Get matched with top foundation repair specialists in Raymore, MO

Minor hairline cracks in your concrete may not look pretty, but they’re often not serious. It’s when concrete cracks are larger—wide enough that you can slide a credit card into it—that you need to worry. If you monitor a crack and can trace its active expansion over time, you’ll definitely want to call in a pro to inspect it and, potentially, repair it. Want to prevent cracks in your garage and driveway concrete in the future? Stay on top of sealing. Here’s how to seal your concrete garage floor and driveway.

It’s crucial to hire a foundation company that’s professional, experienced, and reliable, starting by choosing local experts with at least five to ten years of experience with your type of project. Local foundation companies will understand the soil and weather conditions in your area and can carry out the best solution based on your property characteristics. You should ask for a list of customer references, read through online reviews, and check for customer complaints and unresolved issues filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) before hiring.

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.

In most cases, it is safe to live in a home with minor foundation problems, but you should not let the issues persist. Virtually all foundations have small cracks from normal settlement, which are not a structural concern but should be sealed to prevent water intrusion. However, major damage—such as large structural cracks, sinking foundations, or bulging walls—can make a home unsafe. Other issues that can pose safety and health risks include poor indoor air quality from mold or pests, uneven floors, and rotten beams or joists. It is always best to have a foundation repair expert or structural engineer inspect any issues to determine if your home is safe to live in.