One of the most costly problems that a homeowner can face is a damaged foundation in need of repairs.
If not done correctly, the problem will not only remain but it could worsen.
Foundation settlement repairs can range from simple and affordable to complex and expensive, so the right one must be used based on the existing issue and what is really causing it.
What Are Some Foundation Repair Myths?
Unfortunately, many misdiagnoses and myths about foundation wall repairs cost homeowners extra while many times failing to correct the problems.
These are some of the top myths relating to foundation repair and what is really going on!
- Cracks Can Be Permanently Repaired With Epoxies - Although the newer epoxy and polyurethane crack filler adhesives do adhere very well to cement and concrete block to seal cracks, most times this is not a permanent foundation repair. If a crack is wide enough to need filling with epoxy, the chance is high that unless the source of the cracks is addressed, more cracks will appear elsewhere. Epoxy bonded into a foundation crack cannot prevent the soil from shifting and the foundation from cracking because of it.
- Concrete Block Foundations Are Weaker - Many people erroneously believe that a foundation made of concrete block is weaker than one made from poured concrete due to the cement joints holding the blocks together. Although concrete block foundations do commonly require foundation wall repairs, the reason is not that they are weaker but because the ground around the foundation is not fully supportive of the foundation. In most cases, a poured concrete foundation will need the exact same foundation settlement repairs if the soil is not properly prepared, there is poor drainage, or other soil issues exist, the same as it would happen with a block foundation.
- A New Foundation Is Better Than Repairing An Old Damaged One - Replacing a foundation rather than doing proper foundation settlement repairs may seem like a better idea but in fact, it is extremely expensive and more likely to result in continued damage. The reason lies in the fact that new concrete is not as strong as older concrete that has aged. Proper site correction and foundation wall repairs end up being more beneficial since the original concrete stays in place.
Before falling for one of these myths and investing in costly foundation settlement repairs that will not actually fix anything, homeowners should speak with a dependable and experienced foundation repair service first.
A trustworthy contractor will properly diagnose all issues, then render the correct foundation repair to prevent it from happening again.