Foundation repairs are sometimes costly and are rarely reimbursed by your homeowner’s insurance, which is why many homeowners wonder if those fixes are worth the expense. While only you can determine if you should invest in foundation repair for your home, in most cases, they’re not only worth the expense but are also more cost-effective and will save you money the sooner you schedule those repairs!
To better understand if foundation repairs are worth it, you might note what happens if you don’t fix a foundation and how even small cracks and chips can get worse over time, as explained by Louisville Foundation Repair Pros. You might also note why a foundation might get damp and then crack or crumble, and how to address these issues. You can then discuss your concerns with a foundation repair contractor near you as needed!
What Happens If You Don’t Fix Foundation Problems?
Homeowners are often relieved to hear that a house might not outright collapse if you ignore foundation damage, but this doesn’t mean you should put off needed repairs! While the house itself might not collapse, interior walls and ceilings can crack and, in some cases, collapse. Bowing basement walls can also crumble, making the foundation even weaker and putting more pressure on the home’s framework.
Foundation cracks also let in moisture that risks water damage to a home’s framing as well as drywall, floor tiles, and other surfaces. That moisture can also mean damaging, unpleasant mold, and insect infestations! Trapped moisture also creates musty odors and can risk damage to appliances and other items stored in the basement or a home’s lower levels.
The longer you ignore foundation damage and collapse, the more extensive and costly your repairs. Your home might also begin to settle and sink, requiring full-scale house leveling to return it to a level position. Ignored foundation damage can also mean lower property values, making it more difficult to sell the home or qualify for home equity loans.
Why Foundation Damage Gets Worse Over Time
Knowing how and why foundation damage gets worse over time can help a homeowner take steps needed to protect foundation concrete and crawl spaces. Moisture is a major contributor to foundation concrete breakdown, as it softens and degrades the cement binders in concrete. Trapped moisture also expands as it freezes, pushing on those binders, also causing concrete to break down.
Certain chemicals are also caustic for concrete and can lead to premature damage. These chemicals might include certain snow clearing salts, lawn fertilizers and other treatments, and chemicals used for metal coatings. If you tend to blow snow on your property and it lands on the home, or find the house often covered in grass clippings, this debris can transfer damaging chemicals to the foundation!
How to Protect Foundations From Damage
Since water is one of the worst enemies of foundation concrete, you might note how to keep it away from your home’s foundation and, in turn, avoid premature damage! Waterproofing exposed concrete and investing in crawl space encapsulation are excellent options for keeping moisture away from those cement binders. Ensure gutters are clog-free, so they direct rainwater and melting snow to downspouts and away from the home.
Proper grading is also vital for protecting the home from excess moisture around its perimeter. The soil should slope downward six inches within the first ten feet of dirt outside your house; recreating that slope if needed can also help water run away from foundation concrete. French drains also capture excess moisture in the soil and direct it away from the home.
If your home tends to trap and lock humidity and moisture, ensure the roof vents are clear and in good condition. A sump pump is an excellent option for standing water, while a high-quality dehumidifier can also remove moisture from the air and keep foundation walls dry.
Are Foundation Repairs Worth It for Older Homes?
If you have no immediate plans to sell your home, then foundation repairs are obviously worth the cost. You want to ensure your house is always safe for occupation and avoid costly fixes you’ll need to make eventually!
However, are foundation repairs worth it for older homes or those you might sell sometime in the future? A real estate agent or property appraiser can offer personalized advice for your home, but even if you’re looking for a quick sale, you might consider foundation repairs and waterproofing. A damaged foundation can easily reduce your home’s value significantly, and potentially even cost you a sale!
Potential homebuyers also tend to exaggerate the cost of needed repairs when contemplating an offer or bid, as they will want to compensate themselves for the time and hassle of scheduling repairs, not just their final costs. In turn, you might lose hundreds if not thousands of dollars from your asking price if you neglect needed foundation repairs.
Investing in foundation repair as needed can also help avoid future repair costs. Older homes tend to need more repairs and maintenance over time, so paying for foundation patching, underpinning, or new piers and beams when needed can mean a foundation in excellent condition for decades and avoiding those costs as your home gets older.
Should You Buy a Home With Foundation Damage?
Homebuyers are often concerned if foundation repairs are worth it for a home on the market. As with any other needed repair, only a property appraiser or real estate agent can tell you if a damaged foundation is cause for concern or if a home is an excellent choice despite those cracks and chips.
To help you decide, note how much it might cost to make those repairs and if you can manage to schedule them promptly rather than letting them wait. You might also note if the home is a good purchasing decision in all other aspects; is it in a good location, does it offer the space you need, and are there other repairs needed?
If you can negotiate the price with the current owners and are able to schedule foundation fixes, then the home might be a good purchase for you. Those foundation repairs are worth it if it will mean having a home you love for many years to come!
