Foundation Repair in Lancaster PA

If you were to think about the most important part of the home, what might you picture? For some of us, we may consider the walls. The floors are another option. Heck, even the roof may come to mind.

However, there’s one answer that is sort of “correct” out of all of them. The foundation of our homes is quite important. Chances are, you’re already aware of this. What’s the big deal with foundations, though?

While a lot of us know of them, the details aren’t always so clear. Today, we’re here to unmask some of these mysteries.

Here in PA, it’s no secret that the foundations of our homes need to be taken care of. The weather here can switch between cold and hot on a dime! Preparation for that is key. To learn more about foundation repair Lancaster PA, make sure to stick around!

What are Foundations?

Of course, the first order of business is to take a closer look at foundations. What are they? Why are they so important? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be tackling.

A house foundation is the structural base that supports a building. What does it really do, though? For the most part, it will distribute the weight evenly across the ground and provide stability.

It’s not hard to see why that’s a crucial role. After all, it increases the safety and longevity of buildings. Typically, the materials involved are concrete, brick, or stone. Let’s look at some of the different types.

Basement Foundations

Here in Pennsylvania, these tend to be the most popular type. That’s because most of us have basements. Of course, the foundation doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice, “finished” basement.

In fact, it means quite the opposite. It’s what allows us to set up a game room or home theater in these spaces. Allow us to explain.

Articles like this one: http://journal.gpp.or.id/index.php/ijrvocas/article/view/62 can provide some insight. These types of foundations obviously are built below the ground. They tend to add a lot of value to a home because of additional storage or living space.

Crawl Space Foundations

These are less common in homes, but they do exist. A lot of churches across the country were built with these. This is especially true in the Northeast, as our buildings are often a bit older.

Simply put, they are elevated foundations. They create a small space between the ground and the first floor of the home. The idea is that this space should be accessible to some extent. That’s where the name comes from.

Slab Foundation

Compared to the others, these may not seem particularly “elegant.” Still, they work just as well. It’s a single pour of concrete directly on the ground. Their popularity stems from their affordability.

As far as choosing one goes, it can be difficult. However, that’s not our main focus today. Rather, let’s look at what might go into repairs.

Foundation Repairs: The Basics

What many people may not realize is that there are a lot of processes and techniques involved with fixing a home foundation. This is true no matter what type you have for your property.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. What are some of the common issues we might see in a foundation? These are some signs you could need repairs.

Cracks:

Whether these are horizontal, diagonal, or vertical, they could be a real problem. If you see cracks, you’ll want to take action quickly. Read more about that on this page.

Uneven Floors:

Now, this isn’t always a sign. It could depend on the design of your home. However, if the floors aren’t intended to be uneven, it could be a sign of some serious issues.

Door and Window Misalignment

Another subtle sign, this may not be obvious at first. However, if you notice any sticking or jamming with windows and doors, it could be signs of a deeper problem. Better safe than sorry.

Wall Bowing

Compared to some of the others, this one may be more noticeable. Walls that bend or bow inward could be a sign of pressure from soil or water buildup from outside.

Basement Leaks

Leaky basements are something that most of us here in PA dread. They can be really frustrating to deal with. If your basement is constantly leaking, it could be a sign of foundational issues – you may want to get it inspected.

How Repairs Work

The sooner that you notice an issue with your foundation, the better. After all, the earlier professionals are brought in, the less damage there will be in the long run. This will save you time, energy, and money.

Once you do figure out that something is wrong, you may want to research the options in your area. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources here in Lancaster. You should be able to find a contractor (or company) that can do the work.

Don’t be afraid to check out some customer reviews to see what others have to say. From there, though, they’ll probably come to do an inspection. There are a lot of different techniques for repair.

Foundation piers are one example. Essentially, small piers are installed to stabilize the foundation. This is done by lifting and levelling the structure with these tools.

Another example is slabjacking. This is when polyurethane foam or cement grout is installed beneath a setting slab. The idea is to raise that slab.

There are plenty of other options. You can always ask your contractor about the specifics of what your repairs will entail when needed. The important thing is that you get them completed as soon as possible.

Thankfully, most professionals understand the urgency. This is especially true when it comes to basement issues. No one wants their finished basement to end up ruined, after all.

Overall, this process isn’t a difficult one. While it can be stressful, when you get trained professionals involved, you can breathe a lot easier. Hopefully, this guide will help you out!