How long does foundation repair take? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by homeowners, right after finding out the cost of foundation repair for their property!
Foundation repairs usually take 1-3 days to complete. Factors affecting this timeframe include the extent of damage, how much material is needed for repairs, and if your contractor recommends secondary fixes such as waterproofing or sealing.
No matter your foundation repair costs or how long those fixes might take, it’s vital that you schedule this work as soon as it’s needed. The longer you put off foundation repair, the greater the risk of that damage becoming more severe and costlier to address.
Check out some vital details about how long foundation repair might take and what’s done during this process, so you can then discuss your options with a contractor near you. This will ensure your home or commercial structure is always in good condition, from top to bottom!
While most foundation repair only requires 2-3 days to complete, note what might affect that timeframe for your property:
Most foundation repair methods are considered virtually permanent, often lasting for decades if not indefinitely. Some, however, might need repeating over the years:
Foundation repair is affected by moisture in the soil as well as the weight of a structure. Neglecting needed property grading or adding weight to a structure without reinforcing the foundation can mean having those fixes degrade sooner rather than later.
Most foundation repair is done around the home’s perimeter; a small percentage of foundation repair is done through the floor of a basement or other such area. This means contractors will usually not need to access the home during their work, allowing you to stay in the house while the foundation is being repaired.
However, a homeowner should prepare their property before work begins. Remove any loose items such as knickknacks or artwork near the area where the work will be done, as heavy-duty equipment will create strong vibrations that can knock items right off shelves!
Homeowners should also realize that foundation repair often involves lots of excavation, which means mess and hazards in the area of work. Consider accessing the house through an entryway far from the work, and ensure your children and pets are kept away from the contractors and project area.
If your home requires interior access, note that this work will mean lots of noisy, bothersome drilling. This can be especially upsetting to children and pets, so it’s often recommended that you stay elsewhere while this work is being performed.
Foundation repair methods vary according to the foundation construction and extent of damage. Polyurethane or other foam varieties injected into foundation cracks help fill those gaps. These foams then harden and block moisture while providing added support for the foundation.
Piling or pier installation uses steel piles, inserted deep into the ground either under or around a sinking and damaged foundation. These pins or piles are then attached to the foundation itself by a bracket or metal head assembly along their top.
In many cases, hydraulic jacks are used to lift the foundation back to a level position before the pins are attached. This addresses a sinking structure and ensures it stays level and even throughout the years.
House leveling or slab jacking drills a pattern of holes through the foundation. Specialty grout is poured through those holes, under the foundation. This grout “floats” the structure back into a level and even position; it then dries, keeping the foundation in place.
As a foundation weakens, a house or other structure often settles, suffering secondary damage. While foundation repair ensures structural stability for your home or commercial building, it cannot address needed fixes for secondary damage! Consider some projects you might need to schedule after foundation repairs:
Property owners also need to ensure they address drainage or moisture issues. If you allow moisture to collect around a structure’s foundation, this risks future damage no matter the quality of repairs. Addressing drainage issues might include better grading or correcting the soil’s slope, or a French drain or sump pump installation.
Bowing basement walls and oversized cracks along a foundation surface are obvious signs that it’s time to call a foundation repair contractor near you. However, don’t rely on these indicators alone! Check out some other signs of foundation damage and needed fixes:
Regular foundation inspections can also spot signs of damage hidden from sight, allowing you to make repairs before it gets more extensive and costly to address. The sooner you address cracks and waterproofing issues, the less likely it is that the foundation will sink and allow your home to settle, reducing the need for expensive repairs down the road!
Columbia Foundation Repair & Waterproofing is happy to help our readers answer the question, how long does foundation repair take? Hopefully, you found this information useful and better understand what to expect when it comes to foundation damage and needed fixes. If you suspect your home needs crack repair or have foundation issues, call our trusted Columbia foundation repair contractors! We can schedule a FREE inspection and repair price quote, and answer all your questions about your property’s foundation. To get started, just give us a call.