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Busting 6 Foundation Repair Myths: What You Need to Know

crew installing helical piers for foundation repair

Foundation issues often spark anxiety among homeowners, fueled by myths and misconceptions. These misguided beliefs, ranging from cost overestimates to baseless worries, can prevent people from seeking much-needed repairs.

However, the truth is far less alarming. When handled by experienced professionals, foundation repair is a manageable process with lasting results. This article debunks prevalent myths surrounding foundation repair, shedding light on the realities of the situation.

The most crucial takeaway is that foundation problems inevitably worsen if left unchecked. Quick action is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Misconceptions About Foundation Repair

Here’s our list of six common myths surrounding foundation repair we frequently hear from homeowners:

Myth #1: You Can Fix a Foundation with DIY Installations

DIY wall braces that have not fixed a cracking wall

If you’re trying to save money around the house, it can be tempting to try and DIY a foundation fix when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, these solutions are temporary at best, requiring more money and time to continuously purchase and install them.

DIY solutions can also worsen your foundation’s existing damage. The contractor you eventually bring in to look over your home’s damage will not only have to charge you for base repairs but also for the removal of a solution that may have exacerbated the damage already present in your home.

Myth #2: Overwatering Landscaping Can Cause Foundation Cracks

watering your lawn

Hydrostatic pressure is the primary cause of most foundation damage. This pressure builds up outside your home when it rains or when the groundwater in your area rises. It presses against your foundation and causes the particles of the materials therein to rapidly change temperature and size. Those rapid changes can eventually cause cracks.

So, you may think that watering your landscaping may add to that pressure. In fact, it will do the opposite. When you consistently water your landscaping and the perimeter of your home, you actually keep the soil there healthier than it would be if it only received water when it rained. That way, it can better protect you from runoff when the rains do come.

Myth #3: Your New Home Won’t Develop A Foundation Crack

Corner cracks above door frame in home

Foundation cracks can appear in any home, regardless of its age. While they are more common in older homes, it is important to inspect new homes regularly to prevent unexpected damage.

New homes typically develop small hairline cracks as they settle into place within the first few years after they are built. However, if these cracks worsen and accompany other damage like sticking doors or uneven floors, an underlying problem, such as foundation settlement is at play.

Myth #4: It Costs Too Much to Repair Your Foundation

man surprised by an expensive bill

The cost of repairing a foundation can be off-putting to many homeowners. After all, you sometimes have to excavate your foundation and waterproof it after it’s been fixed if you want your solutions to be permanent.

That said, the process may not cost quite as much as you might think. If you’re truly concerned about the expense of investing in repairs, you can work with local foundation repair specialists about payment and financing options. After all, the longer you let your damage sit, the more expensive it’s going to be to deal with.

Myth #5: Foundation Cracks Will Resolve Themselves

With your foundation out of sight, it’s easy to think you could let damage go without having to worry about the consequences. This is not the case. Foundation cracks do not fix themselves. Instead, the longer you let most of them go, the worse they will get.

Foundation cracks also generate symptoms that make your home less pleasant to live in, and these symptoms can grow more severe the longer they’re allowed to fester. These include:

foundation cracks and bowing wall
  • Stuck doors and warped wood frames
  • Bowing walls
  • Musty odors
  • Pest infestations

Myth #6: You Can’t Sell A Home With A Damaged Foundation

house with a for sale sign out front

Homes with damaged foundations display symptoms that impact the living environment. Given that, it can seem impossible to sell these homes to a potential buyer.

It is not impossible to complete one of these sales. There are two ways you can sell a home with foundation problems. You can leave the foundation as it is and note in the listing that the foundation is damaged, losing up to 30 percent of your home’s resale value in the process. Or you can invest in necessary repairs early on and regain that loss as you look for a buyer.

Regardless of which path you choose, you must let potential buyers know that your home’s foundation has been damaged in the past. The actual selling of the space, however, won’t be impossible.

What Foundation Repair Professionals Can Do for You

Don’t despair if your foundation is damaged; all is not lost. As soon as you notice a problem, don’t hesitate to contact local foundation repair experts like Tar Heel Basement Systems. The earlier you catch an issue, the quicker and easier it can be repaired.

We complete a thorough evaluation of your home to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate course of action. All our solutions are fully customizable to meet your home’s unique repair needs. These systems include:

crew installing wall braces for wall repair
  • Carbon fiber straps
  • Wall braces
  • Wall anchors
  • Channel anchors
  • Helical piers
  • Push piers
  • Slab piers
  • Support jacks

You can learn more about each method on our Foundation Repair Solutions page.

Additionally, you can take advantage of our annual maintenance program. Our experts return yearly to ensure what we installed continues to support your home.

Repair Your Foundation with Expert Help

Tar Heel Basement Systems inspector meeting with homeowners

With these common foundation repair myths now dispelled, it’s evident that postponing potential repairs is unnecessary and unwise.

Taking action is simpler than you might think. By booking a free inspection with Tar Heel Basement Systems, you’re making a smart move to safeguard your home’s long-term stability. Our team combines state-of-the-art technology with the skills of seasoned professionals to deliver solutions you can trust for the long haul.

Why wait? Secure your home’s foundation and your peace of mind today.

Foundation Damage & Repair FAQs

Every crack in your foundation or walls should warrant some concern, as they typically indicate foundation issues. Horizontal, diagonal, and stair-step cracks growing in width and gaps around windows and doors should be examined. Cracks accompanying bowing walls and uneven floors are of even more concern. Additionally, if you live in a coastal area of North Carolina with sandy soil and rising sea levels, you may be at higher risk of foundation issues.  

Foundation repair is usually not covered by homeowner’s insurance. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. Various factors, including the foundation’s age, type, and location, will determine whether your home is covered.

Foundation repair can cause some disruption, but reputable companies like Tar Heel Basement Systems strive to minimize the inconvenience. Our team will work efficiently and ensure that your home is restored to its original condition as much as possible.

Related Resources

Holly Richards-Purpura

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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