The structural integrity of your home is one of its most crucial aspects. It’s the foundation holding everything up, so it needs to be tough, sturdy and durable, to ensure your home remains intact and strong. Sometimes, homes experience structural damage from age or other factors.
Minor structural issues can become more significant problems if you don’t receive home structural repairs. For instance, small leaks during rain may seem like an aesthetic fault, but they can be a sign of damage to your home’s structure. Contacting a contractor when you notice the little things ensures your and your family’s safety and may prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
The Importance of House Structural Repair
It’s vital to repair structural damage for safety and resale value. The house’s foundation bears the weight of your home. If the frame is damaged, the building could collapse, endangering you and others. Due to this safety concern, homes with damaged foundations are harder to sell.
Signs of Home Structural Damage
Signs are only sometimes noticeable when structural damage warrants house repair. However, if you notice any of these signs, you might have structural damage:
- Internal or external cracks
- Poor water drainage in your home
- Water leaks
- Uneven floors
- Rust stains
- Gaps between the ceiling and crown molding
- Leaking or cracked balconies
- Concrete breaking off the structure
- Shifting floors
- Loose wallpaper
- Gaps around doors or windows
- Cracks or holes in the foundation
Causes of Home Structural Damage
The leading cause of damage requiring home structure repair is water. Fluctuating moisture levels make soil expand and contract, causing cracks over time. Other causes include:
- Extreme weather conditions
- Roots of nearby trees under your foundation
- Many seasonal changes
- Floods, droughts and other environmental hazards
- Water saturation
- Water leaks
- Improper drainage system
- Faulty gutters
Water leaks or water saturation in your home threatens its quality and integrity. It weakens your home’s structure decaying your walls, which eventually can collapse.
Types of House Structure Repairs
When you notice signs of structural damage, you should contact a professional structural repair company in your area. A specialist will inspect your building to determine what repairs you need. Learn more about some of the structural home repairs they might recommend.
CARBON FIBER SUPPORT SYSTEM
A carbon fiber support system is perfect for cracked or bowed walls. Professionals attach the system to your foundation wall, which distributes the hydrostatic force pushing against your basement or crawl space walls. This is a long-lasting and minimally invasive support system.
HELICAL TIEBACKS
Helical tiebacks can help support and stabilize your basement walls. The tiebacks are pre-engineered screw-like components professionals place in the ground away from the affected wall. These tiebacks are an excellent choice for inwardly rotating or protruding basement walls. They provide opposing tension to negate the hydrostatic pressure in the soil, which is the cause of the wall bowing.
HELICAL PIERS
Helical piers are similar to push piers. They transfer the weight of your home to the soil or subbase to permanently stabilize your home’s foundation. Unlike push piers, professionals screw helical piers into the soil. This makes them most suitable for new construction homes and lighter structures.
WALL REPLACEMENT
With wall replacements, you replace at least one of your walls, sometimes all of them. This is typically a last resort because of cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about structural home damage and repairs.
WHEN ARE WALL CRACKS SERIOUS?
It’s always best to consult with a professional if you notice any cracks in your walls. While some wall cracks are not severe, others are. Without an inspection, it can be challenging to determine which ones are from structural damage. The three types of cracks to look out for are:
- Vertical: These are the most common wall cracks and are a result from the home settling. Settling is normal for all homes as long as it is at the same rate. When vertical cracks start to show this typically is a sign of differential settlement.
- Diagonal: A diagonal crack is often wider at one end. If you spot one on the wall of your foundation or basement, it might be from differential settling. Differential settling occurs when a home sits on a hill, or the soil under part of the home expands and contracts, causing the foundation in that section to shift. Always consult a professional if you notice any diagonal cracks. They need to repair them and fix the differential settling.
- Horizontal: Generally, horizontal cracks are the most serious. They go from side to side and are most common in homes with concrete blocks or brick foundations. Unfortunately, they are often signs of severe water damage or foundation shifting. You need to address them right away.
HOW DO TREES AFFECT MY FOUNDATION?
Trees can stabilize the soil around your home and prevent erosion, but they can also damage your foundation, thanks to their extensive root systems. The roots behave differently depending on the type of soil around your home. For instance, dirt and loose rocks shift as the roots spread, while clay becomes densely packed. These roots cause foundation problems by:
- Affecting the moisture content of the soil near or under your foundation.
- Causing air gaps or shifting soil near or under your foundation when a tree dies or you remove it.
- Making physical contact with the foundation.
HOW MUCH DO STRUCTURAL HOUSE REPAIRS COST?
The cost of structural house repairs varies depending on the type of repair you need and the extent of the damage. To give you an idea, our average cost of foundation repair in Charlotte, NC for 2022 was $14,200. You can also contact HydroHelp911 for a free inspection and estimate to determine how much your repairs will cost for a specific situation.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR STRUCTURAL HOUSE REPAIRS?
The steps for HydroHelp911’s process for structural repairs are as follows:
- Inspection: A specialist will conduct a survey of your building and monitor the situation. This ensures they give the best repair recommendation because they understand the problem and its cause.
- Repairs: The technology for structural repairs has improved. Now, the repairs are less disturbing and more cost-effective. Once the cause of the damage is known, we work to repair the damage and prevent it from happening again.
Contact HydroHelp911 for Expert Foundation Repair Services
Your home is an investment, perhaps a lifetime investment, so you want to do everything you can to ensure it lasts. Structural damage is a serious issue, but as long as you address it, your home can be as good as new. HydroHelp911 has been helping homeowners in North Carolina repair their basements, foundations and crawl spaces for over 10 years. We have the knowledge, training and skills to address various issues around your home.
Communication is vital to ensuring a positive customer experience, so our professionals communicate with you every step of the way. You will always know what the situation is and what we’re doing to address it. Contact us at 704-741-9737 or online to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate.
