Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Ishpeming, MI

Regularly inspecting your foundation—at least the visible sections—for signs of foundation issues like moisture and pest infestation is a good way to identify slab leaks early, as is keeping an eye and ear out for water damage to indoor building materials, above-average water bills, sounds of running water when no fixtures or appliances are on, and indoor humidity that causes the temperatures to feel more extreme. If you do find any issues, contact a plumber right away to check it out for you.

Visible cracks, scaling, flaking, and uneven surfaces indicate a bad concrete job. Additional signs vary depending on the project. You may notice poor drainage or even exposed rebar. Quality issues result from using the wrong concrete, rushing the work, or inexperienced workers completing the job.

The best solution to fix a foundation crack in your basement floor depends on the underlying cause. If you just have hairline cracks from settlements that are no longer growing, the best option is to seal them with a crack sealant. If the cracks continue to grow, one edge rises above the other, or there are signs that water is getting in through the crack, a professional repair will be necessary. Depending on the root cause, your professional may employ foundation underpinning or some other type of stabilization, seal the cracks, or install a drainage system.

A slab-on-grade or slab foundation is a great option in many areas—usually in warm or moderate climates—and has been a successful foundation style for many decades. Slab foundations don’t require excavation or concrete block wall construction, so they’re the least expensive foundation type. They’re also the fastest to construct and don’t have many issues with moisture or water intrusion. However, they don’t give you extra storage space or potential living space like a crawl space or basement would, and they’re not ideal in colder areas where utility lines can freeze and frost heave can cause major damage.