Common Questions About Fixing Foundation Problems in Boulder

If your home has issues with the foundation, this can be a major issue for you as a homeowner. If the issues are allowed to continue without repair, they can become worse and eventually result in major structural damage. There are some questions you want to have the answer to so that you know how to tackle this issue in the easiest and most cost-effective way possible.

What Can Cause a Foundation Problem?

Foundation problems can result from a number of factors. In some cases, the ground that the foundation is built on might be too soft and this could cause the foundation to start to sink over time. Not maintaining the foundation or the area around it can also play a role.

It is a good idea to check your foundation at least once a year. Immediately alert a contractor if you notice that something is not right. It can quickly become a costlier issue if you allow needed repairs to go without a fix.

How Do I Inspect for a Foundation Problem?

Over time, all foundations will settle and this is not always a problem. However, if this happens to be extreme or uneven, issues can result. You want to look for the following:

·         Cracked or uneven floors

·         Windows or doors closing improperly

·         Visible foundation cracks

·         Gaps between the ceiling or floor and the walls

·         Cracked walls

·         Separation around windows, doors or the garage

·         Cracked or displaced moldings

Who Should Fix Foundation Problems?

When you have a foundation problem, it is imperative that it is fixed by a professional with a good reputation or else you could end up with even more problems. Check out the contractors in your area and read reviews to see who is known for providing superior work. They will come out and determine the extent of your foundation damage. From there, the contractor will let you know what needs to be done and will create a plan for the work.

What is the Best Foundation Repair Method?

There are two primary methods that might be used to fix the majority of foundation problems. These include:

·         Piering: This involves underground supports that are placed to support and lift the concrete of the foundation.

·         Slabjacking: This involves goes beneath the slab and fills the space using a grout mixture. This puts the foundation back into its original position by floating it.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Foundation?

The cost ultimately depends on the work that needs to be done. You can contact a contractor in your area and have them come out to assess what needs to be done. They can give you an estimate so that you can get an idea of what it will cost to get the issue repaired.

Now you have more information about foundation problems and what goes into getting them fixed. If you do need to get work done, make sure that you hire an experienced contractor to ensure that it is done correctly.

Learn More About the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Slab Foundation in Boulder

If you are considering a slab foundation, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. This makes it easier to pick the right foundation when you are working on building a home. Here you will get the basic information you need to make an informed decision.

Exploring the Advantages

There are multiple advantages associated with this type of foundation that you need to know about, including:

·         Excavation, labor and forming costs are generally lower compared to other foundation options. This is due to the slab being placed over undistributed soil on grade.

·         It typically takes less time to get the project completed due to not needing extensive excavation. As long as the underlying soil has the right level of stability, the topsoil is removed and the slab is ready to be poured without the contractor having to dig further.

·         Pests, such as wild vermin and rates, are not able to nest below a house with this type of foundation because it is a solid slab of concrete.

·         A slab is not going to be affected if plumbing starts to leak like foundations that utilize wood. This ensures that your foundation remain stables and no joists will rot.

·         You can reduce your overall cooling and heating bills with this type of foundation. This is because it acts as a solid insulator.

·         In most cases, homes with this type of foundation are located closer to the ground. This can make it easier to access for those with mobility issues.

·         The risk of flooding is reduced when you have this type of foundation. There is also a lower risk of mildew and mold accumulating below your home can causing problem. It is also less prone to gas leaks.

Checking the Disadvantages

It is also important that you know about the few disadvantages that are associated with this type of foundation:

·         There is usually limited access to HVAC components when you have this type of foundation. Without a crawlspace or basement, the pieces and parts are usually put below the floors of the home.

·         Un-level floors are possible if great care is not taken when the concrete is poured. Because of this, it is critical that an experienced professional put the slab down so that you can rest assured it will be level and even.

·         If repairs are needed for certain utilities that are located below the home, there is a change that the slab will need to be removed in order to access them. This can cause the integrity of the foundation to be lessened even if it is repaired properly. This can also be a very costly process.

You can see that there is a lot to know concerning slab foundations. With this information, you will be able to determine if a slab foundation best matches your building needs. Once you are ready to proceed with the building, just ensure that you choose a high-quality contractor.

Examining the Three Primary Concrete Foundation Types in Boulder

When you are planning for a foundation, there are several choices to be made. Once you decide on concrete, you have three primary options to pick from. Getting the basic information about each will help to make it a bit easier to choose the one that is right for you.

T-Shaped Foundation

This is a traditional type of concrete foundation. If you live where the ground freezes at any part of the year, this is a solid choice. The footing of this foundation goes below the frost line, helping to protect it when the weather gets cold. The wall goes on top, but it is not as wide as the footing. This ensure that at the foundation’s base, there is a little extra support. Once this foundation is put into place, it is important that it is able to cure before the walls are constructed. Then, between the walls, the slab is poured.

Slab-On-Grade Foundation

This is pretty much the same as the name implies. It is several inches thick, but it is a single layer of concrete. At the edges, it will be a bit thicker to ensure that the footing is strong. At the thickened edge, the contractor will insert reinforcing rods to ensure even greater strength. To improve drainage so that the foundation lasts for a long period of time, the concrete is usually poured onto a bed of crushed gravel. Cracking risk is decreased by utilizing a wire mesh inside the concrete.

