Contractor Tips Blog
Common Cause of Window and Door Problems
Does your door stick when it opens or closes? Do you have windows that are hard to open or will not open at all? When you have doors and windows that are not working right, it may be a bigger problem. If your home is settling or your foundation is sinking, it can affect your home’s structure. Window and door problems can be one of the first signs you may need a foundation repair.
One door or window that does not work correctly could be an isolated issue. However, when you have more than one door or window that are not opening or closing right, it may be a structure issue. Even if there is not a noticeable change in the level of your home, you could be experiencing the beginning of foundation problems. This issue will only continue to get worse if the foundation is settling and could eventually cause serious structural problems.
Hire a Foundation Specialist for an Inspection
To determine whether a foundation problem is causing your door and window issues, contact a foundation specialist. They can perform a thorough inspection on your foundation to determine if it is sinking or settling. Catching this issue early can give you a chance to have your foundation leveled or repaired to prevent serious and expensive damage to your home’s structure.
If more than one window or door are hard to open or close, you should consider that a foundation problem may be causing these issues. Find a foundation professional to inspect your home and foundation. Not only could this help resolve annoying door and window dysfunction, it can protect your home from further structure damage.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Does Your Deck Need Leveling?
Have you noticed your outdoor deck seems lopsided? Decks are supported by a system of posts that can sink and settle over time. If you deck is unlevel it may also become unstable, putting your family and guests at risk of injury. Before summer arrives and it is time to spend afternoons and evenings relaxing on your deck, it is vital to have your deck inspected and repaired.
Deck Post Leveling
Lopsided decks are often caused by settling deck posts. The some of the support posts that are on the corners and spaced throughout the perimeter can sink, allowing the deck to shift on one side. When this occurs, extra stress is put on the joints and structure of the deck. If not repaired, the deck could collapse and cause serious injuries to your family or guests.
To relevel a deck, first you need to have a foundation or concrete specialist inspect your deck posts and footings. It is likely one or more deck posts, the slab or footings have settled. Once the problem posts are identified, a solution can be recommended. Concrete leveling techniques can be used to elevate the posts back to their original position and add support to prevent future settling.
It is important to have your deck fully inspected for structural safety after you relevel the posts. You will want to ensure that the deck was not damaged and can still support the weight intended once the posts have been leveled.
An unlevel deck is more than just an eyesore; it can be a safety hazard. Make sure to call in a concrete or foundation expert to level your deck before summer to make your outdoor space safe.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
How Much Will a Foundation Repair Cost?
One of the most common questions a foundation repair expert will be asked is the cost of a home foundation repair – it is also the hardest one to answer. Foundation problems can range from a small crack that can be quickly fixed to structural problems that can impact the entire home. However, there are averages that can help give you an idea of the range of cost for most foundation repairs.
Foundation Cracks
Small cracks in a home’s foundation are to be expected over time – larger cracks can lead to structural damage. Cracks over one-eighth of an inch can be a sign of a serious problem, but many cracks in foundations can be fixed for less than $1,000.
Leaking Basements
When a foundation is no longer sealed and leaking water, there are a few different options to fix the issue. Waterproofing or sealing your basement can cost $2,000-$6,000, depending on the size and what needs to be done.
Repairing Foundation Problems
When the foundation is settling or needs leveling, repairs can range from mudjacking and piering to underpinning and stabilization. These can start with small repairs that only cost $500-$1000 but can range up to $12,000 and beyond. It depends on how much of the foundation needs repair, the material of the foundation and what type of equipment and labor is required.
The only sure way to know how much a foundation repair costs is to schedule a foundation inspection with a masonry expert. A thorough inspection can narrow down the exact issue and what type of repair will be needed. This can give you the exact cost of the repair needed to fix this important structural element of your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Finding and Fixing the Cause of Structural Cracks
Are there stair-step cracks in your brick or a crack forming on a interior wall? Cracks on structural surfaces of your home are more than just an aesthetic issue; they often are evidence of a deeper problem. Before you decide to cover up the crack and forget it, consider what these cracks may mean and what will happen if you do not find and fix the root cause.
