Get matched with top concrete repair specialists in Dutton, MT

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.

While a contractor is on-site repairing your concrete steps, you can have them inspect other concrete surfaces for minor damage. They may be able to fix cracks in your driveway or garage floor during the same visit. You can also ask them to check your home's foundation for minor issues they can address. However, general concrete repair experts typically cannot handle larger jobs, like leveling a sunken foundation. For major structural projects, you will need to hire a structural engineer.

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.

Cement companies offer a wide variety of services, including delivering and pouring concrete for home foundations, walkways, patios, driveways, concrete steps, pools, pool decks, and more, plus concrete repair and patching. Most companies also have the ability to demolish and haul away old concrete landscaping features. It’s a good idea to reach out to a few different companies before hiring to make sure you choose one that can tackle the entirety of the project you have from start to finish. This method will typically save you some money over hiring multiple contractors.