When it comes to foundation renovation, every homeowner has their own story. Listening to other’s experiences is good but it does not mean having a credulous ear. Lack of knowledge is the reason behind widespread misconceptions regarding foundation maintenance and repair. Let’s take a glance at how different people have varying opinions about repairing a foundation and debunk the most common myths about it.
Myth 1: DIY Foundation Fixes are Enough
Truth: An average DIYer can resolve minor foundation problems like hairline cracks, but they cannot address complex structural issues like bowing walls and sloping floors independently. Catering to a complicated foundation problem independently could escalate it.
Moreover, a simple problem could be indicative of critical damage, and you might not be able to figure it out on your own. On the contrary, a trained foundation repair technician can provide a solution to all your foundation needs, identify the root cause of the damage, and determine the right course of action.
Myth 2: Cracks only Appear in Poorly Constructed Foundations
Truth: It is true that some construction materials, like concrete, are vulnerable to cracking. However, that does not mean all concrete foundations are going to crack. The primary cause of foundation cracks is intense strain resulting from:
- Soil contraction or expansion
- Water ingress
- Erosion
- Poor drainage
If you live in a rainy area, the soil surrounding your home’s foundation will be saturated with moisture. This moisture will exert pressure on foundation walls, causing cracks to appear.
Myth 3: Watering Outdoor Plants Damage Foundation Walls
Truth: The notion that watering the plants surrounding your foundation can weaken its walls is not true. In fact, the plants grown in the vicinity of your foundation walls actually protect them from water ingress. Their roots take up excess water, thereby keeping it from damaging the walls.
When you water the outdoor plants during a drought, you do a favor to your foundation. Dry soil compacts and pulls away from foundation walls, resulting in gaps. These gaps can result in cracks. Also, when it does rain, the cracked soil does not absorb water, and it might run off toward the wall, leading to foundation damage. Water can cause several damage to the foundation, so one must be careful with the outdoor plants.
Myth 4: Filling Foundation Cracks with a Polyurethane Sealant Can Permanently Fix it
Truth: High-tech adhesives or sealants fix the symptom and not the main problem.
Epoxy and polyurethane sealants are flexible, sturdy, and highly adhesive. They work wonders when it comes to sealing cracks in foundation walls. Polyurethane is more effective than caulk or some old-fashioned mortar-based patching compounds and makes cracks look much better. But the cracks will ultimately open up again if the underlying cause is not addressed.
For instance, if the damage is because of shifting soil, then sealing the crack is just a temporary solution. In fact, the damage will worsen as the soil settlement continues. Foundation repair professionals can be of great help in such scenarios. They use permanent repair methods such as driving steel piers under the concrete slab to fix your foundation, and that too only after pinpointing the main issue.
Myth 5: Concrete Replacement is the Only Solution to Damaged Foundation
Truth: Many homeowners end up sending a hefty sum of money to their foundation due to this misconception. It might sound queer, but concrete strengthens as it ages. So, a new concrete foundation is weaker than an existing concrete foundation. Experts can easily identify the damage and fix it using appropriate methods, such as driving steel piers under the concrete surface or installing wall anchors. Employing these techniques can easily repair the shifting, settling, or cracking of foundation elements. The results are not only permanent but also cost-effective.
Myth 6: Repairing a Foundation Costs an Arm and a Leg
Truth: Foundation fixes are actually expensive, but getting the issue resolved before it intensifies can help you cut costs eventually. It is worth mentioning here that repair costs can vary depending on the extent of damage. Not all foundation renovations require a large investment. Annual foundation inspections can be very helpful in this regard as they allow you to identify and fix the damage beforehand.
Myth 7: Foundation Problems Can Fix on Their Own
Truth: Can a cancer patient miraculously recover on their own without any treatment? Foundation problems, too, are like cancer; they keep escalating if not cured on time. Expert intervention is the only way to get them fixed. Otherwise, small issues will advance into extensive damage, requiring costly repairs. For walls due to soil shifting and are left unaddressed, they will only widen over time. Instantly contacting foundation renovators can help mitigate the risk of further damage in such situations.
Myth 8: Poured concrete Foundation is Stronger than Concrete Block Foundation
Truth: The type of foundation does not determine how vulnerable it is to damage. What actually matters are the factors like:
- Soil conditions in the area where you live
- Efficiency of the drainage system
- Condition of the footing supporting the foundation walls
- Wall reinforcement
When constructed properly, a concrete block foundation is no more likely to get damaged than a poured concrete foundation.
Myth 9: You Can Delay Foundation Restoration
Truth: Delaying the repair will only worsen the problem. You might wriggle out of it for now, but the long-term consequences will be severe. So here’s one thing about foundation restoration: the sooner, the better!
As the crack in your foundation wall widens over time, the underlying problem becomes more critical. It’s better to seek timely professional assistance to sidestep these risks and save money.
Conclusion
A damaged foundation can decrease your property worth by 10-15%. Debunking common myths is crucial for informed decision-making. In addition, the fact that unaddressed foundation problems only escalate the damage highlights the significance of timely expert intervention.
