Homeowners understand that there will be things that need repair around their house as time goes by. Painting, updating appliances, replacing fixtures – these are all regularly anticipated by homeowners. However, once an appraisal is done and a home is purchased, most homeowners don’t think much about having to repair their foundation. In fact, they hope to avoid this experience at all costs. But living in Texas, foundation repair is as much a part of life as replacing your refrigerator or dishwasher, and there are several factors to consider when researching your options.
Symptoms: When should you repair your foundation?
When a home’s foundation has been compromised, there will be warning signs or symptoms of the damage that’s taken place. These warning signs may take the form of interior cracks in the walls, often appearing near doors or windows. Or, exterior symptoms may appear. Stress cracks may show up in the mortar of your brick veneer, the bricks may crack, or the brick veneer may actually pull away from the windows and facings of your home. Window frames may warp, and in extreme cases, glass windows may break due to external pressures being forced upon them as the home’s foundation fails. Clearly, the time to repair your foundation is before the damage extends to your walls, frame, or roof. (Read more about the warning signs here.)
Methods: What methods are used to repair your foundation?
There are 4 commonly used methods to repair home foundations in Texas. These include the Bell Bottom Pier, Pressed Piling, Pressed Piling with Inserts, and Steel Piling methods. There are advantages and disadvantages to each method, but homeowners cannot make wise decisions about foundation repair without understanding the differences in the methods. While the Pressed Piling methods are generally less expensive, the Bell Bottom Pier method has proven to be the most reliable method over time. (Read more about the various methods here.)
Costs: What will it cost to repair your foundation?
The most common question about foundation repair is, “the bottom line,” or “how much will it cost?” However, this question is largely a factor of the method used to repair your home’s foundation. Cost is certainly a consideration, but only after you have gained an understanding of the differences between methods. The cheapest option is not always the best, and in fact, may result in additional expenses down the road. Choose your method first, carefully, and cost becomes secondary. (Read more about the cost of foundation repair here.)
Dawson Foundation Repair installs only Bell Bottom Piers for homeowners and commercial property owners. Bell Bottom Piers have far more advantages over any other method of foundation repair and we feel the homeowner should receive the best option available. Bell Bottom Piers are considered the Highest Quality foundation repair method available in the state of Texas. Bell Bottom Piers are far better than the various stacked concrete cylinder methods. Ask any independent structural engineer.