked without shifting or settling, these cracks can often be repaired by the homeowner. However, it's good to get repair advice from an experienced mason, since the original lime-based mortar used between stones or bricks is not the same formulation as the cement-based mortars used today.

Settling and Shifting

A foundation wall that has settled, shifted or collapsed definitely calls for a professional repair. The contractor will probably need to shore up the house framing above the repair area while the soil is stabilized and wall sections are reconstructed. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace a section of stone or brick foundation with poured concrete or concrete block. Your foundation repair contractor can discuss the pros and cons of undertaking an authentic restoration as opposed to a repair using more modern materials.

The most common type of structural foundation damage in the basement is due to damage caused by water. There are many different reasons how water can get into the basement area. If enough water gets in, there is possibility of damage.

Steps to Prevention:

Waterproofing your basement is the best way to prevent possible foundation damage due to water. Going through with this action can possibly save you thousands of dollars in foundation repair costs.

There are many possible causes of water damage to your basement. The most common cause is the possibility of having soil that has a flat or negative slope. This will cause water to pool and collect against your foundation. Another possibility is that the builder of your house did not properly waterproof your foundation.

This is the most dangerous type of damage due to the fact that you cannot easily see the signs of damage. The main cause of these types of damages is also hard to detect, which is why it is very important to contact a plumber as soon as you suspect water getting into your basement area. They will be able to inspect areas you will not be able to see in your home and see if there are any leaks or possible entry points of water.

If the plumber detects any leaks it is very important that you consult with a contractor for an inspection of possible foundation damage. Catching foundation damage early, before it gets a chance to develop can save you a lot of money and aggravation.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to protect your investment. Ignoring the needs of your house will not only leave you homeless, but it will also cause you to lose all of the hard earned money you used to pay for your home.