Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Munising, MI

Ensures structural stability and long-term safety of the building.

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.

Most building departments will require that a certified and licensed foundation repair professional or a structural engineer pull permits for foundation repair, so homeowners usually cannot pull them themselves. This helps ensure that an experienced professional completes all structural work on your home. Minor repairs that are technically DIYable often won’t require permits, but it’s still a good idea to hire a professional to carry out foundation repairs.

It’s usually not a big deal if your foundation sinks between 2 and 3 inches into the ground after construction, provided the settlement occurs evenly. This is usually indicative of normal settlement that occurs as the soil under your home adapts to the weight of the structure. If the home sinks more into the ground or the settlement occurs unevenly, leaving portions of your home to sink further down than others, then call a foundation repair specialist to address the issue and avoid additional damage.