Falmouth, Maine

Foundation problems can go unnoticed for a long time, and the consequences of this can be  quite costly. The longer you wait to fix foundation problems, the more expensive it will be because these structural flaws can cause further damage that's a lot harder and more time-consuming to repair.

Once a crack forms, your foundation now has a weak spot. further pressure from ground water will widen the crack and can cause leaks. 

To determine whether or not your home needs foundation repairs, consider this question: "Do I have cracks in my basement walls?" Is water leaking in, or are walls bowing out? You may also notice sagging floors or doors and windows that are hard to close. If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to call in a professional foundation contractor!

You should contact your insurance company and talk to them about how they handle foundation problems. Every policy will be different so you need to do some more digging for answers! Be sure to ask.

Foundation cracks come in many shapes and sizes. You often find them near windows, corners of your walls or floors, or the long sections of your foundation - It's not unusual to see cracks appear in new construction due to foundation settling.

Cracks that are leaking water should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home and belongings. A damp or wet basement can cause mold and mildew buildup causing poor air quality.

Here are a few things to watch for that could indicate a more serious foundation issue:

• Bulging or bowed walls.
• Long Horizontal cracks can indicate a structural issue
• Windows and doors that won’t shut properly in the living space above
• Cracks wider than 1/8 inch
• Cracks that go in multiple directions
• Cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom.

Since structural cracks are likely to become more severe over time, get your crack inspection done sooner rather than later.  A professional foundation contractor will assess your home and determine which cracks pose a safety risk for you and your family, and recommend repairs accordingly.

Foundations are constructed of  materials that can shrink or expand in response to changes in temperature and moisture. The soil around the foundation becomes saturated with water which causes pressure on all sides of the foundation causing cracks at ground level. 

untreated foundation cracks can gradually widen and threaten the stability of your home’s structure, by making a smaller investment fixing a foundation crack when it is small and not leaking, you are likely to avoid a larger more expensive issue down the road.

Anyone with a crack in their foundation may be tempted to try and fix it themselves. However, the nature of the building's foundation is too important to take risks with.

A foundation is a dynamic component of the building and it can change over time. An assessment of the conditions may be necessary to determine if there are signs of structural problems.

Many foundation cracks can be quickly and easily repaired in just a few hours by a foundation repair company.

A typical foundation crack can be repaired by injecting a professional grade material to seal the crack from top to bottom through injection ports. The injection material can be either a two-part epoxy or a urethane resin, depending on the specific conditions of the crack.

Cracks and other defects can often be repaired even if the crack is wet.

Structural repairs are a much more involved and costly. Stabilizing a foundation with structural problems can involve a number of different remedies, including excavation around the outside of the wall, hydraulic lifting, or underpinning the wall with steel, but only a foundation contractor will be able to assess the extent of the problem and offer a suitable remedy.

When the foundation of a home is damaged, it is wise to seek the advice of a foundation repair expert. Relying on well-meaning advice from friends and family or attempting a DIY project could lead to more costly problems down the line.