Why Walls and Foundations Crack
Cracks do not appear on walls or foundations without reason. It requires stress to create a crack, usually from changes in the structure. The most common reason your chimney, foundation footing or walls will crack in your home is settling or sinking of the base foundation. If one area of the foundation sinks or shifts, it put stress on the structure above it. Cracks are the first signs that structural damage is occurring. If not fixed, the structural integrity could be at risk, endangering the safety of your home.
Fixing Structural Cracks
Hiding a crack with cement or plaster without investigating the cause is a bad idea. The problem is not likely to go away and will only continue to get worse and more expensive to fix. Fixing a surface crack is like putting a bandage over a scratch on a broken arm – it will hide the visible signs but not fix the real issue underneath.
To find and fix the cause of structural cracks, you need a foundation expert to inspect your home. A professional masonry or foundation repair specialist can locate the issues and help you find a solution to protect your home from further damage.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Does Your Bay Window Need Help?
Bay windows add beauty and character to a home. However, these heavy windows need sufficient support to keep them level and functional. If you have a bay window in your home that looks un-level or no longer will open/close, there may be structural damage causing the problem. Often, it is not the window that is the problem; the window is only a symptom of other issues occurring in the support system of the house.
In homes with original bay windows, a sagging window or functional issues can be signs of a foundation problem. The foundation could be settling or there could be structural issues within the support walls that are allowing the window to become unstable. Since bay windows tend to be heavier than other windows, they can be the first symptom of a structural issue.
If a bay window is part of an addition to the home, the problem may lie in the construction of the addition. Many additions are not properly built to support the weight of a heavy bay window. In these cases, adding the correct support can resolve the problem and ensure the addition is designed to accommodate the weight of the larger window.
If you have a bay window that needs help, you may want to call a foundation expert first, not your local window contractor. Replacing or repairing the window may only put a bandage on the real problem. Since bay window issues are often caused by foundation or structural damage, it is best to have your home inspected for larger issues before wasting money on a window repair. Call a masonry or foundation expert that can fix both any structural damage and your window for the best results.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Signs of Basement Foundation Issues
If your home has a basement, it relies on the stability of the basement foundation as part of the structural integrity. Over time, your basement walls and underlying foundation can become damaged, putting your entire structure at risk. Be aware of the signs that your basement foundation may need repair to avoid costly damage to the rest of your home.
- Bowed basement walls. A definite sign you need to call a masonry expert is bowed basement walls. If your basement walls have begun to bow inward or outward, do not wait any longer to have a foundation inspection and repair completed.
- Cracks in basement walls. Another sign of foundation issues is cracks in the concrete or bricks of your basement walls. If you have a finished basement, these cracks can form in the drywall covering your walls. Keep an eye out for any cracks on the inside or outside of your basement walls or in any masonry throughout your home.
- Sagging windows and doors. Have you noticed that the windows and doors in your basement are sagging? This is a sign of a foundation problem that can quickly endanger the structure of your home. When windows won’t open or doors begin to stick, call in a masonry or foundation expert to inspect your basement.
Any foundation issue should be taken seriously and undergo immediate repair. Even a small change in the foundation can affect the entire structure of your home, putting excessive pressure on joints and beams that keep your home in place. If you notice any of these signs, call a local masonry expert that specializes in foundation repairs to protect the large investment you have in your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
1027 Oregon Trail
Marietta, GA 30008
(770) 422-2924
Is Your Home Sinking Under Your Feet?
Even the most carefully built homes can become victim to foundation settling. A house can remain level for decades and suddenly beginning sinking on one end of the building, causing walls to crack, putting the integrity of the home in jeopardy. Sometimes it is soil erosion from excess water or a natural disaster that cause the foundation to slip and move; often, it is just time taking its toll. But all is not lost. If you recognize the signs of a sinking or shifting foundation, you can have it repaired before it causes irreparable damage to your home.
