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The presence of one or more frequently seen symptoms may indicate your foundation needs professional attention.
Stair step cracks in your foundation walls are a major indicator that your home may be suffering from foundation damage.
Wall and floor gaps are often a clear sign of foundation settlement. These gaps can weaken your home's structure and may require professional foundation repair.
Basement wall and floor cracks often indicate that your home's foundation is settling unevenly or experiencing excessive stress.
A brick veneer that’s crumbling or cracking is likely to be affected by water infiltration, which is a signal of foundation issues that will need to be repaired.
Uneven floors are a telltale sign of foundation issues. When the foundation settles unevenly, it can cause the floors above to slope or sag.
As your home's foundation settles, the framing of your home can shift, causing doors and windows to stick.
Drywall cracks can be a sign of underlying foundation problems, not just a cosmetic issue.
Professional Foundation Solutions for Alabama Homes
The stability of your home or commercial building hinges significantly on the integrity of its foundation. Over time, numerous factors, such as subpar soil conditions, water damage, and natural wear and tear, can contribute to foundation problems.
To tackle these challenges head-on, we at Ox Foundation Solutions offer dependable and professional foundation repair services in Birmingham and throughout Alabama. Rest assured that our team is equipped to address and resolve these issues with precision and care.
We stand behind the work we do. That is why we offer full, life-of-the-structure warranties that are transferable should you sell your home.
Your home's foundation isn't just another part of the building— it's the bedrock upon which your entire home stands. Yet, it is more delicate than you might think, and numerous factors can put its stability at risk.
Transpiration is a process in which water is drawn up from the soil by the roots of a plant, moves up through the plant's system, and then is evaporated into the atmosphere from the plant's leaves. This process can influence the moisture levels within the soil surrounding a home's foundation. In times of high transpiration, such as during a hot, dry summer, the soil can become excessively dry and contract. This soil contraction can lead to movement in the foundation, potentially resulting in damage.
Plumbing leaks are another common cause of foundation issues. Leaks can occur in water lines, drain lines, or sprinkler systems, and when they do, they release water into the soil around your home's foundation. This excess water can oversaturate the soil, causing it to expand and exert pressure against foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can lead to cracks and other forms of damage in the foundation.
If a leak goes undetected for an extended period, it can create a soggy, unstable base that causes the foundation to shift or even sink— a condition known as settlement. Regular plumbing inspections and prompt repairs are critical to prevent these types of foundation problems.
During the construction of a home, the site must be correctly prepared to ensure the soil is adequately compacted and graded. If the soil is loosely packed or contains organic matter, it can decompress over time, leading to an uneven or unstable base for the foundation. Similarly, if the site is not appropriately graded, water may not properly drain away from the foundation, leading to similar issues as mentioned above with oversaturation and soil expansion.
The initial waterproofing applied to your home's foundation during construction serves as an essential barrier, protecting your foundation from water damage. Over time, this waterproofing system can deteriorate due to factors such as weathering, ground movement, or general wear and tear. Once the waterproofing fails, water can seep into the foundation walls, which can lead to a host of problems. This water intrusion can oversaturate the soil surrounding your foundation, causing it to expand and exert pressure against the foundation walls, similar to the issues caused by plumbing leaks and improper drainage. This pressure can result in the formation of cracks, through which even more water can infiltrate, exacerbating the problem.
Water seeping into your basement or crawl space can create damp conditions, promoting the growth of mold and mildew, which can further degrade the structural integrity of your foundation and the health of your indoor environment.
How Tornadoes Can Affect Your Foundation
In Alabama, the risk of tornadoes is a significant factor that can cause damage to foundations. The swift and destructive force of a tornado can lead to substantial harm to the foundation of your home.
One way tornadoes impact foundations is by propelling debris that collides with them, resulting in fractures, dents, and sometimes even complete failure.
The forceful winds and intense shaking from a tornado have the potential to shift or cause uneven settling in a building's foundation. These shifts can lead to cracking and destabilization of the structure. Tornadoes are also capable of displacing significant amounts of soil, which can cause erosion beneath the foundation. This weakening of the supporting system can potentially lead to sinking or unevenness in the foundation.
