Get matched with top concrete repair specialists in Danville, AR

Foundation settlement should be a concern if you notice it happening suddenly and years after construction, if the settlement results in signs of structural damage in your home, or if it happens after a flood, nearby sinkhole, or earthquake. Some signs of severe foundation settlement that should prompt you to call a repair specialist include sloping or uneven floors, large cracks in your foundation, moisture issues or pest infestation in your basement or crawl space, and an uneven roofline.

Sometimes cracked brick can mean a foundation problem, such as when the crack appears indoors and is vertical, or long horizontal cracks either inside or outside. If the crack widens at the top, then it’s safe to assume there is structural damage. Other things to look for are uneven floors, diagonal cracks indoors, and doors and windows that stick.

Most single-story homes don't have foundations strong enough to support a second story, but they can be reinforced for an addition. A structural engineer can assess your foundation and what needs to be done to get it ready. They'll look at any cracks or unevenness in your current foundation and consider any special framing or beams your home needs, especially if it’s in a high-wind or hurricane area.

“To support a second story, many structural engineers will require that you install additional concrete piers in the crawlspace,” says Tschudi. “This involves hand excavating, pouring a large concrete footing—usually with specially coated rebar—and then building concrete piers right up to the girders.”

Underpinning a foundation is when a contractor installs deep piers under your foundation to provide support. Professionals often use this foundation repair method when the soil underneath the foundation is no longer strong enough to support the house evenly. Underpinning a foundation often comes with other repairs to tackle the source of the problem. For example, a contractor may regrade your yard around your home’s foundation to make sure water drains away from your house.