Signs Your Foundation Is Sinking
A foundation that has already sunk is easy to recognize. Often you can feel it when you walk into a room with exterior walls at one end of the house. Rooms with hard floors may even be tilted enough to allow a pencil or ball to roll toward the outer wall. However, when the house’s foundation first begins to shift, the signs are more subtle. Some signs to watch for include:
- Windows and doors sticking when you open or close them
- Small cracks in floors, ceilings and walls
- Additions to the home begin to separate or have a different level than the original structure
Once the process has begun, it will only get worse until it is repaired. If ignored, the sinking foundation could cause major structural damage to any masonry, plus cause the walls and roof to become unstable. It is crucial at the first sign of settling or sinking of the foundation to call a foundation repair specialist. Often repairs can be made to stop any further damage and to extend the life of the house for decades to come.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Top Signs of Home Foundation Problems
Your home’s foundation is the core structure that holds everything else in place. If it begins to shift, crack, sink or have other issues, it can endanger your entire home to sustaining major damage. However, most foundation problems can be repaired before major damage occurs to the home if you know the signs. Here are some of the top signs that your home may have foundation damage or problems:
- Wall cracking. One of the most noticeable signs of a foundation is cracks in interior or exterior walls. Settling or movement of the foundation can cause walls to crack above.
- Sagging floors and doorways. If there are bows in the flooring or in doorways, it can be from a change in the foundation. You may also notice that flooring no longer meets perfectly in corners, with gaps between the flooring and wall.
- Bowing walls. Any wall, load bearing or not, that is beginning to bow is a sign of a larger structural problem, often the foundation.
- Strange odors. One of the signs that is not visual, yet can be a warning sign of foundation issues, is a strange or foul odor. This can be from mold and mildew growing in the home due to cracks in the walls and basement foundation.
- Water pooling. If there is excess water pooling around the foundation or in the crawl space under the home, this is a sign of trouble. Excess water is one of the largest factors in foundation damage.
At the first sign of possible foundation issues, call your local foundation repair contractor. They can inspect your home and foundation, then offer repair solutions to protect your home from further damage.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Do Your Masonry Walls Have Cracks?
If your home is built with masonry, there’s a good chance you will eventually see cracks appear on the walls. A small separation may be only a surface crack, with no real danger of affecting your home’s structure. On the other hand, the same small crack could also be a sign of bigger problems happening below the surface. There are a few common types of masonry cracks which can help you determine whether you should call a masonry expert for repairs.
Stair-Step Cracks
One of the most common cracks you will notice in masonry walls is the stair-step crack. These resemble the outline of a stairway, zig-zagging down the wall. Depending on where the crack is located, it may be caused by different factors, including:
- Settlement. Homes will settle over time, causing cracks in the masonry. Most settlement cracks occur near the corners of the walls. While these are usually not a danger, they can leave the home open to infestation and other problems, so it’s best to have them repaired as quickly as possible.
- Thermal expansion. Masonry is susceptible to expanding when heated, causing cracks in the walls. Most commonly, this happens on exterior walls exposed to afternoon sun. These can be located anywhere on the sun-exposed wall, and should be evaluated by a masonry expert.
The most dangerous crack scenarios are cracks combined with bowing or bulging walls. These walls may be in danger of falling, causing extensive damage to the structure and putting your family at risk of injury.
Any crack can be the start of more serious problems with your masonry walls. The best solution is to have all cracks evaluated and repaired by a masonry expert as soon you notice them around your home.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
Garage Door Masonry Repairs
Cracks in the brick and mortar above garage doors can signal foundation settling or sagging of the lintel. Major settling will require foundation repair, but most cases are minor settlement issues and can be easily repaired by removing the damaged bricks and mortar and replacing them. It is important that any cracks in the bricks and mortar above the garage door(s), or any part of the home, be looked at and evaluated by a professional masonry company right away. Quick evaluation can save thousands of dollars and weeks of time in repair.
The most important factor in any brick and mortar restoration once foundation issues have been eliminated or resolved is the mortar used. The replacement mortar requires more than just matching color. Improper mortar will not bond to the original mortar in the joints correctly, causing more damage to occur in the future. Cracks in the bricks and mortar above the garage must be carefully restored in order to ensure proper restoration and the longevity of the repair. Mortar that is too hard or too soft can crumble, crack, or deteriorate allowing re-cracking, additional damage, falling bricks, and even falling walls.
Damage to the exterior walls of garage doors requires masonry repair. Masonry is thousands of years old, and it is the trusted method for all brick and mortar repairs to garage doors. If you have noticed a crack in your brick or mortar, contact a masonry contractor immediately. That crack could mean much more than a simple settling issue – it could indicate that the foundation of your home is compromised.
Posted on behalf of:
Anglin’s Foundation & Masonry Repairs
Marietta, GA
(770) 422-2924
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