There are a lot of myths out there about foundation repairs. Some people believe that you only need to repair your foundation if there is visible damage. Others believe that foundation repairs are always expensive and time-consuming. Foundation myths are among the top reasons many people end up with a foundation that requires massive repairs. And unless you want to end up with a foundation beyond saving, we suggest you ignore these myths about foundation repairs.
Myth 1: You can DIY a foundation repair: A DIY foundation repair is not a permanent solution to foundation damage. While many people try DIY repairs with the help of random guides they find on the internet, using DIY techniques on your home’s foundation is not a good idea. DIY repairs are best suited to small-scale problems and projects. For something as big as your foundation, you are better off calling in the professionals. Professional repair companies not only have the technical know-how but also all the right tools to deal with large-scale foundation problems.
Myth 2: Overwatering your landscaping will damage your foundation: Many people believe that if they overwater their landscaping, it will, in turn, damage their foundation. While this may be true for homes with a shallow foundation, it is not the case for most homes. The depth of your foundation has a lot to do with whether or not overwatering your plants will affect it. If you have a deep foundation, the chances are that your plants will not affect it whatsoever.
Myth 3: All cracked foundations need repairs: A cracked foundation does not always mean you need repairs. Cracks in your foundation are completely normal and nothing to worry about. Hairline cracks usually result from settling, expansion, and contraction due to temperature changes. These kinds of cracks pose no threat to the stability of your foundation and can be easily fixed with some caulk. However, if you have cracks wider than a quarter of an inch, you might want to get them checked out by a professional.
Myth 4: New homes don’t develop foundation cracks: You will be surprised by the number of people who believe this. A newly built building is not a guarantee against foundation damages. While the chances of getting foundation problems in a new home are low, it is not zero. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders estimates that as many as 20% of all newly built homes have some type of foundation damage.
Myth 5: It costs too much to repair a foundation: This myth is spread by those who put off foundation repairs until it starts impacting their quality of life. The sooner you catch a problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix. If you wait until your foundation is severely damaged, the repairs will be much more expensive and time-consuming.
Myth 6: Foundation cracks will take care of themselves: Many people believe that cracks in their foundation will eventually close up on their own. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Cracks in your foundation will only get worse over time and, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage to your home.
Myth 7: You can’t sell a home with a damaged foundation: This myth might be partly true. While there is no such thing as being unable to sell a house with a damaged foundation, you might have to sell it at a significantly less price than the going market value. However, this will depend on the extent of the foundation damage. You might even end up getting a good deal out of it if you can talk to property flippers about buying the house. In the end, it really depends on your negotiation skills and how well you can convince the buyer.
Myth 8: Filling cracks is the only thing to do with foundation repairs: Once you have cracks in your foundation, the first thing you should do is not to panic. The next thing you should do is call a professional to look at it and give you an estimate. Filling cracks is just one of the many things that need to be done to repair your foundation. Other steps might include shoring up weak areas, resetting foundation piers, or even replacing damaged sections of your foundation.
Myth 9: Do-it-yourself foundation repairs are easy and cheap: Many people think they can save money by doing their foundation repairs. However, this is not always the case. Unless you are a professional, you are less likely to do a good job of repairing your foundation or even might aggravate the problems further. This might cost you more in the long run as you might have to hire a professional to fix the mistakes you made.
Ignoring these myths about foundation repairs can lead to some serious consequences down the line. It is important to be informed about the realities of foundation damage so that you can take the necessary steps to protect your home. If you suspect that your home has foundation damage, don’t hesitate to call a professional for an inspection. The sooner you catch the problem, the easier and cheaper it will be to fix.
