7 Reasons You Shouldn’t DIY Foundation Repair
Every once in a while, we see homeowners try DIY foundation repair. Unfortunately, it virtually never works and often leads to more harm than good.
We put this guide together to help you avoid making the same mistakes. Here are seven reasons why you shouldn’t repair your foundation on your own, as proven by nearly 20 years of experience in the field.
Major Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Do DIY Foundation Repair
1. Mistaking the Problem
Trying to fix your home’s foundation yourself is risky because you might misdiagnose the issue. Sometimes, a small crack isn’t just a tiny problem but a sign of something much bigger. If you get this wrong, you might end up not really fixing the actual issue and the damage will get worse.
2. Safety Risks
Fixing a foundation can be dangerous if you don’t have the right training and tools. You could hurt yourself or others, especially in places like Colorado, where homes can have unique structural needs due to soil conditions. DIY foundation repair can lead to serious accidents, like falls or even the building collapsing.
3. Making Things Worse
When you try to fix your foundation on your own, you might actually cause more harm. In Colorado, where clay soil and cold weather can affect your foundation year-round, a small fix can turn into a big problem if done incorrectly. Environmental conditions will undo poor repairs and lead to uneven floors, doors, and windows that stick or wall cracks.
4. Losing Your Warranty
If you try to fix your foundation yourself, you might void your home’s warranty or insurance. This means if something else goes wrong, even if it’s not related to the foundation, you might have to pay for all the repairs yourself, which can be very costly, especially in Colorado, where weather is known to impact homes.
5. Higher Costs Over Time
It might seem like you’re saving money by doing foundation repairs yourself, but incorrect repairs can end up costing you more in the long run. Not fixing the root problem can lead to bigger issues down the line, making future repairs more expensive and affecting your home’s value.
6. Wrong Tools and Materials
Proper foundation repair requires specific tools and materials that most homeowners don’t have. Using the wrong tools can not only fail to fix the problem but can also make the damage worse, leading to more repairs and higher costs.
7. Lower Home Value
If you try to fix your foundation yourself, it could lower your home’s resale value. If you try to sell the home, buyers might be skeptical of the repair quality and request a professional inspection. This could uncover more issues, making your home harder to sell, and decreasing its market value.
Why It’s Smart to Work With Pros for Foundation Repair
Know-How
Experts bring the right know-how and skills to properly fix foundation troubles. They’re good at spotting the real reasons behind problems like cracks or floors that aren’t level, making sure they fix the actual issue. This knowledge is key because solving the underlying issue behind foundation damage is the only way to truly fix it.
Safety First
Fixing a foundation can be risky, involving unstable structures and heavy lifting. Professional crews use the right safety equipment and stick to safety rules to avoid accidents. This keeps everyone out of harm’s way, which is important as trying to do it on your own is likely to cause injuries.
Cost-Effective
Though it might look pricey to hire a pro for foundation repairs, it can end up saving you money in the long run. Certified experts get the job done right on the first try, stopping damage and cutting down on future repairs. Plus, if you try to fix it yourself, you might void your home’s warranty, which could mean paying even more for other repairs later.
Right Tools
Experts in foundation repair have special tools that help keep your foundation solid. These aren’t the kind of tools most people have lying around, and you need special training to use them correctly. Choosing professionals with these tools means the repair job is more likely to be done right and last.
What Tools Do Foundation Repair Experts Use?
The right repair method depends on the root cause of the cracks and the type of foundation you have. Here are the tools we use to fix foundations in Colorado:
1. Foundation Piers
For houses built on a concrete slab, the top repair choice is using a foundation pier system. Companies like Foundation Repair of Western Colorado typically provide three pier types—push piers, slab piers, and helical piers.
Each pier type supports your foundation in different ways. Push piers are versatile and can be used on various structures, helical piers suit lighter buildings and slab piers are ideal for homes with limited outdoor space or where fixing slab damage from the outside is tough.
2. Basement Wall Repair
Basement walls can crack due to pressure from groundwater outside. Here are some ways to fix them:
- Steel I-beams: Installed against the wall, these beams prevent it from bending inward, acting as a solid support.
- Carbon Fiber Reinforcement: Lightweight yet strong, carbon fiber strips are bonded to the wall. They halt crack expansion and prevent the wall from bowing, all while being space-efficient.
- Channel Anchors: This method involves fixing metal channels to the wall and anchoring them in the ground outside. They work to straighten and stabilize the wall.
- Wall Anchors: Similar to channel anchors, but with plates and steel rods that go through the wall to anchors outside. Tightening these rods over time straightens and secures the wall.
Each method helps fix or prevent foundation cracks, making sure the basement stays safe and sound.
3. Crawl Space Support Jacks
For houses with a crawl space foundation, the optimal solution is a crawl space support jack system. These steel supports connect to your floor joists, reinforcing your home’s entire base.
Crawl space jacks are adjustable to fit your space perfectly. By bolstering your crawl space, they also aid in preventing future foundation cracks.
FAQs
Foundation settlement repair costs vary, depending on the damage and the chosen repair method. Foundation Repair of Western Colorado offers free estimates and flexible financing options to fit your budget. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection.
Foundation pier installation times fluctuate based on the severity of foundation issues, the type and quantity of piers utilized. Typically, the pier installation process spans from a few days to one week. For personalized solutions and a comprehensive project timeline, contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado.
Get Professional Repairs From Foundation Repair of Western Colorado
If you’re looking for trusted professionals to repair your foundation, don’t hesitate to contact Foundation Repair of Western Colorado. We’ve been helping homeowners protect their foundations since 2005, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
With industry-leading solutions and an experienced team, we’re committed to taking care of your home. Don’t ruin the safety of your home by risking DIY foundation repair—schedule a free inspection with Foundation Repair of Western Colorado today!
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Ted Dryce
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