Foundation Repair Guide

Have you noticed cracks in your home’s foundation? Foundation repair is one of the most stressful home repair processes, but it’s essential to prevent significant structural damage.

Understanding the foundation repair process is helpful if your home needs repair. This page provides vital information about foundation repair to help you make an informed decision for your home and family.

schedule free inspection

How to Know if Your Foundation Needs Repair

Homeowners may find the thought of foundation repair quite stressful, but it is essential to know that all foundations experience settlement over time. However, structural issues arise when a home settles unevenly or when foundation damage goes unrepaired. Soil, plumbing leaks, and invasive tree roots are among the top causes of foundation damage. Here are a few of the signs your home may need foundation repair:

Exterior Signs of Foundation Problems

Exterior cracked bricks are potential foundation settlement sign

Interior Signs of Foundation Problems

indoor drywall crack potential foundation settlement sign

How to Fix a Foundation

Foundation repair can be an intense process. However, failing to address damage causes devastating consequences. Knowing what to expect reduces stress and ensures realistic expectations. Two standard foundation repair processes are pier and beam and slab repair. Here’s what to know:

Pier and Beam Repair

Pier and beam foundations are often chosen for homes built on soft soil. These foundation types consist of piers embedded in the soil beneath the house, with beams laid across the piers for support. Footings may also be added for additional support. These foundation types are prone to mold, wood rot, and moisture damage. Repair methods for pier and beam foundations include:

Shimming: A temporary measure to level minor unevenness.
Pier Stack Addition: If interior piers are damaged, rebuilding or adding pier stacks may be necessary.
Wood Beam Replacement: The beam structures may need replacement if wood rot is the issue.
Underpinning: When interior support areas are affected, underpinning may be required.

Concrete Slab Repair

Concrete slab foundations are typically preferred over pier and beam in mild climate areas with stable soil conditions.

Slab damage is corrected by inserting piers into the ground underneath the foundation, using hot-dip galvanized steel piers and a gas-powered hydraulic pump. The preferred foundation piers used include helical piers and push piers.

Level concrete slab interior floor with piers.

Helical Piers: These screw-shaped steel piers distribute your home’s weight evenly over the foundation.
Push Piers: Hollow steel pipes driven into the ground beneath the foundation until they reach bedrock.

schedule free inspection

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?

Estimating foundation repair costs isn’t straightforward due to several factors. These range from the extent of the damage, repair site accessibility, and the chosen repair method. Every foundation repair project is unique, and costs vary accordingly.

Contact an expert like Foundation Support Specialists for a free inspection to ensure you receive a detailed cost breakdown for your home.

Does Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?

It is impossible to make a blanket statement about whether insurance covers foundation repair costs. Texas homeowners’ insurance policies typically cover foundation repair only under specific circumstances, such as fire, explosion, or water damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy required to cover hurricane and other flood damage, which can significantly impact foundation integrity. It’s essential to have both insurance types to protect your home’s foundation.

Contact a Foundation Repair Expert for Long-Term Repair

Have you identified signs of foundation damage in your home? Understanding the repair process is the first step toward a long-term solution.

Contact Foundation Support Specialists for a free inspection and customized foundation repair solutions today. We proudly repair and protect homes in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and surrounding cities. We’re ready to serve you!

Contact Us

For Your Free Inspection

* All fields are required.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Street Address*
Zip Code*
Phone*
Comments
Update me with text/SMS

By clicking submit, you agree to receive marketing and informational calls and texts, including autodialed or prerecorded calls/texts, to the telephone numbers that you provide, including any mobile telephone number, from or on behalf of Foundation Support Specialists. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and frequency vary. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help and STOP to unsubscribe. For more information, visit Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Foundation Repair FAQs

Can I perform foundation repairs and remodeling simultaneously?

In some rare cases, it may be possible to work on foundation repairs and certain aspects of remodeling simultaneously. However, this depends on the nature of the foundation repair process and the type of remodeling work being done. It’s essential to consult with professionals to create a coordinated plan that ensures safety and efficiency.

How much does commercial foundation repair cost?

The cost varies based on the extent of damage and the type of solutions implemented. For an accurate evaluation, contact Foundation Support Specialists. We offer free inspections and estimates, transparent pricing, and flexible financing options.

Will repairing my foundation delay my remodeling project?

While foundation repair is like to delay the start of your remodeling project, it is a necessary step to ensure your renovations last. The time required for foundation repairs varies depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method, but addressing these issues upfront will actually save time and money in the long run.

Related Resources

Foundation Replacement: Do You Need It?

When foundation problems arise, choosing between repair or replacement is vital for your home's stability.

Helical pier foundation repair solution 3D model.

The Texas Guide to Pier and Beam Foundation Repair

Discover key insights into pier and beam foundation repair in Texas. Understand their benefits, common issues, and maintenance tips. Get expert advice on tackling moisture damage, pests, and structural challenges.

Are Wall Cracks a Foundation Problem?

Discovering a crack in the walls of your home can be unsettling. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that any crack is a dire sign of foundational damage. However, not all wall cracks spell trouble for your home’s structure. This resource page will help you determine whether or not wall cracks you may be […]

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.