Tornadoes can also damage the building envelope, creating opportunities for water to seep into the foundation. This infiltration can result in challenges associated with moisture, such as mold growth, deterioration of building materials, and further weakening of the foundation.
Drought Conditions and Their Effects on Your Foundation
Extended periods of drought can have a significant impact on the foundation of a building. The dry conditions cause the ground to shrink, leading to foundation settlement and various structural damages. As a result, you may start noticing cracks appearing in your walls, floors, or ceilings as the building adjusts to its shifting base. Cracks in brick, a leaning or tilting chimney, and doors and windows that stick are all common signs of foundation problems.
Additionally, visible gaps between walls and ceilings or around windows and exterior doors indicate that parts of the house are pulling away from each other. If you find water in your basement or crawl space, it could be a further indication of foundation compromise due to previous drought conditions.
The soil underneath your foundation must have just the right amount of moisture. During the rainy season, ensure your drainage system is functioning correctly and that there are no gutter clogs. Excessive water can soften the soil, leading to foundation movement and damage. Conversely, in summer, the soil should be adequately hydrated using soaker hoses placed more than a foot away from the slab. Watering for around 15 minutes each morning and afternoon should suffice.
Signs of foundation damage can readily be spotted. Inside the house, look for cracks in the sheetrock around window frames and doors. Difficulty in opening and closing windows and doors, gaps where brick walls meet, and improperly hanging cabinets also indicate potential foundation damage. You may find horizontal, vertical, or stair step cracks in those same areas exterior of the home if your foundation is settling.
Foundation repair costs vary based on the project's scope and size and the age of the house being repaired. It can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. We provide accurate and upfront estimates, considering the nuances of each job.
Our foundation repair methods minimize damage to your landscaping. Some plants may need to be moved, and while we strive to preserve them, we're not responsible for their survival. If you highly value your landscaping, consider employing a professional landscaper to remove plants before we begin work.
Ox Foundation Solutions offers a transferable Lifetime of the Structure Warranty, backed by necessary licenses and insurance. In Alabama, offering such a warranty requires a builder's license and endorsement from the Alabama Home Builders Association. Unlike most competitors, we meet these standards so that we can protect your home for a lifetime.
Foundation problems, often starting as minor issues like small cracks or sticking doors, can rapidly escalate into severe structural damage. Left unchecked, these problems can lead to significant consequences, including:
At Ox Foundation Solutions, we are committed to helping you restore the safety and stability of your home. We understand the critical importance of a solid foundation, and we strive to provide dependable solutions to your foundation issues.
Our team begins by thoroughly inspecting your property to identify the root cause of any foundation problems. This allows us to tailor a comprehensive solution that best suits your specific needs.
We specialize in a range of foundation repair services, including foundation leveling, wall straightening, crack repair, and waterproofing. We utilize the latest technology and proven methods to ensure efficient and long-lasting results.
Not only do we provide immediate solutions, but we also offer advice on preventive measures to protect your foundation from future problems. This includes appropriate drainage systems, soil stabilization techniques, and regular maintenance tips.
At Ox Foundation Solutions, your safety is our priority. If you've noticed any signs of foundation problems, don't hesitate to contact us online or call (205) 690-7272 to schedule an estimate.
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At Ox Foundation Solutions, our team size in no way limits our ability to serve clients throughout Alabama. Whether you reside in a vibrant city or a tranquil rural community, we provide the same exceptional services and meticulous attention to detail.
Our objective is simple: put the needs of customers first and provide proven long-term solutions!
We understand that home repairs can be unexpected. That's why we offer flexible payment options, including no payment, no interest, to ease the financial burden.
We uphold the highest standards of integrity in all our dealings. We treat your home as we would our own and your satisfaction is our success.
Our confidence in our work is reflected in our warranties, which offer peace of mind and are fully transferable to future owners of the property.
We know there are a lot of companies claiming to be foundation and waterproofing specialists, but we're confident we offer superior service with work you can trust. We work with our clients to help you get the repairs you need to feel safe and healthy in your home.