This type of foundation is best when you live in an area where the ground never freezes. However, it can be used in freezing areas as well as long as it is properly adapted with insulation. Just ensure that the insulation is sufficient and applied properly.

Frost Protected Foundation

You will need a heated structure for this type of foundation to work. The contractor will utilize polystyrene insulation and it will be applied in two sheets. It is important that each layer of this insulation is rigid. One of the sheets of this insulation will go on top of a bed of gravel. This will be placed by the wall at the base. The second sheet of insulation goes outside of the wall that is associated with the foundation. Both of these sheets work together to help in preventing freezing. This is crucial if you are building a foundation in an area where frost can occur at any time of the year.

The insulation will work to hold feat that comes from the structure. This is held below the footings in the ground. From the edge of the slab, this insulation will also prevent heat loss. Overall, the heat will ensure that the ground that is surrounding the footings remains above freezing.

Think about the property you are looking to build and compare what is needed to the benefits of the different concrete foundation types. Once you settle on a type of concrete foundation, you want to ensure that a reputable contractor does the work to build it.

Important Information to Know About the Foundation Before Buying a Home in Boulder

When you are thinking about buying a home, the foundation is one of the biggest elements to consider. It plays a major role in the overall structural integrity of a home. There are a few things to keep in mind related to a home’s foundation, so that once you buy a home, you can be confident that the foundation is best for your needs.

Look for Signs of Damage

You want to know how to spot foundation damage that could present serious issues down the road. You want to look at the entire house to determine the health of the foundation. These signs could indicate a relatively major issue:

·         Misaligned windows and doors

·         Windows that are hard to open

·         Cracked drywall

·         Large exterior concrete cracks

·         Doors that fit oddly in the frame

·         Sloping staircases or floors

·         Gaps between the ceiling and the walls

·         Water around the home’s perimeter or in the crawlspace or basement

If any of these issues are present, it does not automatically indicate a foundation issue. However, all of them warrant further inspection to determine the cause. You should have a professional contractor come out and evaluate any of these issues when they are present. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and let you know what it would take to fix it properly. In some cases, it might not be worth the time and money to fix it, so consider your budget once you determine what the fix requires in terms of money and time.

Not All Foundation Cracks Are a Big Deal

There are times when a small crack is present, but this is just due to the normal settling that a house does. The size is generally the biggest indicator if the crack is a problem or not. In general, a crack that is 1/4 inch or smaller is often not a big deal. These cracks commonly appear when a house settles over time after it is built. This crack has probably been present almost as long as the house has. However, if you find cracks that are larger or deep, this could be costly to fix. You want to have the larger cracks promptly inspected to determine what is needed to fix them.

Some Damage Can Be Corrected

When you are considering buying a home with foundation issues, you want to determine the severity of any issues that you find. Many of them can be fixed before you move in. Of course, if you do opt to fix them, it is imperative that you have a qualified professional do the work. Never attempt foundation work by yourself unless you are a professional.

Do not be afraid to ask the owners or the real estate agent specific questions about the foundation. If there are issues with the foundation, this can become incredibly problematic and costly, so you definitely want to be picky and ensure that the home you choose has a foundation that meets your needs and expectations.

Exploring the Four Primary Types of Foundations in Boulder

When you want to learn more about foundations, start with the basics by exploring the different types. There are four main types to learn more about. All of these have their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on what you want to get out of your home foundation.

Crawlspace Foundation

If you simply want to elevate your home one to two feet from the ground, a crawlspace foundation is one to consider. If you live in a moist climate, this foundation type of preferable since water collecting at ground level will not be able to get into your home. An area that often experiences minor flooding could also benefit from this foundation type since there is space between the ground and the floor of your home. While there is a slightly higher risk for fungi and mold accumulation, this foundation type tends to resist termite infestation well.

Basement Foundation

You generally begin with a hole about eight feet in depth when building with this foundation. Cinder blocks are typically used to create the wall around the basement. It is important that the process is precise to ensure that it is waterproof. A basement foundation adds square footage to your house, allowing you additional living space or storage space if you need it. This type of foundation also tends to be incredibly durable. It offers a high level of resistance to extreme weather conditions and disasters, such as a house fire.

Slab Foundation

This is probably the simplest of all of the foundation types. It is just a slab of concrete at the home site that is poured into the ground. It is flat and resembles a large pad. It takes only a small amount of preparation to get this type of foundation prepped and ready, and the installation process is mostly fast and simple. Beams are typically placed around the perimeter and the foundation goes down about six inches. There is usually steel reinforcing bars and wire mesh in the concrete to ensure that it is durable and stable once the structure is built on top of it.

If you live in a warmer climate, this is ideal. However, in areas where freezing temperatures occur, there is the risk of the slab shifting.

Pier and Beam Foundation

This type of foundation generally starts with concrete piers or wooden posts that go deep enough into the ground to properly support the structure. The height of the posts or piers depends on where someone is building and how elevated they want the home to be. This foundation is generally inexpensive compared to other options, and it is mostly easy to build. However, it is not a good choice if the structure going on top is large or heavy. It should also not be used in areas where hurricanes and earthquakes are common.

Take note of the benefits you get with each of the foundation types. Consider what you are wanting to achieve with your home foundation and see where the matches happen. This is the easiest way to narrow down the choices and make the final decision.