If you own your home, you probably know all too well that foundation issues are often the most expensive, headache-inducing repairs you can make on your house. When it comes to dealing with foundation problems, many homeowners have the choice between waterproofing and foundation repair—but which is the better option? Below, we’ll take a look at what each option entails so you can decide which one makes the most sense for your particular situation.
What Causes Cracks in Foundations
The causes of foundation cracks and deformations are varied, but all have one thing in common; they undermine the integrity of your home. Today, new foundations are built using concrete and reinforcing steel, while older foundations are primarily made of poured mortar. Because homes have a number of different design aspects, they can have a number of different foundation problems. Some foundation cracks are caused by environmental influences like soil composition and water pressure. Other causes include ground movement and settlement, temperature changes, and inappropriate installation. Regardless of what caused your foundation cracks, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible to ensure your home remains structurally sound for years to come.
This information is presented by our team at Peoria Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Pros.
What Happens When Issues Are Ignored
Let’s take a look at a hypothetical problem of a home foundation, as it might be affected by both foundation repair and waterproofing. Ignoring issues with your home foundation can eventually lead to problems like those experienced with many homes in flood-prone areas. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you know that basement flooding isn’t uncommon. It may seem like a minor inconvenience when it happens, but not addressing water damage can cause much bigger problems down the road. Cracks and flooding affect the structural integrity of your home as well as produces an ideal environment for mold to grow in. Mold can pose serious health risks to family members who are sensitive to its spores. In addition, if left unchecked, mold will continue to grow and spread throughout your home. While some homeowners think it’s best just to let their house dry out on its own, doing so won’t solve any underlying problems—and could actually make matters worse if done incorrectly!
The Difference Between Foundation Repair and Waterproofing
Foundation repair and waterproofing both have their advantages, so it’s easy to ask, Is there a difference between foundation repair and waterproofing, and which is better for my home? While each approach will address different problems, they can often be used in conjunction with one another. To make an informed decision about whether to do foundation repair or waterproofing first (or at all), you should understand how each process works. Here are some tips on how to decide between foundation repair and waterproofing.
A water problem like leaky pipes or wet floors isn’t always caused by damage to your foundation. It could also be caused by defective gutters, downspouts, faulty sump pumps, poor drainage around your house or pooling water from your roof that has nowhere else to go. The trick is determining what’s causing your moisture problem before choosing a solution.
The key to determining what’s causing your moisture problem lies in correctly identifying all of your home’s sources of water entry. Start by taking a look at where and how water enters your basement and first floor. If it seems like there are too many sources for you to track, hire a professional home inspector who will provide you with an expert opinion on what exactly needs to be fixed.
Foundation repairs on the other hand are typically done to address a specific problem. If your basement is leaking, for example, you’ll need to find and fix any cracks in your foundation walls. To do so, you’ll have to dig down around your foundation and remove any loose soil that could be contributing to problems. If you don’t already have one, you may also want to consider installing a sump pump in your basement—especially if there’s an issue with water pooling near your house.
DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
In many cases, foundation repair and waterproofing are two great options for homeowners to consider. Both can potentially resolve structural issues in your home’s basement and prevent damage caused by water seepage. Not very many people are experts in this field though. Your foundation is a crucial part of your home. While it may seem tempting to save thousands of dollars by doing it yourself, mistakes can lead to much more than what you saved in additional damages. Most homeowners will pay around $4,757 to repair foundation issues. It’s a steep price, but damages during DIY projects can go well beyond that $5,000 it would’ve cost to hire a contractor.
By hiring contractors you get peace of mind knowing they have years of experience as well as insurance to cover any mistakes that may occur. You also don’t have to worry about being exposed to harmful chemicals and substances that can be found in some waterproofing products. Contractors are knowledgeable, trained, and licensed professionals who understand how important your home is. They can take care of everything from start to finish. It’s not worth risking your home for a few hundred dollars when there are qualified professionals out there who can do it right.
