Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Trumann, AR

The average home foundation lasts between 80 and 100 years, but some can last much longer with proper maintenance and routine inspections. The lifespan depends on the foundation type, soil conditions, climate, and construction quality. Poured concrete walls can last up to 200 years, brick or stone foundations over 100 years, cement block foundations 80 to 100 years, and pier foundations about 75 years. Factors that can shorten a foundation's life include expansive clay soil, poor weather conditions, low-quality building materials, improper construction, and tree roots. Signs of damage include sloping floors, bowing walls, cracks, and doors or windows that stick.

Foundation repair can affect home value positively or negatively. If you address the underlying issue and hire a foundation repair contractor to complete the work—especially one that includes a warranty for the work—then your repair will likely increase your home’s value. If you fail to pull proper permits and cannot prove that a licensed expert completed the work, there’s a chance buyers will view your home in a negative light and end up offering less for your property.

Yes, a house can collapse from severe foundation problems if they are left unchecked. However, this is a rare occurrence that typically takes many years to develop, and a partial collapse is more likely than a full one. Homes on hillsides or in areas with frequent washouts are at a higher risk. Barring a natural disaster or other extreme circumstances, clear signs of major issues will be apparent long before a collapse is imminent. It is crucial to conduct routine foundation inspections and address any problem, no matter how minor it seems, as soon as possible to avoid threatening the structural integrity of your home.

Minor slab leaks normally take around three hours to access and fix, provided the leak is in an accessible location. However, a more extensive leak or a leak in a hard-to-reach location can take several days to fix, depending on the resulting damage. You might also want to consider the timeline for the build-back if the leak damages building materials like flooring or cabinets, which can take several weeks, including delivery of the materials.